7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

1/23

Passage 1

Zombies in philosophy are imaginary creatures used to illuminate problems about consciousness

and its relation to the physical world. Unlike those in films or witchcraft, they are exactly like us

in all physical respects but without conscious experiences: by definition there is nothing it is

like to be a zombie. Yet zombies behave just like us, and some even spend a lot of time

discussing consciousness.

Few people think zombies actually exist. But many hold they are at least conceivable, and some

that they are possible. It is important to review two philosophical concepts (1) physicalismthe

idea that the actual world and everything conforms to a certain condition, the condition of being

physical or material and, (2) dualismthe idea that the universe and everything it is marked by a

dualistic structure, such as Descartes mind-body distinctions. It is argued that if zombies are so

much as a bare possibility, then physicalism is false and some kind of dualism is true. For many

philosophers that is the chief importance of the zombie idea. But the idea is also of interest for its

presuppositions about the nature of consciousness and how the physical and the phenomenal are

related. Use of the zombie idea against physicalism also raises more general questions about

relations between imaginability, conceivability, and possibility. Finally, zombies raise

epistemological difficulties: they reinstate the other minds problem

A philosophical zombie (p-zombie, for short) would be a human body without consciousness

which would nevertheless behave like a human body with consciousness. To some philosophers

(e.g., Daniel Dennett) this is a contradictory notion and thus an impossible conception. If it

behaves like a person and is indistinguishable from a person, then it is a person. Otherphilosophers (e.g. Todd Moody and David Chalmers) argue that a p-zombie would be

distinguishable from a person even though indistinguishable from a conscious person. It is

distinguishable, say these philosophers, because it is stipulated that it is not conscious even

though it is indistinguishable from a conscious being. In case you are wondering why

philosophers would debate whether it is possible to conceive of a p-zombie, it is because some

philosophers do not believe or do not want to believe that consciousness can be reduced to a set

of materialistic functions. Important metaphysical and ethical issues seem to hinge on whether

there can be p-zombies. Can machines be conscious? If we created a machine which was

indistinguishable from a human person, would our artificial creation be a "person" with all the

rights and duties of natural persons? To the p-zombie advocates, consciousness is more than

brain processes and neurological functions. No adequate account of consciousness will ever be

produced that is "reductionist," i.e., completely materialistic.

I think it is possible to conceive of a machine which "perceives" without being aware of

perceiving. In fact, they already exist: motion detectors, touch screens, tape recorders, smoke

alarms, certain robots. An android which could process visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

2/23

gustatory input but which would lack self-consciousness, i.e., would not be aware of perceiving

anything, is conceivable. We can even conceive of such machines resembling humans in the

flesh. How would we distinguish such automata from persons? The same way we do now: by the

imperfect and fallible methods of conversation and observation. But that is not what would make

the two distinct; self-consciousness or the lack of it would distinguish the automata from

persons. "Visual perception" by a motion detector is unlike visual perception by a person just

because of the difference in awareness of perception, i.e., self-consciousness. A smoke detector

might "smell" certain chemicals, but it does not process odors the way a person does. In my

view, the only conceivable p-zombie would be a machine which perceives but has no awareness

of perceiving, i.e., no self-consciousness. Such machines are essentially distinct from conscious

persons.

For what it's worth, I side with Dennett and those who think that the concept of the p-zombie is a

logical absurdity. If the "zombie" exhibits all the symptoms of consciousness, then the "zombie"

is not a zombie; for to exhibit all the symptoms of consciousness is to have consciousness, which

the zombie is denied by definition.

1) According to passage information, the main tenets of physicalism pre-suppose:A. A mind-body dualismB. A reduction to substance or matter XC. A logical leap between consciousness and perceptionD. A dualism between behavior and consciousnessCorrect Answer: B

In the answer (B) which is correct, we can infer that conforms (referenced below) represents

a "reduction" The other options can be negated...physicalism which is opposed to dualism

(A) (D), and (C) is buzz phrase - only sounding good, or not relevant to passage information:

(1) physicalismthe idea that the actual world and everything conforms to a certain

condition, the condition of being physical or material

2) Philosophical zombie advocates maintain thatA. Behavior is conditioned and reducible to consciousnessB. Consciousness is always Consciousness of Someone or Some ThingC. Behavior is always a sign of the inner workings of ConsciousnessD. Consciousness is not reducible to physical functions XCorrect Answer: D

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

3/23

(D) represents the best choice option, referenced in the assertion below:

To the p-zombie advocates, consciousness is more than brain processes and neurological

functions. No adequate account of consciousness will ever be produced that is "reductionist,"

i.e., completely materialistic.

3) In contemporary media and popular films, which of the following, BEST supports theidea that p-zombies exist?

A. Zombies are represented by behavior which assumes consciousnessB. Zombies are represented by movement which assumes a Self C. Zombies are represented by an Otherness which assumes IdentityD. Zombies are represented by a motive which assumes consciousness XCorrect Answer: D

All answers (A) (B) & (C) do not necessarily follow --they require too much of a logical

leap. Certain machines and Amoeba all possess "behavior" "movement" and Otherness" but

not necessarily "consciousness Self" or "Identity" which are all to an extent a "human"

construct. "Motive" or "Intention" would be a sign of consciousness, affirming (D) as the

correct inference.

4) Of the following assertions, what can one infer the other minds problem, mentioned inParagraph 1 to be?

I Even though we can perceive the behavior of others; it does not logically follow that we

can infer mentality.

II We can only assert the existence of others through behavior, not internal states of others.

III Perceptions of Others is always subjective

A. III onlyB. I & IIIC. I & II XD. II & III

Correct Answer: C

This complex-sounding question and answer option . . .I & II are essentially the same

answer, and can be inferred to be correct...making (C) the best choice option. How often do

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

4/23

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

5/23

Among the adverse consequences of a single-objective pesticide technology are the following

generalizations.

Resistance has developed in many target species. The more rapid the resurgence, the more

rapidly is resistance developed; and resistance to alternate materials then used often developseven faster. Most materials are nonselective, directly affecting the natural enemies of the targetpest, often more so than the pest. Rapid resurgence of the pest species then occurs.

Destruction of key natural enemies can be indirect, through too severe destruction of the targetpest itself (the enemies starve out) and through destruction of some alternate prey species,

perhaps of no economic importance. This can lead to resurgence.

Data collected shows the number of resistant species has been increasing rapidly since the early1950's and now stands at about 240. The changes in pest species that allow them to survive at

higher and higher concentrations of insecticides are genetic and result from natural selection.

Unfortunately, this tells the story only of known pests. Large numbers of insect species thathave not been examined are subject to the same selection for resistance. When and if these

unknown resistant insects erupt as agricultural pests, they will already possess a significant

resistance to pesticides.

Other important considerations: Previously secondary pests or entirely innocuous species are

commonly unleashed; this has usually been due to disturbing effects on their natural enemies:

Destruction of honey bees and other important pollinating insects and hazards to the applicators(many deaths and much sickness). Hazard to crop culture on the same ground (overload of

persistent pesticides in the soil, etc.). Immediate hazards to man and wildlife that enter the

treated areas.

In addition there are hazards to non-target organisms in places well removed from the treated

area. This includes significant influences on birds like pelicans, ospreys, and eagles that feed

high on the food chains and especially on ones living around estuaries where DDT, forexample, is concentrated; on important estuary anthropods; on grazing livestock and even man

himself as a result of residues on crops or range or in fish, etc. DDT, for example, has moved

widely in the biosphereit is found in sea life at the Antarctic. Drainage of pesticides intolakes and rivers has caused great kills of fish and much public alarm. The herbicide 2, 4, 5-T is

apparently being withdrawn from the market for fear of adverse effects on man and livestock

during pregnancy.

6) What is the main idea of the passage?A. The development of pest control and various pesticidesB. The ecological effects of pest control on other insectsC. Pesticide use must be controlled more effectivelyD. The development of pest control and its adverse consequences X

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

6/23

Correct Answer: D

Only (D) is generalized and specific enough to warrant as the main idea or thesis. The

other notions or too specific or too general. (C) though implied is never really stated

outright as a statement of policy (should or should not).

7) Which of the following BEST represents the effects of resistance to pesticides from atarget species?

A. Destruction of non-target speciesB. Rapid resurgence of species quantitatively XC. Genetic mutation of non-target speciesD. Ineffectiveness of alternative pesticidesCorrect Answer: B

All answers, except (C) are partially correct...such mutation is never discussed in relation to

"non-target" species, (D) is significant as is (A) but not in terms of the effects of resistance

from a target species, which clearly denotes (B) as the best choice option.

8) What can be inferred about the meaning of the term clich used in Paragraph 3, basedon contextual passage information?

A. The term equates to a general principle.B. The term expresses the notion a fabrication or falsehood.C. The term equates to a worn out phrase XD. The term expresses the notion of witty sayingCorrect Answer: C

(C) can be inferred to be correct, even in one does not understand the meaning of the term"cliche'" by filling in the blank method, to get an idea of context and appropriateness.

It was based on the staggeringly false ____________ that "the only good bug is a dead bug,"

A. "general principle" (not really....)

B. "fabrication or falsehood" (redundant) like saying "false false"

C. "worn out phrase" (correct)

D "witty saying" (incorrect)

9) Which of the following assertions, from passage information, BEST representsspeculation or conjecture?

A. The herbicide 2, 4, 5-T is apparently being withdrawn from the market for fear ofadverse effects on man and livestock during pregnancy.

B. Previously secondary pests or entirely innocuous species are commonly unleashed; thishas usually been due to disturbing effects on their natural enemies

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

7/23

C. Pest-control technology, through use of modern synthetic chemical pesticides, achieveda high degree of perfection in terms of control of insect pests for a time

D. When and if these unknown resistant insects erupt as agricultural pests, they willalready possess a significant resistance to pesticides. X

Correct Answer: D

All answers are statements of facts, that is they are true or false, based on the claim and

evidence supporting the claim. Speculation and conjecture usually assumes the form of

hypothetical examples or scenarios" marked by "Should this happen . . ." "Imagine theconsequences . . ." and in the correct answer (D) which states "When and if these . . ."

which qualifies it as the best choice option.

10) Which assertion below BEST represents the inferred line of reasoning in support of theauthors thesis?

A. Pest control and pesticide regulation is needed. XB. Control of technology is needed.C. Man is out of control with technological advancesD. Technological advances are simultaneously a blessing and a curseCorrect Answer: A

Negate 3 out of 4 Deduction type of Question

(B) (C) (D) can be deduced to be incorrect, on the basis that they are too general and

unfocused in relation to passage information, despite the generalities concerning

"technology" in the first and second paragraph, leaving the specific idea of (A) as the best

choice option.

11) According to contextual passage information, in Paragraph 3, the phrase no entanglingfeedback loops assumes which of the following?

I the environment is, actually, an open system

II technological effects chain out to other species

III environmental species are not interrelated

A. I & II XB. II & IIIC. I & IIID. III onlyCorrect Answer: A

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

8/23

An open system is based on the flow of mass and energy, as well as effects and

information between all the constituents of the system, such as an ecosystem. From the

passage information, we can deduce that III is incorrect, because genera and species areinter-related, (I) & (II) express this dynamism of a "feedback loop" -being the best

choice answer:

on the incomprehensible premise that each pest problem is a separate one

with noentangling feedback loops disturbing to crop-protection objectives.

12)Which of the following WOULD NOT be an ancillary problem associated with theuse of pesticides?

A. Destruction of the target species XB. Drainage of pesticides into lakes and riversC. Secondary pests being releasedD. Peripheral destruction of natural enemiesCorrect Answer: A

We must understand that "ancillary" means "secondary" "accompanying" or "peripheral"

not the "main" problem. Though significant in their own right, all (B) (C) & (D) would be

considered "ancillary" problems in relation to the "main" problem of (A)

Passage 3

For nearly two centuries (1066 -1272) after the Norman Conquest there is no history of theEnglish people. There is history enough of England, but it is the history of a foreign government.We may now feel pride in the strength of our conqueror or pretend claims to descent fromWilliam's companions. We may boast of the empire of Henry II and the prowess of Richard I,and we may celebrate the organized law and justice, the scholarship and the architecture, of theearly Plantagenet period; but these things were no more English than the government of India to-day is Hindu. With Waltheof and Hereward English names disappear from English history, fromthe roll of sovereigns, ministers, bishops, earls, and sheriffs; and their place is taken by namesbeginning with "fitz" and distinguished by "de." No William, Thomas, Henry, Geoffrey, Gilbert,John, Stephen, Richard, or Robert had played any part in Anglo-Saxon affairs, but they fill thepages of England's history from the days of Harold to those of Edward I. The English languagewent underground, and became the patois of peasants; the thin trickle of Anglo-Saxon literaturedried up, for there was no demand for Anglo- Saxon among an upper class which wrote Latinand spoke French. Foreigners ruled and owned the land, and "native" became synonymous with"serf."

Their common lot, however, gave birth to a common feeling. The Norman was more alien to theMercian than had been Northumbrian or West-Saxon, and rival tribes at last discovered a bond ofunity in the impartial rigour of their masters. The Norman, coming from outside and exemptfrom local prejudice, applied the same methods of government and exploitation to all parts ofEngland, just as Englishmen bring the same ideas to bear upon all parts of India; and in bothcases the steady pressure of a superimposed civilization tended to obliterate local and classdivisions. Unwittingly Norman and Angevin despotism made an English nation out of Anglo-

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

9/23

Saxon tribes, as English despotism has made a nation out of Irish septs, and will make anotherout of the hundred races and religions of our Indian empire. The more efficient a despotism, thesooner it makes itself impossible, and the greater the problems it stores up for the future, unless itcan divest itself of its despotic attributes and make common cause with the nation it has created.

The provision of this even-handed tyranny was the great contribution of the Normans to themaking of England. They had no written law of their own, but to secure themselves they had toenforce order upon their schismatic subjects; and they were able to enforce it because, as militaryexperts, they had no equals in that age. They could not have stood against a nation in arms; butthe increasing cost of equipment and the growth of poor and landless classes among the Anglo-Saxons had transferred the military business of the nation into the hands of large landowningspecialists; and the Anglo-Saxon warrior was no match for his Norman rival, either individuallyor collectively. His burh was inferior to the Norman castle, his shield and battle-axe to theweapons of the mailed and mounted knight; and he had none of the coherence that was forcedupon the conquerors by the iron hand of William and by their situation amid a hostile people.

The problem for William and his companions was how to organize this military superiority as ameans of orderly government, and this problem wore a twofold aspect. William had to controlhis barons, and his barons had to control their vassals. Their methods have been summed up inthe phrase, the "feudal system," which William is still popularly supposed to have introducedinto England. On the other hand, it has been humorously suggested that the feudal system wasreally introduced into England by Sir Henry Spelman, a seventeenth-century scholar. Others havemaintained that, so far from feudalism being introduced from Normandy into England, it wouldbe truer to say that feudalism was introduced from England into Normandy, and thence spreadthroughout France.

Adapted from The History of England: A Study in Political Evolution by A.F. Pollard

13)The BEST title for this passage could be inferred to be:A. The Dominance of the English before Establishment of a Political SystemB. Foreign Influences on the Development of English CultureC. The Developmental Origins of The Feudal System in England XD. Linguistic Influence in Pre-Monarchical EnglandCorrect Answer: C

Since all answers are partially correct, we must find a unilateral distinction, or the answerwhich is encompassing of the others, while none of the others are as encompassing, of which

(C) represents the best choice option. All discussions of (A) (B) and (C) culminate and are

pointed towards the idea of a "feudal system" in the last paragraph.

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

10/23

14)The author makes continual and one could infer, a contemporaneous (at that time)comparison with the English involvement in:

A. FranceB. GermanyC. IrelandD. India XCorrect Answer: D

This detail-oriented question can be inferred to be (D) after a close reading or re-scan, which

suggests that at the time of the writing, Great Britain was occupying India, in a political

and/or militaristic fashion.

15)One can infer from passage information, that the Despotism of foreign occupationresults in:

I obliteration of class divisions

II maintenance of the native language

III imposition of religious dogma

A. I only XB. I & IIC. II & IIID. I & III

Correct Answer: A

Only I can be inferred from passage information, II does not make sense...the "English" language

went underground, according to the passage, being equated with "serfs" and "peasants," while III

seems a likely effect, its relevance or imposition on English subjects is never mentioned, making

(A) I only the correct answer:

The Norman, coming from outside and exempt from local prejudice, applied the same methods ofgovernment and exploitation to all parts of England, just as Englishmen bring the same ideas to

bear upon all parts of India; and in both cases the steady pressure of a superimposed civilization

tended to obliterate local and class divisions.

16)In the 3rdparagraph, what is the implication of the phrase schismatic subjects?

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

11/23

A. Rival political systems were in place in EnglandB. Barons and vassals needed to be coordinated in armsC. The tribes or classes of England at the time were split apart XD. Subjects were marked by dualistic religious and political ideasCorrect Answer: C

The paragraph has to be viewed as the Norman imposition of power on the phrase in

question.

Only (C) can be inferred to be correct within this context - the Anglos and Saxons were

essentially split by tribal cultures, notions, and could not bear arms or might against the

advances of the Normans.

17)Which of the following assertions, according to passage information, is NOT true?Which is the exception?

A. The Norman Conquest came from French invaders.B. The English language was associated with Serfdom during this period.C. The Anglos and Saxons were tribes from EnglandD. The Feudal System started in Normandy XCorrect Answer: D

Only (D) can be considered fallacious, and this is the subject matter of the last paragraph.

The other statements (of fact) are true.

Passage 4

Definitions of critical thinking vary in breadth or inclusiveness. Broad definitions equate critical

thinking with the cognitive processes and strategies involved in decision making, problem

solving, or inquiry. According to Robert H. Ennis "Critical thinking is reflective and reasonable

thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do."

Limited definitions focus on evaluation or appraisal; critical thinking is formulation and use of

criteria to make warranted judgments about knowledge claims, normative statements, methods of

inquiry, policy decisions, alternative positions on public issues, or any other object of concern.

Critical thinking, defined narrowly, is an essential element of general cognitive processes, such

as problem solving or decision making, but is not synonymous with them. Critical thinking,

whether conceived broadly or narrowly, implies curiosity, skepticism, reflection, and rationality.

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

12/23

Critical thinkers have a propensity to raise and explore questions about beliefs, claims, evidence,

definitions, conclusions, and actions. The list of core critical thinking skills includes

observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and meta-cognition.

There is a reasonable level of consensus among experts that an individual or group engaged in

strong critical thinking gives due consideration to:

Evidence through observation

Contextsetting or environment, historical background

Relevant criteria for making the judgment well

Applicable methods or techniques for forming the judgment

Applicable theoretical constructs for understanding the problem and the

question at hand

In addition to possessing strong critical-thinking skills, one must be disposed to engage problems

and decisions using those skills. Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual

criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance,

and fairness.

In one sense, critical thinking has been described as the correct assessing of statements. It has

also been described popularly as "thinking about thinking." It has been described in a much more

comprehensive sense as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully

conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from,

or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to

belief and action"

More recently, critical thinking has been described as " the process of purposeful, self-regulatory

judgment, which uses reasoned consideration to evidence, context, conceptualizations, methods,

and criteria." Within the critical social theory philosophical frame, critical thinking is commonlyunderstood to involve commitment to the social and political practice of participatory

democracy, willingness to imagine or remain open to considering alternative perspectives,

willingness to integrate new or revised perspectives into our ways of thinking and acting, and

willingness to foster criticality in others.

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

13/23

In an article forThe Center of Skeptical Inquiry James Lett listed six rules, or tests, that a critical

thinker may utilize:

Falsifiabilityhas limited scope, is specific, not overgeneralized

Logicproceeds from a deduction

Comprehensivenessadequately covers what it purports to cover

Honestyis ethically and morally sound

Replicabilitycan be repeated in a study, or observation

Sufficiencyis quantitatively sound, there is enough data

Many proponents of critical thinking stop short of evaluating the most basic criteria, or values,

by which they make judgments. They understand the concept of critical thinking only within

conventional frames of reference of a society. A more profound view encourages appraisal of

frameworks or sets of criteria by which judgments are made. This deeper level of critical

thinking counteracts egocentric, ethnocentric, or doctrinaire judgments, which result when

thinkers fail to appraise fundamental assumptions or standards.

18)Within the passage, Critical Thinking has been defined a number of different ways.Which of the following CANNOT BE inferred to be a definition of Critical Thinking?

A.

The correct assessment of statementsB. Thinking focused on what to believe, decide or doC. General cognitive process of problem-solving and decision-makingD. Focusing on how we know what we know XCorrect Answer: D

Although (D) is related --it is more of a philosophical question, more suitable to the sub-

discipline in philosophy known as "Epistemology" Notice that the other answers (A) (B) &

(C) are directed towards assessments, evaluations, or problem-solving in general.

19)Critical Thinking, in a broader, more profound, sense focuses on:A. Criteria for evaluation or judgment XB. Reflections involving the applications of methodologyC. Rationality in decision-makingD. Focused efforts towards social consensus

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

14/23

Correct Answer: A

(B) is a technical, theoretical issue involving proper methods of research, et.al. (C)

rationality in decision-making, is usually viewed as critical thinking in the narrower sense,

(D) focused efforts towards social consensus, concerns persuasion, support coalitions,

campaigns, etc....the passage information makes it quite clear that (A) is considered criticalthinking, in the broader sense of the term.

20) Based on passage information, which of the following is the BEST definition ofmetacognition?

A. Thinking metaphysicallyB. Thinking metaphoricallyC. Thinking about thinking XD.

Thinking beyond thinking

Correct Answer: C

(A) & (B) share the same Latin or Greek root (etymology) but neither of these terms can be

inferred to be the definition of meta-cognition, leaving (C) which is what the passage is

generally about & (D) thinking beyond thinking - which in a sense, is an impossibility,

making (C) the best choice option answer.

21)The core critical thinking skills in the 3rd paragraph differ from Letts rules orobservations in which of the following ways?

I the first is a relatively macro approach (general appraisal), while the second is relatively

a micro (focused and specific) approach.

II both refer to context, setting, and/or environment

III only Letts rules can be inferred to include the logic of deduction

A. I, II, & IIIB. II & IIIC. I & IIID. I only XCorrect Answer: D

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

15/23

Only (I) (D) can be inferred to be true based on passage information. As a detail-oriented

question this can be deduced from a close reading or re-scan of both lists of skills or

criterion.

22)The BEST title for this passage could be inferred to be:A. Meta Metacognition: Critical ThinkingB. The Narrow and Broad Definitions of Critical ThinkingC. Critical Thinking and Its ApplicationD. An Overview of Critical Thinking Skills XCorrect Answer: D

(A) is too over the top....thinking about thinking about thinking? too much here to qualify as

the Best title, (B) is too specific, and not inclusive of the other material within the

passage,(C) is incorrect, there is really no application of the notions within the passage,

leaving the most inclusive and correct answer (D).

23) How would a "deeper level of critical thinking (NOT) counteract egocentric,

ethnocentric, or doctrinaire judgments?" Which is the exception?

A. Uncritical judgments concerning a policy or statement may be self-serving

B. Implicit assumptions or standards may be hasty or illogical

C. Criteria for evaluating policies or judgments usually do not carry cultural biases X

D. Unstated leaps between claims and evidence may carry fallacious claims

Correct Answer: C

Similar pair options type of question

All(A),(B) & (D) would help identify any of the biased tendencies carried with the question,

only (C) would NOT counteract such tendencies, because the assumption is already made

that criteria for evaluation do not carry such tendencies.

Passage 5-New Passage Excerpts

What is a musical note? This is one of the deceptively simple questions asked and answered by

John Powell in his fascinating book, How Music Works. Its an easy question, you mightthink. A musical note, as created by a musical instrument or ones voice, is determined by the

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

16/23

frequency of the sound waves produced. Wrong, that would be the notes pitch. Well, one cansurely form a note by simultaneously depressing several related piano keys. Nope, thats not anote; thats a chord. A note, the basic building block of all music, is a repeating pattern of soundwaves (which distinguishes it from the chaotic sound waves of nonmusical noises). It consists,Powell says, of four things: a loudness, a duration, a timbre, and a pitch.

Starting with the four properties of a note, the author, who is both physicist and musician, uses

easy-to-follow, conversational language to lead the reader into the science of music. He explains

every common musical term, from key to bar to scale. He differentiates a concerto from asonata and shows how composers use chords to create harmonies. He brings his explanations to

life with a wide range of examples. For instance, a certain type of chord called an arpeggio is

found in Hotel California by the Eagles, while a complex harmony called counterpoint wasused by Bach in his concertos.

After explaining the meaning of musical terms, Powell then interprets those strange-lookingsymbols found in a piece of sheet music. It is amazing that after a few hours of Powellsexplanations, a musical novice (like me) can begin to read music, which is written in a language

that is as foreign to most of us as Sanskrit. And for those who would like to use their newly

acquired musical education to make their own music, Powell offers advice on how to choose an

appropriate first instrument. Violins are too hard; pianos are easier.

For those who approach music more passively, Powell provides a chapter on how and where tolisten to music. Instead of spending $75,000 on a special listening room, he advises us to

install our equipment in a normal room, then move the speakers around to get the best sound. Healso answers a question that is being passionately debated by audiophiles all over the world:Are vinyl records better than CDs? The answer, he says, is no. Those favoring vinyl arevictims of technology nostalgia.

Jeanne, I could expand on this another 100 words, or I have a passage on Avian Flu, H5N1andfears of bio-warfare because of experiments in the Netherlands. This one is rough though, pulledfrom many different sources, and still needs to be pieced together in a coherent form. Let me

know.

24)

25)

26)

27)

28)

Passage 6

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

17/23

String Theory was proposed to try to reconcile quantum mechanics and particle theory.

Relativistic quantum field theory has worked very well to describe the observed behaviors and

properties of elementary particles. But the theory itself only works well when gravity is so weak

that it can be neglected. Particle theory only works when we pretend gravity doesn't exist.

General relativity has yielded a wealth of insight into the Universe, the orbits of planets, the

evolution of stars and galaxies, the Big Bang and recently observed black holes and gravitational

lenses. However, the theory itself only works when we pretend that the Universe is purely

classical and that quantum mechanics is not needed in our description of Nature.

Originally, string theory was proposed as an explanation for the observed relationship between

mass and spin for certain particles called hadrons, which include the proton and neutron. Things

didn't work out, though, and Quantum Chromodynamics eventually proved a better theory for

hadrons. But particles in string theory arise as excitations of the string, and included in the

excitations of a string in string theory is a particle with zero mass and two units of spin. If there

were a good quantum theory of gravity, then the particle that would carry the gravitational force

would have zero mass and two units of spin. This has been known by theoretical physicists for a

long time. This theorized particle is called the graviton.

One can add a graviton to quantum field theory by hand, but the calculations that are supposed to

describe Nature become useless. This is because particle interactions occur at a single point of

space time, at zero distance between the interacting particles. For gravitons, the mathematics

behaves so badly at zero distance that the answers just don't make sense. In string theory, the

strings collide over a small but finite distance, and the answers do make sense. This doesn't mean

that string theory is not without its deficiencies. But the zero distance behavior is such that we

can combine quantum mechanics and gravity, and we can talk sensibly about a string excitation

that carries the gravitational force.

Think of a guitar string that has been tuned by stretching the string under tension across the

guitar. Depending on how the string is plucked and how much tension is in the string, different

musical notes will be created by the string. These musical notes could be said to be excitation

modes of that guitar string under tension. In a similar manner, in string theory, the elementary

particles we observe in particle accelerators could be thought of as the "musical notes" or

excitation modes of elementary strings. In string theory, as in guitar playing, the string must be

stretched under tension in order to become excited. However, the strings in string theory are

floating in space-time, they aren't tied down to a guitar. Nonetheless, they have tension. The

string tension in string theory is denoted by the quantity 1/(2 p a'), where a' is pronounced "alpha

prime" and is equal to the square of the string length scale.

If string theory is to be a theory of quantum gravity, then the average size of a string should be

somewhere near the length scale of quantum gravity, called the Planck length, which is about 10-

33 centimeters, or about a millionth of a billionth of a billionth of a billionth of a centimeter.

Unfortunately, this means that strings are way too small to see by current or expected particle

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

18/23

physics technology and so string theorists must devise more clever methods to test the theory

than just looking for little strings in particle experiments.

The assessments must include whether or not the particle spectrum includes fermions. In order to

include fermions in string theory, there must be a special kind of symmetry called

supersymmetry, which means for every boson (particle that transmits a force) there is acorresponding fermion (particle that makes up matter). So supersymmetry relates the particles

that transmit forces to the particles that make up matter, though never directly observable thus

far.

29)The main idea or thesis of the passage is:A. String theoryan augmentation of quantum mechanicsB. Particle physics and an exploration of the implications of string theoryC.

A general overview of string theory in relation to theoretical physics XD. String theoryfrom the graviton to supersymmetry

Correct Answer: C

Since both quantum mechanics and particle physics are considered to be theoretical physics

(C) represents the best choice answer, because the passage focuses on how string theory

provides a general overview and a connection between the two. (A) & (B) only reflect one of

the two, while (D) is too specific on aspects of String theory in general.

30)According to passage information, which of the following describes the properties of agraviton?

I have a corresponding fermion and boson

II has zero mass and two units of spin

III are mathematically verifiable

A. IB. I & IIC. II only XD. II & IIICorrect Answer: C

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

19/23

Only II or (C) describes the properties of the graviton, which can be affirmed by a close

reading or re-scan. String theory itself is unobservable, its main weakness, ruling out III,

Fermions and bosons are associated with supersymmetry.

31)It can be inferred from passage information, that at the basic core of discussions of Stringtheory is:

A. The hadron, made up of a proton and neutronB. The properties and degree of gravity XC. Supersymmetry between boson and fermionD. Classical thermodynamic notions of energy and volumeCorrect Answer: B

At the very basis of discussion, gravity must be considered primary; all the other notions are

related, to a certain extent, but not at the core, as asked in the question.

32) Based on passage information, which of the following assertions, in relation to String

Theory is false? Which is the exception?

A. All types of strings are closed loops XB. String Theory attempts to philosophically verify gravitational spinC. All types of strings roughly correspond to the size of Planck lengthD. The string tension is equal to the square root of the string lengthCorrect Answer: A

All are true except (A) it does not state this in the passage, but:

String theories are classified according to whether or not the strings are required to be

closed loops

33)What is the major theoretical drawback of the notions proposed by String Theory?A. The graviton lacks explanatory power for gravitational spinB. Supersymmetry is too specific, therefore considered a hasty generalizationC. Strings cannot be empirically quantified, nor observed in experiment XD. Classical Physics and Quantum Mechanics really cannot be reconciled on a scientific

basis

Correct Answer: C

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

20/23

Clearly (C) is the best answer. Strings are only theoretical. They cannot be observed.

Passage 7

I believe that the use of noise to make music will continue and increase until we reach a musicproduced through the aid of electrical instruments which will make available for musical

purposes any and all sounds that can be heard.

John Cage The Future of Music: Credo

Noise music is a term used to describe varieties of avant-garde music and sound art that may use

elements such as cacophony, dissonance, atonality, noise, indeterminacy, and repetition in their

realization. Noise music can feature distortion, various types of acoustically or electronicallygenerated noise, randomly produced electronic signals, and non-traditional musical instruments.Noise music may also incorporate manipulated recordings, static, hiss and hum, feedback, live

machine sounds, custom noise software, circuit bent instruments, and non-musical vocal

elements that push noise towards the ecstatic.

The Futurist art movement was important for the development of the noise aesthetic, as was theDada art movement (a prime example being the Antisymphony concert performed on April 30,

1919 in Berlin),and later the Surrealist andFluxus art movements, specifically the Fluxus artists

of the 60s and 70s which included noise experimenters such as Joe Jones and Yoko Ono

Contemporary noise music is often associated with extreme volume and distortion, particularlyin the popular music domain with examples such as Jimi Hendrix's use of feedback, Sonic Youthand Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music. However, many noise musicians are keenly aware of

dynamics and build them into their pieces. Genres such as industrial, industrial techno, lo-fi

music, black metal and glitch music employ noise-based materials.

Various definitions of noise music shift over time. Ben Watson, in his articleNoise as

Permanent Revolution, points out that Ludwig van Beethovens Grosse Fuge(1825) soundedlike noise to his audience at the time. Indeed, Beethovens publishers persuaded him to removeit from its original setting as the last movement of a string quartet. He did so, replacing it with a

sparkling Allegro. They subsequently published it separately.

In defining noise music and its value, Paul Hegarty (2007) cites the work of noted cultural criticsJean Baudrillard, Georges Bataille and Theodor Adorno and through their work traces the historyof "noise". He defines noise at different times as "intrusive, unwanted," "lacking skill, not being

appropriate" and "a threatening emptiness". He traces these trends starting with 18th century

concert hall music. Hegarty contends that it is John Cage's composition 4'33", in which anaudience sits through four and a half minutes of "silence" (Cage 1973), that represents the

beginning of noise music proper. For Hegarty, "noise music", as with 4'33", is that music made

up of incidental sounds that represent perfectly the tension between "desirable" sound (properly

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cage

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

21/23

played musical notes) and undesirable "noise" that make up all noise music from Erik Satie to

NON to Glenn Branca. Writer Douglas Kahn, in his workNoise, Water, Meat: A History ofSound in the Arts (1999), discusses the use of noise as a medium and explores the ideas of

Antonin Artaud, George Brecht, William Burroughs, Sergei Eisenstein, et. al.

In Noise: The Political Economy of Music (1985), Jacques Attali explores the relationshipbetween noise music and the future of society. He indicates that noise in music is a predictor of

social change and demonstrates how noise acts as the subconscious of societyvalidating andtesting new social and political realities.

In common use, the word noise means unwanted sound or noise pollution. In electronics noisecan refer to the electronic signal corresponding to acoustic noise (in an audio system) or the

electronic signal corresponding to the (visual) noise commonly seen as 'snow' on a degraded

television or video image. In signal processing or computing it can be considered data without

meaning; that is, data that is not being used to transmit a signal, but is simply produced as anunwanted by-product of other activities. Noise can block, distort, or change the meaning of a

message in both human and electronic communication. White noise is a random signal (or

process) with a flat power spectral density. In other words, the signal contains equal powerwithin a fixed bandwidth at any center frequency. White noise is considered analogous to white

light which contains all frequencies. Oddly enough, for Michel Serres (1982) The Parasite,noise factors in as the beginning of order or novelty. One can certainly view aesthetic

movements as introductions of dissonance within established orders, from this perspective. Suchas the introduction of noise and dissonance in rock and roll music, with the use of various

gadgetry, such as stomp boxes, echoes, distortion pedals, and other variations of the noise motif.

34) It can be inferred from passage information that Noise at its basic level is:

A. FluctuationB. Disorder XC. ChangeD. DistortionCorrect Answer: B

Unilateral Distinction type of questionwhich term encompasses all the others, yet none ofthe others can encompass it.

(B) is the obvious choice here it is pretty much inclusive of the other answers except (C)

change, which can be deduced to be incorrect.

35) There are many critics discussed within the passage. Each has a particular view of noise.

Which of the following is NOT representative of passage detail?

A. Serres views noise as the beginning of orderB. Attali explores noise as a predictor of social values

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

22/23

C. Kahn explores noise as a mediumD. Watson views noise as intrusive, unwanted. XCorrect Answer: D

This detail-oriented question can be deduced to be (D) after close reading or a re-scan, All

are representative except Watson who is considered in the passage in regard to "Beethoven's"noisy composition.

36) Hegartys claims of noise music starting with John Cages composition 4 33 (roughly 4and half minutes of silence) could be criticized for:

A. Being too generalhasty and overarchingB. Being telescopicfits his theory XC. Being too selectivethe example is obviousD. Being too specificnot enough range or examplesCorrect Answer: B

(B) is the correct answer in this question, the example fits his theory, while others using noise

in music at the same time, are excluded to the benefit of someone being a semi-famous"composer and pianist" --because of this - the example smacks of elitism....there were many

popular examples way before Cage...

37) Implicit within the passage argument, is the idea that noise in music is:

A. Subjectively Received XB. Objectively RecordedC. Intentionally ComposedD. Randomly DistributedCorrect Answer: A

While (C) and (D) are true, they are hardly implicit...they are mentioned explicitly in the

passage information. (B) is kind a wrong sort of notion, "objectively" created, only to

provide a juxtaposition - counter to (A) the correct choice. We can infer that implicitly what

constitutes "noise" for one can be "harmony" for another. Electronic Music, Rock and Roll

are all examples of this line of reasoning.

38) Following the same line of argument indicated in the above question, one could further infer

that:

A. The divisions between music and noise are measurableB. Music and Noise constitute a spectrum of meaningC. What constitutes the meaning of Music is socially constructed XD. Musical tonality is entirely random

7/27/2019 RV - VR 10

23/23

Correct Answer: C

If the idea of music is subjectively received and meaning is attached, we must logicallydeduce that (C) what constitutes the meaning of music is socially constructed. The other

answers are created distractions.

39) If one follows the argument one step further, from the question directly above, one could

make the assertion that:

A. The aesthetics of music is created symbolically XB. The aesthetics of music is non-referentialC. The aesthetics of music is meaninglessD. The aesthetics of music is entirely quantifiableCorrect Answer: A

This line of reasoning extends one step further, yet arguable, contentious in its own right,would deduce that (A) the aesthetics of music is created symbolically....A social construction

infers the use of symbol making and common usage.

40) Which artist or musician represented below transformed the noise of feedback into musical

harmony inferred from passage information?

A. Yoko OnoB. Jimi Hendrix XC. Lou ReedD. Beethoven

Correct Answer: B

This detail-oriented question can be affirmed to be (B) Jimi Hendrix after a close reading or

passage re-scan.