Craftsman Ben McCall is known for his exquisite pottery, ______ clay that has been carefully sourced from local riverbeds. In adhering to time-honored techniques, he meticulously molds the clay, fires it in a specialized kiln, and then carefully applies a glaze, each step contributing to unique pieces that stand apart from mass-produced items.

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

Historians point out that while the technologies of the Industrial Revolution dramatically increased production capabilities, their effect on workers' satisfaction and well-being may have been ______: present but not significantly contributing to improvement in their overall quality of life.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

In contesting the assumption that the journal Glimpses into the Renaissance (1952) should encapsulate a homogeneous perspective on Renaissance art and culture, editor Lucia Marquez promoted the diversity of her contributors' viewpoints by endorsing their creative liberty. Marquez's understated approach was markedly different from the editorial policies of Ethan Wright and Sofia Barrett, whose management of their publications was more ______.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

During an archaeological exploration in India in 2019, a team of researchers stumbled upon evidence of early surgical instruments. This discovery could potentially ______ the long-standing presumption that the ancient society in this region did not engage in advanced medical procedures.

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

The text is adapted from Murmurs of the Mind by Isabel Fenwick. The characters Miranda and Sebastian delve into the intricate nature of human memory.

       MIRANDA: Each memory we have, Sebastian, is like a whisper in the corridors of the mind. Fragile, yet somehow indelible.
       SEBASTIAN: Whispers are generally weak, aren't they?
       MIRANDA: No, they're not weak. They're just delicate entities, not entirely capable of withstanding the erosion of time.

As used in the text, what does the word “withstanding” most nearly mean?

Yoga, a discipline with its roots in ancient India, has gained global popularity for promoting physical fitness and mental tranquility. However, despite its widespread appeal and perceived benefits, some health experts express concern about the potential risk of injury if yoga postures are not performed with proper form. Responding to these concerns, in 2019, physical therapist Robert Saper embarked on a research study aimed at exploring the risk factors associated with yoga-related injuries.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence in the overall structure of the text?

The following text is from Edward Brenton’s 1915 poem To the Keeper of History. The speaker addresses a diligent historian in this poem.

       Your pen, a tool that weaves the past,

       Revealing truths in shadows cast,

       Through thy chronicles, epochs last,

       From ancient realms to recent past.

       The stories of forgotten kings,
       To thee, their memory clings,

       And even the silent stones,

       Speak through thy historical tomes.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Recent studies on how environmental factors affect learning     have urged caution in drawing quick conclusions. A pertinent  example is the 2017 experiment conducted by Jonas Kaplan, who explored the effects of ambient noise levels on language learning in adults. The prevailing assumption is that higher levels of noise could disrupt concentration and thereby hinder learning. Kaplan thus hypothesized that participants learning new vocabulary in a quieter setting would outperform those in a noisier environment, attributing better outcomes to fewer distractions and enhanced focus. Contrary to his expectations, however, the study revealed no significant difference in language acquisition between the two groups.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

The following text is adapted from Thrones of Glass by A.J. Ravencraft. In this scene, the protagonist, Prince Corin, witnesses the theft of a magical artifact.
      Standing in the shadows of the royal gallery, Prince Corin watched as a masked figure snatched the revered Moonstone from its pedestal. Silent alarm rippled through him, but he dared not make a move, lest he alerted the thief. As the figure disappeared into the darkness, Corin emerged from his hiding place, his mind working furiously to devise a plan. He knew the importance of the Moonstone, and the peril it posed in the wrong hands. With a sense of grim determination, Corin decided to embark on a dangerous quest to retrieve it.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

This passage is from Charlotte Boyce's novel Whispers in the Wind. It provides a brief look into the life of Amelia.

        Amelia, a spirited young woman, left the peaceful tranquillity of her serene hometown for the towering, intimidating buildings and ceaseless hustle of the metropolis. The city, with its overwhelming pace and relentless noise, was a stark contrast to the peaceful serenity she was used to, but Amelia embraced the chaos with open arms and an unyielding spirit. Her infectious enthusiasm and dogged determination made her a force to reckon with amidst the sprawling urban jungle.

From the text, what can be inferred about Amelia?