- Which answer choice captures Dorsey's supporting detail?
Answer: Employees who took ten-minute outdoor breaks finished proofreading nearly one-fifth faster than those who stayed inside.
A summarizes the experiment's quantitative outcome, evidence that outdoor breaks improve focus. B, C, and D supply context or policy details not used as proof in the passage.
- According to the passage, which supporting details accurately describe the social changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution?
Answer: People moved from rural areas to cities, rapid urbanization occurred, and families relied on child labor for additional income.
Choice A correctly identifies the social changes mentioned in the passage: rural-to-urban migration, rapid urbanization, and the common practice of child labor due to families' economic needs. Choice B contradicts the passage by suggesting people remained in agricultural communities and maintained traditional methods. Choice C incorrectly describes improved working conditions, while the passage states conditions were harsh. Choice D mentions international trade and home-based manufacturing, which are not discussed in the passage.
- According to the passage, what supporting details explain how Arctic terns navigate during migration?
Answer: They utilize solar positioning, magnetic field detection, and coastal geographical features as navigational reference points during their journey
Choice B accurately lists the three navigation methods mentioned in the passage: sun position, magnetic fields, and coastal landmarks. Choice A suggests exclusive reliance on genetics, which isn't supported by the text. Choice C mentions ocean currents, wind patterns, and other species, none of which are described as navigation aids. Choice D refers to stars and temperature, which are not mentioned in the passage.
- Which detail from the passage best illustrates Elias's philosophy about preservation?
Answer: He views the book's tears and stains as chapters in its history rather than flaws to erase.
When you encounter questions asking which detail "best illustrates" a character's philosophy or beliefs, you need to distinguish between supporting details and the detail that most directly demonstrates the core concept.
The passage explicitly states Elias's preservation philosophy: "each tear, stain, and faded annotation was not a flaw to be erased, but a chapter in the book's long journey." This directly shows his belief that damage tells a story rather than diminishes value. Choice C captures this exact philosophy by highlighting how he views tears and stains as meaningful history rather than problems to fix.
Choice A focuses on Elias's personal preferences about his work environment, but preferring old paper's scent over the digital world illustrates his general attitude toward old versus new, not specifically his preservation philosophy. Choice B describes the physical setting and condition of his materials, but the dusty workshop and fragile books are context, not philosophy. Choice D explains his careful technique and respectful approach, which shows how he works but not why he believes preservation should honor rather than erase a book's history.
The key distinction is between what supports his philosophy and what defines it. While his precision (D), workspace (B), and preferences (A) all complement his worldview, only his belief that damage represents historical chapters rather than flaws truly illustrates his preservation philosophy.
For reading comprehension questions about character beliefs or philosophies, look for the choice that most directly connects to the explicitly stated principle, not just supporting evidence or related characteristics.
- What supporting details from the passage describe the factors that enabled the Renaissance transformation?
Answer: Recovery of ancient texts from Byzantine and Islamic sources, merchant patronage from Italian city-states, printing press technology, and humanistic philosophy
Choice A correctly lists all four enabling factors mentioned: rediscovered classical texts from Byzantine and Islamic libraries, wealthy merchant patronage (especially from Italian city-states), printing press invention, and the emergence of humanism. Choices B, C, and D describe developments that may have occurred during the Renaissance but are not specifically mentioned in this passage as enabling factors.
- Which of the following accurately summarizes the supporting details about the limitations and exclusions in ancient Athenian democracy?
Answer: Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from political participation in the democratic system that developed in Athens.
Choice A correctly identifies the specific groups mentioned in the passage that were excluded from Athenian democracy: women, slaves, and foreigners. Choice B mentions wealthy landowners, military veterans, philosophers, and artists, none of which are specifically discussed as excluded or included groups in the passage. Choice C incorrectly suggests only religious leaders and officials could vote, which contradicts the passage's description of citizen participation. Choice D mentions age restrictions not mentioned in the passage.
- What specific characteristics of the daguerreotype process are described in the passage?
Answer: Required extended exposure periods of several minutes and produced singular images on metallic plates without reproduction capability
Choice B correctly identifies the daguerreotype characteristics mentioned: several-minute exposure times, images on silver-coated copper plates, and unique images with no reproduction capability. Choice A describes the calotype process, not daguerreotypes. Choice C refers to Eastman's roll film technology. Choice D describes the Kodak camera system, not daguerreotype characteristics.
- According to the passage, which supporting details accurately describe the Amazon's biodiversity and indigenous populations?
Answer: The Amazon contains 10% of world biodiversity with over 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish species, and 370 reptile species, plus over 400 indigenous tribes.
Choice A correctly cites the specific statistics from the passage: 10% of world's biodiversity, over 40,000 plant species, 3,000 fish species, 370 reptile species, and over 400 distinct indigenous tribes. Choices B, C, and D all contain incorrect numbers that don't match the data provided in the passage, with variations in percentages of biodiversity, species counts, and numbers of indigenous communities.
- According to the passage, which supporting details accurately describe the outcomes and legislation achieved during the Civil Rights Movement?
Answer: The Montgomery Bus Boycott led to transportation desegregation, the Civil Rights Act outlawed public discrimination, and the Voting Rights Act removed voting barriers.
Choice A correctly identifies the positive outcomes mentioned in the passage: Montgomery Bus Boycott achieving transportation desegregation, Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawing discrimination in public accommodations and employment, and Voting Rights Act of 1965 removing voting barriers. Choices B, C, and D all misrepresent the outcomes by suggesting negative results or reinforcement of segregation, which contradicts the passage's description of the movement's achievements in dismantling Jim Crow segregation.
- According to the passage, what specific adaptations help cacti survive in desert environments?
Answer: Thick waxy stems for water storage purposes and spine-modified leaves that significantly reduce moisture loss through transpiration processes
Choice B correctly identifies the two cactus adaptations mentioned: thick, waxy stems that store water and reduced leaves (spines) that minimize transpiration water loss. Choice A describes fennec fox adaptations (oversized ears, light fur) and animal behavior, not cactus features. Choice C describes root system adaptations of 'some desert plants' generally, not specifically cacti. Choice D describes nocturnal animal behaviors, not cactus adaptations.
- Which choice best encapsulates a supporting detail Otero provides for his argument that year-round calendars heighten student exhaustion?
Answer: A majority of students on the new schedule reported persistent tiredness by mid-spring.
The survey result in which 62 percent of students reported feeling constantly tired is explicit evidence supporting Otero's claim about heightened exhaustion; thus A is correct. B addresses teacher absenteeism, not student fatigue. C and D introduce logistical issues the passage never mentions.
- What supporting details explain the agricultural problems that contributed to the Great Depression?
Answer: Declining crop prices prevented farmers from meeting loan obligations, resulting in extensive property foreclosures throughout rural agricultural regions
Choice A correctly identifies the specific agricultural problems mentioned: falling crop prices left farmers unable to repay loans, leading to widespread foreclosures. Choice B discusses international trade effects, which are mentioned in the passage but not specifically as agricultural problems. Choice C describes general banking and consumer issues rather than the specific agricultural problems detailed. Choice D incorrectly suggests farmers lost stock market investments and agricultural workforce problems, which are not mentioned in the passage.
- Which of the following best summarizes the supporting details about working conditions during the Industrial Revolution?
Answer: Workers faced extended work schedules, hazardous equipment, inadequate air quality, and widespread employment of children due to economic necessity
Choice A correctly summarizes the specific details provided about working conditions: long hours, dangerous machinery, poor ventilation, and common child labor driven by economic need. Choice B contradicts the passage, which describes harsh rather than safe conditions. Choice C focuses on location and demographics rather than working conditions. Choice D incorrectly suggests improved safety when the passage emphasizes dangerous conditions.
- What supporting details from the passage describe the educational functions of medieval monasteries?
Answer: School establishment for clergy and lay student education, including Latin language, mathematics, and natural philosophy subject instruction
Choice C correctly identifies the educational functions described: monasteries operated schools for both clergy and lay students, teaching Latin, mathematics, and natural philosophy. Choice A focuses on manuscript preservation and artistic activities rather than education. Choice B describes physical conditions in scriptoriums, not educational functions. Choice D addresses preservation activities but not the specific educational role of teaching students.
- Which of the following best summarizes the supporting details about the roles of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas in digestion?
Answer: The liver produces bile for fat digestion, the gallbladder stores bile, and the pancreas secretes enzymes and blood sugar hormones.
Choice A correctly identifies the digestive functions mentioned in the passage: liver producing bile for fat digestion, gallbladder storing bile, and pancreas secreting digestive enzymes and blood sugar-regulating hormones. Choice B incorrectly attributes blood filtering to liver, acid production to gallbladder, and nutrient absorption to pancreas in this context. Choice C incorrectly assigns nutrient storage to liver, protein breakdown to gallbladder, and waste elimination to pancreas. Choice D describes functions not mentioned in the passage for any of these organs.
- Which of the following best summarizes the supporting details about what happens during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
Answer: Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, water molecules are split, oxygen is released, and ATP and NADPH are produced.
Choice B correctly identifies all the key events of light-dependent reactions mentioned in the passage: chlorophyll absorbing sunlight, water molecules being split, oxygen being released, and ATP and NADPH being produced. Choice A describes the Calvin cycle, not light-dependent reactions. Choice C describes cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Choice D describes transport processes not mentioned in the passage and incorrectly states that CO2 is absorbed through roots.
- According to the passage, which supporting details accurately describe the roles of different pigments in photosynthesis?
Answer: Chlorophyll a absorbs red and blue light efficiently, chlorophyll b captures additional energy and transfers it, and carotenoids absorb blue-green light while providing protection.
Choice A correctly describes the pigment functions mentioned in the passage: chlorophyll a absorbing red and blue light efficiently, chlorophyll b serving as an accessory pigment that captures additional energy and transfers it to chlorophyll a, and carotenoids absorbing blue and green light while protecting from excess light damage. Choice B incorrectly states chlorophyll a reflects all light and that carotenoids produce oxygen. Choice C describes functions not mentioned in the passage related to roots, stems, and temperature. Choice D confuses the roles of pigments with other photosynthetic processes.
- Which of the following best summarizes the supporting details about how different antibiotics work against bacteria?
Answer: Penicillin disrupts cell wall formation, streptomycin stops protein synthesis, tetracycline inhibits protein production, and fluoroquinolones interfere with DNA replication.
Choice A correctly identifies the mechanisms described in the passage: penicillin disrupting bacterial cell wall formation, streptomycin targeting protein synthesis machinery, tetracycline inhibiting protein production by binding to ribosomes, and fluoroquinolones interfering with DNA replication. Choice B incorrectly describes antibiotics as enhancing bacterial functions rather than inhibiting them. Choice C mentions mechanisms not described in the passage. Choice D incorrectly describes antibiotics as working through immune system stimulation rather than direct bacterial targeting.
- Which option accurately summarizes a supporting detail Patel uses to show that wind patterns, rather than ship design, were crucial to early trade?
Answer: Pilots in the first century scheduled their departures based on monsoon changes, enabling long journeys in relatively small ships.
A restates the log evidence that small ships succeeded by exploiting seasonal winds, directly supporting Patel's thesis. B describes technological upgrades but does not connect them to success. C and D concern overland danger and economic profit—topics not advanced as evidence for wind reliance.
- According to the passage, which of the following accurately summarizes the supporting details about the Great Wall's construction materials and workforce?
Answer: The wall was constructed using stone, brick, and earth by millions of workers including soldiers, peasants, and prisoners.
Choice A correctly identifies the materials mentioned in the passage (stone, brick, and earth) and the types of workers (soldiers, peasants, and prisoners). Choice B incorrectly states the wall was built entirely of stone and brick and mentions skilled craftsmen not specified in the passage. Choice C incorrectly identifies materials as wood and metal and describes volunteer paid workers, which contradicts the passage. Choice D incorrectly mentions concrete and steel (modern materials) and foreign laborers, which are not mentioned in the passage.
