In the late 1900s, the linguist K. David Harrison developed a unique script for the endangered Siberian language, Chulym. Because it accurately mirrored the phonetics of spoken Chulym, his script was simple to learn and quickly achieved ______ use: by 2000, a considerable percentage of the Chulym people could read and write it.

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

The stunning natural splendor of the Rocky Mountains has served as an inspiration and ______ countless artists over the centuries. With its dramatic peaks, sprawling forests, and diverse wildlife, the area has frequently been the subject of both paintings and photographs.

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

During the restoration of a Byzantine chapel in Eastern Europe, conservator Elena Petrova discovered frescoes that vividly depict scenes of agricultural life, which were uncommon in religious Byzantine art of that period. These frescoes not only provide insight into the daily life of the era but also closely ______ Byzantine Empire's lesser-known practices of integrating secular themes into religious contexts, offering a rare glimpse into the cultural syncretism of the time.

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

Geologist Henry Taylor's recent study on seismic activity offers important insights. His in-depth research suggests that certain construction techniques employed in earthquake-prone areas can significantly ______ the effects of tremors. These methods have proven effective in increasing building safety and thus have the potential to protect inhabitants from the hazards of seismic events.

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

It is by no means ______ to overlook the environmental impact of renewable energy sources; while they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, the production and disposal of solar panels and wind turbines also present sustainability challenges. However, ongoing research aims to minimize these environmental drawbacks through technological innovation and improved recycling processes.

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

The following text is from Brian Lowell’s poem Beneath the Heavens.

Where nature paints her canvas, there I sit,

Drinking in the quiet hush of dawn,

Between the slumber of the stars and day—

A fleeting pause that cradles whispered dreams;

Through gentle veil of mists the sun emerges,

Its light painting gold on silver streams,

Awakening the world with soft caress,

While I am held in tranquility's embrace,

Feeling the heart echo dawn’s soft, rhythmic hymns.

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

Text 1

Many linguists posit that language originated as an evolutionary adaptation for social bonding. In this theory, the complexity of language is viewed as a byproduct of its social function, enabling us to convey complex thoughts, forge stronger relationships, and cooperate effectively within groups. Proponents of this theory cite the intricate syntax and structure of language as evidence.

Text 2

In her book The Origin of Language, Katherine Murray proposes that language initially evolved not for social bonding, but for cognitive development, aiding in complex problem-solving and tool use. Murray refers to linguistic evidence, such as the correlation between complexity in language and advanced tool use in early societies, to support her theory.

Which choice best describes a difference in how the author of Text 1 and the author of Text 2 view the evidence for the origin of language?

The following passage is from The Silver Lining by Franklin R. Dickens.

Catherine, the matron of the local bakery, was always known for her meticulous attention to the freshness of her ingredients. She was known to visit the local markets at the crack of dawn to ensure she got the best of the day's produce. This obsession was known to her customers, many of whom would come early to get the freshest bakes.

Based on the text, what can be inferred about Catherine's customers?

The following text is from Melodies in Monochrome by Jasper Beck. Mia is an aspiring musician trying to make her mark in a bustling city.

Mia was a determined dreamer, her soul brimming with melodies waiting to be unveiled. She transformed her small, cramped apartment from a simple living space into a realm of harmonious resonance, a sanctuary for her creative spirit. With each strum of her guitar, she felt the pulse of the music coursing through her veins. The thrill of composing her own songs, her fingers dancing gracefully over the strings, was like painting her life's canvas with an eclectic palette of musical hues.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

Dwarf geckos (Lygodactylus) are intriguing creatures, boasting a unique ecological adaptation: their toes enable them to cling to and navigate vertical surfaces effortlessly. Biophysicist Alexander Hartmann and his team at the University of Munich claim that this extraordinary clinging ability of dwarf geckos is facilitated by intermolecular forces between the minuscule hair-like structures on their toes and the surface. This could potentially revolutionize our approach towards designing adhesive technologies.

Which finding from Hartmann's research, if true, would most directly support his claim?