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Kyoto Entrance English practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

In an expository passage, a writer states: 'The invention of the mechanical clock did not merely measure hours; it reorganized the working day around them.' Which function does this sentence most clearly perform in the passage?

  1. It lists the technical parts of the clock.
  2. It summarizes the passage's final conclusion.
  3. It offers a definition of the word 'hour'.
  4. It introduces a claim about the clock's wider social influence. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence moves from a physical device to a broader effect on how people structured their day, which signals a claim about social influence rather than mechanical detail. Words like 'did not merely' set up an argument about consequences beyond measurement.

Question 2Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A paragraph begins: 'Critics of urban cycling lanes often argue that they worsen congestion for drivers.' Which sentence would best follow to develop an argumentative paragraph that challenges this view?

  1. The critics include both residents and business owners.
  2. Bicycle lanes are usually painted a bright color for visibility.
  3. Studies in several cities show that protected lanes reduce overall vehicle trips as some commuters switch. Correct answer.
  4. Many drivers own more than one car.

Explanation

To challenge the critics, the writer needs evidence that contradicts the congestion claim. A sentence citing studies showing fewer vehicle trips provides that counter-evidence and advances the argument.

Question 3Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read this sentence from an argumentative essay: 'If we accept that public libraries lend books free of charge, we must also accept that they should lend e-books free of charge.' Which criticism of the reasoning is most accurate?

  1. It contradicts itself by mentioning charge twice.
  2. It provides too many examples of lending.
  3. It relies on a false definition of 'library'.
  4. It assumes without argument that e-books are relevantly similar to printed books. Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument moves from printed books to e-books as if the two are alike in the relevant respect, but that similarity is asserted rather than defended. The weakness is an unstated assumption of relevant similarity.

Question 4Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An expository text explains: 'Corals are animals, not plants, although they host algae that photosynthesize inside their tissues.' What is the main purpose of the word 'although' in this sentence?

  1. It lists a second example of a coral species.
  2. It introduces a cause-and-effect relationship.
  3. It signals a contrast between the animal nature of corals and their plant-like partnership. Correct answer.
  4. It marks the sentence as a quotation.

Explanation

'Although' is a concessive connector that sets up a contrast: corals are animals, yet they depend on plant-like algae. Recognizing contrast markers helps readers track how ideas relate.

Question 5Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage states: 'The report's authors concede that their sample was small, but they insist the trend is real.' What does the word 'concede' most nearly mean here?

  1. Prove conclusively
  2. Admit reluctantly Correct answer.
  3. Deny forcefully
  4. Ignore deliberately

Explanation

To concede is to acknowledge a point, often unwillingly, especially one that weakens your case. The contrast with 'insist' confirms that the authors admit the limitation while defending their conclusion.

Question 6Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read this argument: 'Every student who scored well on the test studied nightly. Therefore, studying nightly will make you score well.' Which logical error does this argument commit?

  1. It relies on an ambiguous definition of 'test'.
  2. It generalizes from a single case.
  3. It confuses a necessary condition with a sufficient one. Correct answer.
  4. It attacks the character of the students.

Explanation

The premise shows that good scorers studied nightly, which at most makes studying a common feature, not a guarantee of success. The conclusion treats studying as sufficient for a high score, an unjustified leap.

Question 7Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

In an expository passage on sleep, the writer notes: 'During deep sleep, the brain clears metabolic waste through a network of channels.' Which reader question does this sentence most directly answer?

  1. Why do people dream?
  2. What happens in the brain during deep sleep? Correct answer.
  3. How many hours should teenagers sleep?
  4. Which foods improve sleep quality?

Explanation

The sentence describes a process occurring in the brain during deep sleep, so it answers a question about that process. The other questions concern topics the sentence does not address.

Question 8Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer argues: 'We should ban cars from the city center because pollution is harmful.' A critic replies: 'That may be true, but banning cars would hurt shop owners who depend on deliveries.' What is the critic primarily doing?

  1. Denying that pollution is harmful
  2. Restating the original argument in different words
  3. Introducing a competing consideration the argument overlooks Correct answer.
  4. Questioning the definition of 'city center'

Explanation

The critic grants the premise about pollution but raises an economic cost the original argument ignored. This is a counter-consideration, not a denial of the premise.

Question 9Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The museum's new wing is impressive in scale, yet its galleries feel curiously empty.' Which word best captures the writer's overall attitude toward the new wing?

  1. Complete indifference
  2. Qualified approval Correct answer.
  3. Unreserved admiration
  4. Open hostility

Explanation

The writer praises the scale but criticizes the empty feel, producing a mixed, qualified judgment. 'Yet' signals that the praise is limited by a reservation.

Question 10Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage claims: 'Remote work reduces commuting time, and therefore employees gain hours of free time each week.' Which assumption does the argument depend on?

  1. Most offices are located in city centers.
  2. Employees use saved commuting time for leisure rather than other tasks. Correct answer.
  3. Commuting is always stressful.
  4. Employers prefer remote work.

Explanation

The conclusion about gaining free time only follows if the hours not spent commuting become available for leisure. If those hours were filled with other work, the conclusion would fail.

Question 11Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An expository paragraph opens with: 'Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.' What is the rhetorical purpose of the phrase 'Contrary to popular belief'?

  1. To cite a scientific study
  2. To introduce a personal anecdote
  3. To correct a common misconception before presenting facts Correct answer.
  4. To summarize the paragraph's conclusion

Explanation

The phrase signals that the writer will challenge a widespread but mistaken idea. It prepares readers to revise an assumption before the factual explanation follows.

Question 12Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Consider this argument: 'Either we raise taxes or public services will collapse. Since no one wants services to collapse, we must raise taxes.' Which feature makes this argument questionable?

  1. It presents only two options when others may exist. Correct answer.
  2. It contradicts an earlier claim.
  3. It uses statistics without citing sources.
  4. It relies on an undefined technical term.

Explanation

The argument is framed as a forced choice between two outcomes, but there may be other ways to fund services, such as cutting waste or borrowing. This is a false dilemma.

Question 13Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage notes: 'The novelist's later works, though less popular, are denser and more experimental than her early bestsellers.' What contrast does the sentence draw?

  1. Translation quality versus original text
  2. Popularity versus artistic complexity Correct answer.
  3. Historical accuracy versus fiction
  4. Length versus brevity

Explanation

The sentence sets widespread appeal against density and experimentation, contrasting commercial success with artistic ambition. 'Though' highlights the tension between the two qualities.

Question 14Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An author writes: 'It would be naive to suppose that technology alone can solve educational inequality.' Which claim is the author most likely to endorse?

  1. Educational inequality is impossible to address.
  2. Schools should abandon digital tools entirely.
  3. Technology must be combined with other reforms to reduce inequality. Correct answer.
  4. Technology has no place in education.

Explanation

Saying technology 'alone' cannot solve the problem implies that technology may help but needs support from other measures. The author rejects a single-cause solution, not technology itself.

Question 15Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read this sentence: 'The committee's report, which had been delayed for months, finally appeared, and its recommendations were immediately contested.' What does the sentence suggest about the report's reception?

  1. It was welcomed without objection.
  2. It was praised for its speed.
  3. Its findings were disputed as soon as they were published. Correct answer.
  4. It was never released to the public.

Explanation

'Immediately contested' indicates that the recommendations met opposition right away. The delay in publication contrasts with the swift dispute that followed.

Question 16Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An argument states: 'People who read fiction are more empathetic than those who do not. Clearly, reading fiction builds empathy.' Which alternative explanation does the argument overlook?

  1. Some readers prefer nonfiction.
  2. Fiction is often sold in bookstores.
  3. Empathy is difficult to define.
  4. Empathetic people may be more drawn to fiction in the first place. Correct answer.

Explanation

The correlation could run in the opposite direction: naturally empathetic people might choose fiction. The argument assumes causation in one direction without ruling out this reverse possibility.

Question 17Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

In an expository passage, a writer defines 'gentrification' as the process by which wealthier residents move into a low-income neighborhood and change its character. Which sentence would best illustrate this definition?

  1. A local library extends its opening hours.
  2. A neighborhood's rents rise sharply as new cafes and luxury apartments replace older shops. Correct answer.
  3. A family stays in the same house for forty years.
  4. A city builds a new hospital in a distant suburb.

Explanation

An illustration should show the defining features: an influx of wealthier residents and a resulting change in the neighborhood's character. Rising rents and new luxury housing match those features.

Question 18Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer argues: 'Since the new policy reduced accidents, it must have been the cause of the decline.' Which additional fact would most weaken this claim?

  1. The policy was announced in a press conference.
  2. The policy included several separate measures.
  3. Accidents were already declining before the policy was introduced. Correct answer.
  4. Some drivers opposed the policy.

Explanation

If the decline began before the policy took effect, the policy cannot be credited with starting it. This undercuts the causal claim by suggesting another cause or a pre-existing trend.

Question 19Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The essay's title promises a bold critique, but the body mostly summarizes familiar views.' What is the writer's evaluation of the essay?

  1. The essay fails to deliver the critique its title suggests. Correct answer.
  2. The essay is original but poorly organized.
  3. The essay is overly critical of familiar views.
  4. The essay is too short to be useful.

Explanation

The contrast between the title's promise and the body's summarizing shows that the essay does not fulfill its stated aim. The evaluation concerns a gap between expectation and content.

Question 20Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage explains: 'Unlike fossil fuels, wind and solar power produce no emissions while generating electricity.' Which function does 'Unlike fossil fuels' serve?

  1. It establishes a comparison that highlights a difference. Correct answer.
  2. It introduces a counterargument.
  3. It provides a cause for fossil fuel use.
  4. It defines the term 'electricity'.

Explanation

'Unlike' sets up a comparison between two energy sources and draws attention to how they differ. The comparison emphasizes that renewables lack the emissions associated with fossil fuels.

Question 21Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An author writes: 'To claim that video games cause violence, one must explain why violence has declined in many countries during the same period that game sales soared.' What is the author doing?

  1. Endorsing the claim that games cause violence
  2. Defining what counts as a video game
  3. Describing the plot of a specific game
  4. Presenting evidence that challenges a causal claim Correct answer.

Explanation

The author points to a trend that runs against the proposed causal link, using it to press skeptics for an explanation. This is a counterexample-style challenge to the claim.

Question 22Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A paragraph states: 'The bridge was designed to last a century; it was inspected every two years, and repairs were made promptly.' What overall impression of the bridge's maintenance does the paragraph convey?

  1. It was neglected for long periods.
  2. It was built without any plan.
  3. It was carefully and regularly maintained. Correct answer.
  4. It was inspected only once.

Explanation

Regular inspections and prompt repairs together suggest diligent upkeep. The details combine to create an impression of careful maintenance rather than neglect.

Question 23Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Consider: 'No true expert would disagree with this finding. Anyone who disagrees is therefore not a true expert.' Which problem does this reasoning have?

  1. It defines expertise in a way that makes disagreement impossible to count as evidence. Correct answer.
  2. It quotes an unreliable source.
  3. It confuses correlation with causation.
  4. It relies on too many statistics.

Explanation

The argument defines 'true expert' so that anyone who disagrees is excluded by definition, which makes the claim unfalsifiable. This circular move shields the finding from genuine criticism.

Question 24Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An expository passage describes how a vaccine works: 'It trains the immune system to recognize a pathogen without causing the disease.' Which question does this description best answer?

  1. How does a vaccine protect the body? Correct answer.
  2. Why are some vaccines expensive?
  3. Who should avoid vaccination?
  4. When was the first vaccine invented?

Explanation

The sentence explains the mechanism by which vaccines provide protection, namely training the immune system safely. That directly answers a question about how they work.

Question 25Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer claims: 'Cities should invest in parks because parks improve residents' mental health.' Which addition would most strengthen this argument?

  1. A claim that parks are expensive to maintain
  2. A list of famous parks around the world
  3. A study linking access to green space with lower stress levels Correct answer.
  4. A description of the writer's favorite park

Explanation

The argument needs evidence connecting parks to mental health. A study showing that green space reduces stress supplies exactly that supporting link.

Question 26Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage states: 'The city's new tram line was expected to cut traffic by thirty percent. After one year, traffic on the main avenue had fallen by only four percent.' Which inference about the expectation is best supported by the passage?

  1. The thirty percent figure was measured after one year.
  2. The tram line was never opened to passengers.
  3. The expected reduction was far larger than what actually occurred. Correct answer.
  4. Traffic on the main avenue increased sharply.

Explanation

The passage contrasts a predicted thirty percent fall with an observed four percent fall, so the expectation clearly exceeded the result. No other claim about closure or increase is stated.

Question 27Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read this passage: 'Many people assume that goldfish have three-second memories. In fact, researchers have trained goldfish to respond to sounds for food, a task that requires remembering the association for weeks.' What is the writer's main purpose?

  1. To describe how goldfish are trained for entertainment
  2. To correct a widespread belief using experimental evidence Correct answer.
  3. To argue that all fish have excellent memories
  4. To explain why goldfish forget sounds quickly

Explanation

The writer sets up a common assumption and then counters it with a training study, so the purpose is to correct a popular belief. The evidence cited is specific to goldfish, not all fish.

Question 28Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A paragraph opens: 'Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, but their output falls on cloudy days.' Which sentence would best continue the paragraph while keeping the expository focus?

  1. Battery storage is one way to supply power when the sky is overcast. Correct answer.
  2. Sunlight is the most beautiful form of energy.
  3. Therefore, everyone should install solar panels immediately.
  4. I once saw a solar panel on a neighbor's roof.

Explanation

An expository paragraph should continue explaining the topic, and battery storage directly addresses the problem of reduced output. The other options shift to persuasion, anecdote, or opinion.

Question 29Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

In the sentence 'The report, though widely praised, was quietly shelved by the ministry,' the word 'shelved' most nearly means:

  1. published in a revised form
  2. translated into another language
  3. postponed indefinitely or set aside Correct answer.
  4. placed on a physical shelf

Explanation

In this context 'shelved' is figurative: a praised report that is set aside is not acted upon. The contrast between praise and quiet inaction signals postponement rather than literal storage.

Question 30Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer states: 'The library extended its opening hours, and borrowing rose by twenty percent.' Which conclusion is most cautious and defensible?

  1. Longer hours certainly caused the increase in borrowing.
  2. The change in hours and the rise in borrowing occurred together. Correct answer.
  3. Library users care only about opening hours.
  4. Borrowing would have fallen without the change.

Explanation

The passage reports two events occurring together, which supports only a correlation, not a proven cause. A cautious reader avoids asserting causation from a single observation.

Question 31Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The proposal is ambitious in scope but vague on funding.' Which pair of words best captures the writer's attitude toward the proposal?

  1. indifferent and bored
  2. confused and uncertain
  3. critical yet not wholly dismissive Correct answer.
  4. admiring and enthusiastic

Explanation

The writer credits ambition while faulting the lack of funding detail, a balanced mix of approval and criticism. This is neither full praise nor complete rejection.

Question 32Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage explains: 'Honeybees communicate the location of food by performing a waggle dance. The angle of the dance relative to vertical indicates the direction of the food relative to the sun.' According to the passage, what does the angle of the dance indicate?

  1. The amount of food available
  2. The age of the dancing bee
  3. The direction of the food relative to the sun Correct answer.
  4. The distance to the hive

Explanation

The passage explicitly ties the dance angle to the direction of food relative to the sun. Other features of the dance are not assigned this role in the text.

Question 33Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Which sentence uses 'however' correctly in an expository passage?

  1. The experiment failed, however the team learned a great deal.
  2. The experiment, however failed, the team learned a great deal.
  3. The experiment failed however, the team learned a great deal.
  4. The experiment failed; however, the team learned a great deal. Correct answer.

Explanation

When 'however' joins two independent clauses, it is followed by a comma and preceded by a semicolon or period. Option 0 follows this pattern correctly.

Question 34Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage argues: 'Museums should return looted artifacts because they were taken without consent.' Which assumption does the argument rely on?

  1. Museums cannot afford to keep their collections.
  2. Artifacts are more valuable in their country of origin.
  3. All museums hold looted artifacts.
  4. Artifacts taken without consent ought to be returned. Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument moves from the fact of taking without consent to the conclusion that return is required, which assumes that such taking grounds a duty to return. Without that principle the conclusion does not follow.

Question 35Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The novelist's prose is spare; she rarely uses more than two adjectives in a sentence, and her dialogue carries most of the plot.' Which statement best describes the writer's method of support?

  1. Comparing the novelist with a rival author
  2. Reporting sales figures for the novel
  3. Offering a specific stylistic observation as evidence Correct answer.
  4. Citing a critic's published review

Explanation

The writer supports the claim of spareness by pointing to a concrete feature of the prose: few adjectives and plot carried by dialogue. This is direct textual evidence rather than external authority.

Question 36Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A paragraph states: 'Recycling aluminum saves about ninety-five percent of the energy needed to make new aluminum from ore. Yet only a fraction of aluminum cans is recycled.' What contrast does the paragraph develop?

  1. The high energy cost of mining versus the low cost of shipping
  2. The large benefit of recycling versus its limited practice Correct answer.
  3. The superiority of glass containers over aluminum
  4. The declining demand for aluminum products

Explanation

The paragraph pairs a striking benefit of recycling with the low rate at which it actually happens, creating a benefit-versus-practice contrast. No comparison with glass or shipping is made.

Question 37Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

In an argumentative passage, the writer concedes: 'Admittedly, online courses lack face-to-face contact.' What is the function of this concession?

  1. To abandon the writer's main claim entirely
  2. To prove that online courses are superior in every way
  3. To acknowledge a weakness before reinforcing the main argument Correct answer.
  4. To introduce an unrelated topic

Explanation

A concession grants a point to the opposing side, usually to appear fair and then to show the main argument survives it. It strengthens rather than abandons the writer's position.

Question 38Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The scientist's findings were replicated in three independent laboratories, each using different methods.' What does the word 'replicated' most nearly mean here?

  1. questioned by peers
  2. published in a journal
  3. rejected after review
  4. reproduced with similar results Correct answer.

Explanation

In research contexts, replication means obtaining consistent results again, here across independent labs. The mention of different methods reinforces the idea of independent reproduction.

Question 39Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage notes: 'The company's profits rose after it redesigned its packaging, but so did its advertising budget.' Why does the writer mention the advertising budget?

  1. To suggest another factor may explain the profit rise Correct answer.
  2. To criticize the company's accountants
  3. To prove that packaging design is irrelevant
  4. To show that advertising always fails

Explanation

By adding a second change that occurred at the same time, the writer signals that the profit rise cannot be attributed to packaging alone. This is a caution about causal inference.

Question 40Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Which revision best improves cohesion in this expository sentence: 'The volcano erupted. The town was evacuated. The ash cloud spread for miles.'

  1. The volcano erupted; the town was evacuated; the ash cloud spread for miles.
  2. After the volcano erupted, the town was evacuated, and the ash cloud spread for miles. Correct answer.
  3. The volcano erupted, the town was evacuated, the ash cloud spread for miles.
  4. The volcano erupted and the town was evacuated and the ash cloud spread for miles.

Explanation

Adding 'After' and 'and' clarifies the sequence and links the events into a single coherent sentence. Option 0 creates a comma splice, and option 2 lists events without showing their relation.

Question 41Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer claims: 'Standardized tests should be abolished because they measure only memorization.' Which response most directly challenges the reasoning?

  1. Some standardized tests include tasks requiring analysis and evaluation. Correct answer.
  2. Many students find tests stressful.
  3. Abolishing tests would save money.
  4. Standardized tests are administered in most countries.

Explanation

The argument rests on the premise that the tests measure only memorization; showing that some measure higher-order skills attacks that premise directly. The other responses are irrelevant to the reasoning.

Question 42Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The ancient road was paved with flat stones fitted so tightly that a knife blade could not be inserted between them.' What impression of the road's construction does the detail create?

  1. It was built with exceptional precision. Correct answer.
  2. It was never actually used.
  3. It was hastily assembled.
  4. It was made of fragile materials.

Explanation

The knife-blade detail emphasizes how closely the stones fit, conveying careful, precise workmanship. It says nothing about haste, use, or fragility.

Question 43Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage states: 'Critics praised the film's cinematography, yet audiences stayed away.' Which sentence best explains the role of 'yet' in the passage?

  1. It repeats the earlier idea in different words.
  2. It marks the passage's concluding opinion.
  3. It signals a contrast between critical praise and public response. Correct answer.
  4. It introduces a cause of the critics' praise.

Explanation

'Yet' is a contrastive connector, here setting critical approval against audience absence. It does not express cause, restatement, or conclusion.

Question 44Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An expository passage explains: 'Coral reefs support about a quarter of marine species, though they cover less than one percent of the ocean floor.' Which statement is best supported?

  1. Coral reefs are disproportionately important for marine life. Correct answer.
  2. Coral reefs occupy most of the ocean floor.
  3. The ocean floor is mostly covered by coral.
  4. Marine species avoid coral reefs.

Explanation

The passage contrasts a tiny area with a large share of species, showing that reefs support far more life than their size would suggest. The other options contradict the stated figures.

Question 45Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The author's argument proceeds in three steps: first, a definition; second, a survey of objections; third, a rebuttal.' Which term best describes this structure?

  1. comparative biography
  2. descriptive catalog
  3. narrative chronology
  4. argumentative exposition Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage lays out an argument through definition, objections, and rebuttal, which is the structure of argumentative exposition. It is not a story, a list, or a life comparison.

Question 46Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A writer states: 'If we accept that reading improves vocabulary, then schools should allocate more time to reading.' Which part of this argument is the conclusion?

  1. Reading improves vocabulary.
  2. Vocabulary is important.
  3. If we accept the premise.
  4. Schools should allocate more time to reading. Correct answer.

Explanation

The conclusion is the claim the writer wants accepted, signaled by 'then'. The reading premise is offered as support for the recommendation about schools.

Question 47Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

A passage argues: 'Every major city that built a subway saw congestion fall. Therefore, building a subway is the surest way to reduce congestion.' Which flaw most weakens this argument?

  1. It relies on a single city as evidence.
  2. It ignores other changes that may have reduced congestion. Correct answer.
  3. It uses too many statistics.
  4. It defines congestion incorrectly.

Explanation

The argument treats subway construction as the cause of falling congestion, but other simultaneous changes could explain the decline. Without ruling out alternatives, the causal leap is unsupported.

Question 48Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The policy's defenders note that crime fell after it took effect. Its critics reply that crime was already falling before the policy began.' What is the critics' strategy?

  1. Showing that the decline predates the policy, weakening the causal claim Correct answer.
  2. Attacking the defenders' personal motives
  3. Denying that crime fell at all
  4. Proposing a completely different policy

Explanation

The critics accept the decline but point out that it began earlier, which undermines the claim that the policy caused it. This is a challenge to causal attribution, not a denial of the data.

Question 49Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

An argument claims: 'Since the drug lowered blood pressure in trials, it will lower blood pressure in every patient.' Which assumption is required for this inference?

  1. The drug has no side effects.
  2. Trials are always conducted abroad.
  3. Trial results apply uniformly to all patients. Correct answer.
  4. Blood pressure is unrelated to health.

Explanation

The leap from trial results to every patient assumes the trial population represents all patients. If responses vary, the universal claim fails. Side effects and trial location are irrelevant to this inference.

Question 50Reading comprehension of English expository and argumentative prose

Read: 'The essay's central claim is that technology shapes society. Its examples, however, all describe how society shapes technology.' What is the writer's criticism?

  1. The essay is too short to be persuasive.
  2. The essay avoids the topic of technology.
  3. The essay's evidence supports the reverse of its claim. Correct answer.
  4. The essay uses too few examples.

Explanation

The criticism is that the examples illustrate the opposite direction of influence from the stated claim. This is a mismatch between claim and evidence, not a matter of quantity or length.