PERT Reading Practice Quiz 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 author describes using smartphones for 'downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head' as 'frivolous pursuits.' By labeling these activities as trivial or unnecessary, the author implies that the average individual does not genuinely 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 (Correct answer)

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

The conclusion sentence states, '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.' This sentence clearly offers two distinct possibilities or interpretations for the observed trends regarding smartphone use, thus presenting two possible explanations.

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. (Correct answer)

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

The passage asserts that 'man is not destined to vanish' because his 'soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible.' It then highlights that despite the threat of deadly weapons, nations 'desperately trying to find out how they might never be used' and 'withdraw from the brink.' The main point is a hopeful one: humanity will endure and avoid total annihilation despite severe threats.

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 they approach the very edge or verge of war, reaching a dangerous point of confrontation, but ultimately pull back before actual conflict begins.

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 nations with deadly weapons 'are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used' and that 'They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.' This clearly indicates that these nations are actively working to avoid actual conflict, despite their military posturing.

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.' If a spirit is deathless and cannot be destroyed, 'irrepressible' means it cannot be held back, suppressed, or controlled. Therefore, 'unrestrainable' is the best synonym, conveying the idea of an indomitable and unyielding spirit.

PERT Reading Practice Quiz 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