Compass Reading Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Read the following passage and answer the question. Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. The term “frivolous” implies that the author

is fascinated by the endless capabilities on smart phones.
hopes that technology ceases to expand its scope.
believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone. (Correct answer)
has a smart phone.
wants to see more developments added to smart phone technology.

Correct answer: believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone.

The passage describes individuals using smartphones for 'frivolous pursuits' like downloading ringtones or looking up trivial records. The word 'frivolous' means lacking any serious purpose or value. By using this term, the author implies that these activities are unnecessary and suggests that the average individual does not truly *need* a smartphone for such non-essential uses.

Question 2: Read the following passage and answer the question Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives. What is the purpose of the conclusion sentence?

Draw a conclusion about what we know smart phones can do
Assume where technology is headed and how it will affect society
Comment on human connectivity through the use of smart phones
Predict how the government will regulate and guide future technology
Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones was correct. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones was correct.

The conclusion sentence states: 'This fusion of capabilities... could be a sign of a growing blend... or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach...' This structure clearly presents two distinct possibilities or interpretations for the observed trends in smartphone popularity. It offers alternative explanations rather than a definitive statement or prediction.

Question 3: Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The main point from the author's view is that

Man's soul and spirit can not be destroyed by superpowers.
Man's destiny is not fully clear or visible.
Man's soul and spirit are immortal.
Man's safety is assured by the delicate balance of power in terms of nuclear weapons.
Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation. was correct. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation. was correct.

The passage begins by asserting, 'But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed...' It then discusses how superpowers, despite creating deadly weapons, are 'desperately trying to find out how they might never be used.' This central theme emphasizes humanity's inherent resilience and the ultimate survival of society, even when faced with the gravest threats like total annihilation.

Question 4: Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. The phrase 'Go to the brink' in the passage means

Retreating from extreme danger.
Declare war on each other.
Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it. (Correct answer)
Negotiate for peace.
Commit suicide.

Correct answer: Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.

The phrase 'go to the brink' is used in the context of superpowers threatening and intimidating each other, but then 'before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.' This implies that they push the situation to the very edge of war, a point of extreme danger, without actually initiating full-scale conflict. It signifies a tense standoff where war is imminent but ultimately avoided.

Question 5: Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. In the author's opinion

Huge stockpiles of destructive weapons have so far saved mankind from a catastrophe.
Superpowers have at last realized the need for abandoning the production of lethal weapons.
Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.
Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict. (Correct answer)
There is a silver lining over the production of deadly weapons.

Correct answer: Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.

The author explicitly states that 'the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used.' This directly conveys the author's opinion that these nations, despite their weapon production, are actively working to prevent their use and avoid actual conflict.

Question 6: Read the following passage and answer the question But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink. 'Irrepressible' in the second line means

incompatible
strong
oppressive
unrestrainable (Correct answer)
unspirited

Correct answer: unrestrainable

The passage states, 'He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible.' 'Irrepressible' means not able to be controlled, restrained, or kept down. In this context, it emphasizes the enduring and unconquerable nature of the human spirit, suggesting it cannot be suppressed or held back.

Compass Reading Practice Test 1

Read the following passage and answer the question.
Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones.
Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations.
Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones.
Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl.
This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.
The term “frivolous” implies that the author