In the legal history of trade unions, the formation of these organizations was a(n) _______ process. Early unions were often seen as a threat to the established order, and their members could face severe penalties. However, over time, unions gained legal recognition and protections. This was due to a combination of changing social attitudes, political pressure, and legal battles fought by the unions themselves.

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

In many cultures, rituals of love and courtship are a(n) _______ dance of gestures and actions: a glance can signal interest; a gift, the intention to pursue; a proposal, the desire to commit; and a wedding, the culmination of the courtship.

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

Environmental NGOs play a crucial role in preserving our planet. They work tirelessly to protect endangered species, combat climate change, and promote sustainable practices. Their efforts create a(n) _______ network of initiatives that intertwine with one another: one organization might focus on reforestation; another might advocate for cleaner energy sources; and yet another might work on reducing plastic waste in our oceans.

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

The history of textile art is as rich and varied as the cultures that created them. Originating from the basic human need for clothing and protection, textile art has evolved into a form of cultural expression. In ancient Egypt, linen was used for mummification and burial shrouds. In the Middle Ages, tapestries were used to decorate homes and tell stories. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about the mass production of textiles, changing the landscape of textile art forever. Today, textile art continues to evolve, with artists exploring new materials and techniques.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Scholarly accounts of "Brave New World" — a dystopian novel that critiques the societal reliance on technology and conditioning for control, and published in the 1930s — tend to focus on the most dramatic and dystopian aspects of the society depicted, making it seem uniformly oppressive and devoid of any personal freedom. Literary critic Jane Dobson has shown, however, that if we shift our focus toward the way that individual resilience and subtle forms of resistance are manifested in low-key personal relationships and quiet acts of defiance, we see characters espousing an array of personal and ethical orientations and approaches to resistance.

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

The following text is from Thomas Hardy's novel 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'.

She was a fine and handsome girl—not handsomer than some others, possibly—but her mobile peony mouth and large innocent eyes added eloquence to color and shape. She wore a red ribbon in her hair, and was the only one of the white company who could boast of such a pronounced adornment. As she looked round Durbeyfield was seen moving along the road in their rear, and Clare, alas, felt that he had hardly a minute’s security against her eyes.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Text 1

In recent years, the use of monoclonal antibodies for treating diseases has been widespread. Initially hailed as a revolutionary approach, it has led to significant advancements in medical treatment, particularly in oncology and autoimmune disorders. However, this method is increasingly seen as limited due to its high cost and complex manufacturing processes. Critics argue that reliance on monoclonal antibodies is stuck in the past, with newer, more efficient technologies available. They suggest that the medical field should move beyond monoclonal antibodies and explore these newer avenues to ensure treatments are accessible and affordable to a broader population.

Text 2

While it's true that monoclonal antibodies are an older technology, dismissing them entirely would be premature. They continue to be a cornerstone for treatment in many chronic and severe conditions because they can be uniquely tailored to target specific cellular functions with minimal side effects. It’s essential to keep investing in and improving this technology. For instance, recent developments have seen the integration of nanoparticle delivery systems, which enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of these antibodies. Such innovations demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies can still play a critical role in the future of medicine.

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

In the realm of cognitive psychology, the concept of 'flow' was introduced by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. It describes a state of deep immersion and engagement in an activity, where individuals lose track of time and are completely absorbed in what they are doing. This state is often associated with high levels of creativity and productivity. Csikszentmihalyi's research suggests that achieving flow is linked to increased happiness and fulfillment. He identified several conditions necessary for this state, including having a clear goal, receiving immediate feedback, and a balance between the perceived challenge and one's skills. However, not all activities lead to flow, and it is more likely to occur in tasks that are intrinsically motivating. The concept has been influential in understanding work satisfaction and optimizing human performance.

Based on the text, what is true about the concept of 'flow' in cognitive psychology?

To understand how temperature change affects star formation rates in different regions of the galaxy, Dr. Emily Carter et al. collected data from star-forming regions in the Milky Way and compared it to data from regions in nearby galaxies where the mean temperature was higher by 3°C. Star formation rates were found to be higher in the warmer regions; crucially, the composition of interstellar gas and dust remained unchanged, allowing Carter et al. to attribute the increased star formation rates to temperature-induced increases in molecular cloud activity.

It can most reasonably be inferred from the text that the finding about the interstellar gas and dust composition was important for which reason?

A study was conducted on the effectiveness of new agricultural practices designed to increase crop yield while reducing environmental impact. The researchers hypothesized that the implementation of these practices would lead to higher yields and lower usage of chemical fertilizers. Data was gathered from various farms that adopted these practices, measuring their crop yields, fertilizer usage, and soil health. The study also included a comparison with traditional farming methods in similar regions.

Which finding, if true, would most directly support the researchers’ hypothesis?