In the novel, the protagonist embarks on a journey to a _______ island with the hope of finding answers to his existential questions. The island is known for its harsh climate and treacherous terrain, making it an inhospitable place for most travelers.

Which choice completes the passage with the most appropriate and precise word or phrase?

During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic skills were highly regarded and recognized by his contemporaries, who admired his proficiency in various disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and anatomy. However, many historians often overlook his significant contributions in the field of engineering and technology, taking a __________ view of his capabilities.

Which choice completes the passage with the most appropriate and precise word or phrase?

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the eastern coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world. It stretches over 2,300 kilometers and is home to a diverse array of marine life. The reef is composed of billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to build their hard exoskeletons. These exoskeletons accumulate over time, forming the distinctive structures of the reef. In recent years, however, the Great Barrier Reef has been threatened by rising ocean temperatures and increased pollution.

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

In ancient Greek mythology, the story of King Midas is well-known. According to legend, Midas was granted a wish by the god Dionysus, who offered to grant him anything his heart desired. Midas, known for his love of wealth, asked for the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. Initially thrilled by his newfound power, Midas soon realized the downsides of his wish. Unable to eat or drink without turning his food and drink into inedible metal, Midas grew hungry and thirsty. Additionally, his beloved daughter, upon embracing him, was turned into a golden statue. Midas then understood the folly of his greed and begged Dionysus to take back his gift.

Which choice best describes the purpose of the final sentence in the passage?

Text 1
Scientists have hypothesized that the decline in honeybee populations may be caused by the increased use of pesticides. Several studies have shown a correlation between pesticide exposure and negative effects on honeybees, including decreased reproduction and impaired navigation abilities.

Text 2
However, skeptics argue that there could be other factors contributing to the decline in honeybee populations. They claim that loss of habitat, changes in agricultural practices, and the spread of diseases among honeybees could also be responsible for the decline.

Based on the texts, which of the following would skeptics be most likely to emphasize?

The sun was shining brightly, casting its warm rays over the meadow. Sarah, who had been sitting under a tree, stood up and stretched. She couldn’t help but notice the beautiful wildflowers blooming all around her. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals brought a smile to her face. Sarah felt a sense of tranquility wash over her as she admired the natural beauty.

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about Sarah?

In the bustling city of Arcadia, the annual flower festival was a highly anticipated event. The streets would be adorned with vibrant blooms, and people from neighboring towns would flock to witness the spectacle. This year, however, there was a problem. A sudden heatwave had swept through Arcadia, causing many flowers to wilt prematurely. As the festival approached, the city council convened to discuss a solution. After much deliberation, they decided to import flowers from a nearby region. Flower merchants were contacted, and arrangements were made for the delivery just in time for the festival.

What was the main problem faced by the city of Arcadia for this year’s flower festival?

In the age of technology and social media, personal connections and genuine relationships seem to be dwindling. People are more focused on virtual interactions and accumulating followers rather than fostering meaningful connections. This shift has led to a sense of loneliness and isolation in many individuals, as they prioritize quantity over quality in their social interactions. The importance of true human connection and the need for authentic relationships should be emphasized in today’s society to counteract this trend and promote a sense of belonging and fulfillment.

What is the main idea or central message conveyed in the passage regarding the impact of technology and social media on personal relationships and human connection?

Based on a recent comprehensive investigation conducted by a team of esteemed nutritionists and cognitive scientists, the researchers have put forth a bold assertion that diligently adhering to a meticulously curated Mediterranean diet plan can remarkably enhance the overall cognitive capability of individuals in their middle age.
In light of this controversial claim, which of the subsequent pieces of evidence, assuming its authenticity, would unequivocally substantiate the researchers’ contention?

Students’ Performance Based on Study Time

	Less than 1 hour	1-3 hours	More than 3 hours
Low performance	25%	15%	5%
Moderate performance	40%	50%	35%
High performance	35%	35%	60%

Researchers conducted a study to examine the relationship between study time and students’ performance. They categorized study time into three groups: less than 1 hour, 1-3 hours, and more than 3 hours. The table above presents the percentage distribution of students’ performance across these study time groups. Based on the data, which statement accurately compares the performance of students who studied less than 1 hour to those who studied more than 3 hours?

Indian Lok Sabha Results by Percentage of Seats Won, 1999–2019

Party	1999	2004	2009	2014	2019
Bharatiya Janata Party	33%	25%	21%	52%	56%
Indian National Congress	21%	27%	38%	8%	10%
Communist Party of India (Marxist)	6%	8%	4%	7%	4%
Other	40%	40%	37%	33%	30%

India is the largest democracy in the world, with over 614 million people voting in the 2019 election for the Lok Sabha, the parliament of the federal government. In the early years of Indian independence, from the first election in 1951–52 through the eighth Lok Sabha in 1984, each election resulted in one party winning the majority of seats. However, starting with the 1989 election, the party with the largest number of seats failed to win more than half of the total seats. This trend was eventually broken by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which __________.

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to illustrate the claim?

Indicator	Vitamin B12 Group	Control Group
Steatosis values (dB/cm/MHz)	-0.41	-0.30
Fibrosis values (kPa)	-0.35	0.10
Fasting blood glucose (mg/dl)	-5.00	-1.50
Fasting serum insulin (µU/ml)	-1.46	-0.21
Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)	-0.23	0.06

Fatty liver disease (FLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. Indicators such as steatosis (retention of fat in the liver), fibrosis (scarring), blood glucose (sugar), serum insulin, and insulin resistance are used to measure and track the development of FLD. A group of researchers conducted a study to investigate the effects of a new medication on FLD. The researchers hypothesized that the medication would lead to improvements in fibrosis and insulin resistance compared to a control group.

Which statement below is supported by the data in the table?

City	Day of the Month of September
	15	16	17	18	19	20	21
City A	5	8	12	25	20	15	10
City B	10	15	22	18	28	30	5
City C	2	5	8	7	10	15	12

In a study assessing the impact of rainfall on urban flooding in three neighboring cities—City A, City B, and City C—researchers recorded the daily precipitation levels (in millimeters) during a particularly rainy week in September. The table below presents the recorded rainfall for each city on different days. The researchers hypothesized that City B, being in a lower-lying area prone to flooding, would exhibit higher daily rainfall levels during the week compared to City A and City C. 

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to support the researchers’ hypothesis?

Researchers have discovered that magnetic nanoparticles exhibit unique properties that can be utilized in various applications. Recent studies have shown that these nanoparticles can respond to external magnetic fields and exhibit controlled release of drugs in targeted areas. This finding suggests that __________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is known for her iconic self-portraits, such as “Las Dos Fridas” (The Two Fridas) and “La Columna Rota” (The Broken Column). Currently, __________ displayed in major art museums around the world.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

During a community meeting, a group of concerned citizens shared their ideas for improving local parks and green spaces. In 2005, they collaborated to establish Green Oasis, an __________ is dedicated to enhancing and maintaining environmental spaces in the region.

Which choice completes the sentence so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

In 2005, after a successful career in marine biology, Dr. Garcia founded an organization dedicated to ocean conservation. His passion for marine life and his research on coral reefs __________ him to initiate educational programs for local communities.

Which choice completes the sentence so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

American artist Simone Leigh creates art in various mediums, including sculptures, video, and __________ the themes and images in her artwork, Leigh has emphasized that Black women are her primary audience and that they would be familiar with the allusions in her work.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Origami, the art of folding paper into various shapes, has gained immense popularity around the world. One of the most prominent figures in the origami world is Satoshi Kamiya. He is known for his intricate and complex designs, some of which require hundreds of folds and hours to complete. __________ some of his famous creations include dragons, unicorns, and fantastical creatures.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Renowned artist Mei Lin is celebrated for her innovative art installations, highlighting her mastery of various mediums and her ability to fuse cultural elements. In her recent exhibit, “Whispers of the Cosmos,” Lin crafted an immersive experience using constellations she designed, whereas her earlier ________ “Echoes of the Past,” integrated ancient scripts to symbolize the passage of time.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Marie Curie was a renowned scientist who made significant contributions to the field of radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines, physics and chemistry. _________, her achievements continue to inspire young scientists around the world.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Fossilized footprints of prehistoric creatures have been discovered in a remote region. Researchers initially identified tracks believed to belong to dinosaurs. __________, detailed analysis revealed imprints of smaller mammals that lived during the same period.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in society. Factories emerged as centers of production, transforming economic structures and labor practices. Men typically worked long hours in factories, while women and children often faced harsh conditions. __________ some argued that industrialization improved living standards and created jobs, critics pointed out the social inequalities and exploitation it introduced.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

While treatment for hearing loss is typically associated with the ears, some patients with damaged ear structures are not able to use traditional cochlear implants. __________ researchers are working to develop hearing aids anchored to patients’ bones in order to combat hearing loss through vibrations in the skull.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Renowned chef Alex Nguyen employs unconventional ingredients and techniques in crafting his culinary creations. His dishes often feature rare spices and experimental flavors, not commonly associated with traditional cuisine. __________ Nguyen dedicates considerable time to refining these ingredients into innovative culinary elements, nearly matching the time spent on the actual cooking process.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

While studying animal behavior, a researcher has compiled the following information:
A mammal is a warm-blooded vertebrate with hair or fur.
Two examples of mammals are elephants and dolphins.
Elephants belong to the Proboscidea order and are known for their tusks.
They have a gestation period of about 22 months and typically give birth to one calf at a time.
Dolphins, on the other hand, belong to the Cetacea order and are characterized by their streamlined bodies.
They have a gestation period of approximately 12 months and usually give birth to a single calf as well.
The researcher wants to highlight a distinction between the reproductive characteristics of elephants and dolphins.

Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to achieve this objective?

During a botanical investigation, a researcher made the following observations:
A specific species of plant found in the Amazon rainforest has unique adaptations for water retention.
The leaves of this plant have a waxy coating that helps reduce water loss through transpiration.
Researchers conducted experiments to analyze the effectiveness of this adaptation in various environmental conditions.
The results indicated that the waxy coating indeed helps the plant thrive in water-scarce regions.
The researcher aims to communicate the findings of the study and emphasize the plant’s water retention strategy.

Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to achieve this goal?