Test 3 [Hard Level] – Reading

While studying how urban coyotes adjust their behavior in city environments, researchers Stan Gehrt and Abigail Sage established new ______________ nocturnal behavior-specific but flexible guidelines such as movement timing and territory size and found that, in fact, such patterns are often not explained by human presence alone.

Recent linguistic studies of the K’iche manuscript *Popol Vuh*, traditionally credited to seventeenth-century scribe Francisco Ximénez, have uncovered distinctive shifts in narrative voice and ritual terminology. These variations suggest that parts of the text may be transcriptions from multiple Maya storytellers — potentially ______________ the notion of Ximénez as the sole documenter.

The following text is adapted from Mary Antin’s 1912 memoir *The Promised Land*. As a young girl, Antin immigrated from the Russian Empire to the United States.
“I was born, I have lived, and I have been made over. Is it not time to write my life’s story? … I could speak in the third person and not feel that I was masquerading. … Her life I have still to live; her life ended when mine began.”
Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?

Text 1
What determines the formation of collective memory in post-conflict societies? Some scholars have argued that initial narratives established by media coverage significantly shape how communities ultimately remember traumatic events: differences in memory across similar communities, according to this view, are largely determined by how these events were first reported and documented.

Text 2
In 2015, researchers including sociologist Elizabeth Levy Paluck studied memory formation in twenty Rwandan communities. They provided some communities with detailed media archives about the 1994 Rwandan genocide while others received minimal historical documentation, and then monitored how collective memory developed. Over three years, Paluck and colleagues regularly assessed these communities’ historical narratives, finding — unexpectedly — that by the end, there were minimal differences in how the communities remembered the events.

Based on the texts, how would Paluck and colleagues (Text 2) most likely evaluate the scholars’ view presented in Text 1?

Ukiyo-e woodblock prints are often dismissed as mere commercial art from Japan’s Edo period. Yet art historians have demonstrated that these works are far more sophisticated than casual observers assume. Consider the master printmaker Hokusai: while he produced popular scenes of Mount Fuji and dramatic waves (subjects common across Japanese art traditions), his works, like those of many artists working in this medium, contain subtle commentaries on social class and political power. These layered meanings appear throughout the genre’s masterpieces, visible to those who understand the cultural context.

What does the text most strongly suggest about ukiyo-e prints?

Passage:

Researchers conducted an experiment in which some participants were asked to photograph objects in a room, while others were instructed to observe the objects without taking photos. Later, participants were tested on their memory of object details. Those who took photos remembered significantly fewer details.

Question:

What is the main idea of the passage?

Passage:

A study on sleep patterns found that individuals who napped for 20 minutes in the afternoon performed better on memory tests than those who did not nap. The researchers suggested that short naps can improve cognitive function and memory consolidation.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In an ecology study, scientists observed urban coyotes and found that they adapted their hunting schedules to avoid human activity. Coyotes were more active at night in heavily populated areas, suggesting that human presence influences wildlife behavior.

Question:

What is the main point of this passage?

Passage:

A linguistic analysis of the Popol Vuh manuscripts revealed multiple narrative voices and inconsistent ritual terminology. Scholars concluded that some sections were likely transcriptions from different authors rather than a single scribe.

Question:

Which inference is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

Mary Antin, in her memoir *The Promised Land*, describes immigrating from Russia to the United States. She reflects on how her childhood identity ended as her American identity began, highlighting a transformation in perspective and self-conception.

Question:

What is the main idea of this passage?

Passage:

A study on urban foxes found that they shift their activity patterns to avoid humans. Foxes in high-density neighborhoods were more active at night, while those in less populated areas remained active during the day. The researchers concluded that human presence directly influences wildlife behavior.

Question:

What conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In a historical analysis of ukiyo-e prints, scholars observed that the style evolved over decades to depict urban life more realistically. Earlier prints emphasized idealized scenes, whereas later works incorporated more naturalistic depictions of everyday people and landscapes.

Question:

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Passage:

In behavioral economics research, participants who were offered small immediate rewards tended to make more short-term focused decisions, whereas those promised larger delayed rewards were more patient. The findings support theories on temporal discounting, which describe how people value immediate versus future benefits.

Question:

Which conclusion is most supported by the passage?

Passage:

George Meredith, in one of his poems, contrasts the brevity of human life with the enduring nature of artistic achievements. He emphasizes that while individual lives are fleeting, human creations, such as poetry or painting, can outlast generations.

Question:

What is the main idea of this passage?

Passage:

A psychological study investigated how framing choices affects decision-making. When participants were told that a medical procedure had a “90% survival rate,” they were more likely to choose it than when told it had a “10% mortality rate,” even though both statements describe the same outcome.

Question:

What does this passage illustrate?

Passage:

A cognitive science study examined the effect of multitasking on learning. Participants who listened to a lecture while checking social media performed worse on a comprehension test than those who focused solely on the lecture. Researchers concluded that dividing attention impairs learning and retention.

Question:

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Passage:

Historical records indicate that the introduction of coffee to Europe in the 17th century led to the proliferation of coffeehouses, which became centers of political discussion and social exchange. Scholars argue that these venues helped shape public opinion and foster civic engagement.

Question:

What conclusion is most supported by the passage?

Passage:

Researchers analyzed the migration patterns of monarch butterflies and found that climate change is altering the timing of their journeys. Earlier springs cause butterflies to arrive at breeding sites before sufficient milkweed is available, threatening reproductive success.

Question:

Which of the following is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A social psychology experiment revealed that individuals conform to group opinions even when the group is clearly incorrect. Participants reported seeing lines of the same length as different lengths if the majority insisted, demonstrating the power of social pressure.

Question:

What does the passage primarily illustrate?

Passage:

In a nutritional study, participants who consumed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids showed improved cognitive flexibility compared to those who consumed a diet low in these nutrients. The researchers concluded that omega-3 intake may benefit brain function and problem-solving.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A marine biology study observed coral reefs subjected to rising ocean temperatures. Researchers found that prolonged heat exposure led to coral bleaching, reducing biodiversity and weakening reef ecosystems.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

An educational study compared students who practiced retrieval techniques versus those who only reread material. Students using retrieval practice recalled significantly more information on subsequent tests, indicating that active recall enhances long-term learning.

Question:

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Passage:

A study on attention found that participants who listened to background music while solving puzzles performed worse than those who solved puzzles in silence. Researchers concluded that even non-distracting stimuli can divide attention and reduce performance on cognitive tasks.

Question:

Which of the following is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

Historical documents show that the printing press allowed rapid dissemination of information, contributing to social and political revolutions in Europe. Scholars argue that this technological innovation enabled public access to ideas that challenged established authority.

Question:

What conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In a study on language acquisition, children who were exposed to rich vocabulary and diverse sentence structures at an early age developed stronger reading comprehension skills by age seven compared to peers with limited exposure.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on environmental psychology found that individuals who spent time in green spaces reported lower stress levels and improved mood compared to those in urban concrete environments. Researchers concluded that natural surroundings positively influence mental well-being.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In a historical study of medieval trade, researchers noted that guilds regulated quality and prices, which stabilized local economies but limited innovation. Merchants often followed strict rules, and deviations could result in fines or exclusion.

Question:

What is the main idea of the passage?

Passage:

A study on sleep deprivation found that participants who slept less than five hours per night for a week showed impaired decision-making and slower reaction times compared to those who had adequate sleep. Researchers emphasized the importance of sufficient rest for cognitive performance.

Question:

Which conclusion is most supported by the passage?

Passage:

In an experiment on visual perception, participants viewed images that contained optical illusions. Many reported seeing motion or shapes that were not present, illustrating how the brain interprets visual information based on expectations and prior experience.

Question:

What does the passage primarily illustrate?

Passage:

A study on consumer behavior found that shoppers were more likely to purchase products when prices were labeled as “discounted” even if the actual cost remained the same. Researchers suggested that perceived savings can influence decision-making.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on urban noise levels found that residents living near busy streets experienced higher stress hormone levels than those in quieter neighborhoods. Researchers concluded that chronic exposure to noise pollution negatively affects human health.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In a study of reading comprehension, children who were read aloud to daily demonstrated better vocabulary and sentence understanding than those who were not. Researchers suggested that auditory exposure supports literacy development.

Question:

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Passage:

A behavioral study on procrastination found that individuals tend to delay tasks when immediate rewards are absent, even if delaying leads to negative consequences. Researchers suggest that humans are motivated by short-term reinforcement.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A research study on plant growth found that exposing seedlings to different colors of light affected their development. Blue light promoted leaf growth, while red light encouraged flowering, suggesting that light wavelength influences plant morphology.

Question:

Which conclusion is most supported by the passage?

Passage:

In an observational study of city birds, researchers noted that pigeons adapted their feeding habits based on human activity patterns. Birds foraged in areas with high foot traffic during early morning and late evening, avoiding peak crowd times.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A psychological study found that people who wrote down their goals and shared them with others were more likely to achieve them compared to those who kept their goals private. Researchers suggested that accountability increases motivation and follow-through.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

Research on migratory birds showed that changing climate patterns affect the availability of insects during breeding season. Birds arriving too early or too late may struggle to find sufficient food for their young, impacting reproductive success.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on social media use found that individuals who limited their daily screen time reported lower anxiety and higher subjective well-being compared to heavy users. Researchers concluded that moderating screen exposure can improve mental health.

Question:

Which conclusion is most supported by the passage?

Passage:

Researchers studying language acquisition found that children exposed to bilingual environments developed stronger problem-solving skills than monolingual peers. The findings suggest cognitive benefits associated with managing multiple languages.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on traffic patterns found that implementing synchronized traffic lights reduced congestion during peak hours. Drivers experienced shorter travel times and less stop-and-go movement, suggesting that coordinated signal timing improves traffic flow.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on exercise and cognition found that adults who engaged in regular aerobic activity scored higher on memory tests than sedentary individuals. Researchers concluded that physical activity positively influences brain function.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A nutrition study observed that children who consumed more fruits and vegetables had better attention spans in classroom activities compared to peers with lower intake. Researchers suggested diet quality may influence cognitive performance in children.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A behavioral study revealed that people are more likely to remember information presented in a story format compared to lists of facts. Researchers concluded that narrative structures enhance memory retention by providing context and connections.

Question:

Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

In an ecological study, researchers found that urban green roofs reduced building temperatures and provided habitats for insects and birds. This suggests that integrating vegetation into urban environments benefits both humans and wildlife.

Question:

Which statement is best supported by the passage?

Passage:

A study on teamwork found that groups that engaged in structured planning before tasks performed more efficiently and solved problems faster than groups without such planning. Researchers concluded that planning improves group performance.

Question:

Which conclusion is most supported by the passage?