GMAT Reading Comprehension Sample Questions PDF Download

 Page 1


 1
GMAT READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS 
Instruction: This file contains 285 sample questions on GMAT Reading Comprehension 
and explanations for 24 of them. For answers with complete explanations to other 261 
questions, please order the Complete GMAT Prep Course which includes Verbal Study 
Guide, Essay Prep Course, and Math Review.   
  
READING COMPREHENSION 
Passage 1 
           Caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, has been called  
       "the most widely used psychoactive substance on Earth ." 
       Synder, Daly and Bruns have recently proposed that  
       caffeine affects behavior by countering the activity in  
(5)    the human brain of a naturally occurring chemical called  
       adenosine. Adenosine normally depresses neuron firing  
       in many areas of the brain. It apparently does this by  
       inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals  
       that carry nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. 
(10)     Like many other agents that affect neuron firing, 
adenosine must first bind to specific receptors on  
neuronal membranes. There are at least two classes  
of these receptors, which have been designated A1 and  
A2. Snyder et al propose that caffeine, which is struc- 
(15)  turally similar to adenosine, is able to bind to both types  
of receptors, which prevents adenosine from attaching  
there and allows the neurons to fire more readily than  
they otherwise would. 
   For many years, caffeine's effects have been attri- 
(20)  buted to its inhibition of the production of phosphodi- 
esterase, an enzyme that breaks down the chemical  
called cyclic AMP.A number of neurotransmitters exert  
their effects by first increasing cyclic AMP concentra- 
tions in target neurons. Therefore, prolonged periods at  
(25)  the elevated concentrations, as might be brought about  
by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could lead to a greater  
amount of neuron firing and, consequently, to behav- 
ioral stimulation. But Snyder et al point out that the  
caffeine concentrations needed to inhibit the production  
(30)  of phosphodiesterase in the brain are much higher than  
those that produce stimulation. Moreover, other com- 
pounds that block phosphodiesterase's activity are not  
stimulants. 
  To buttress their case that caffeine acts instead by pre- 
(35)  venting adenosine binding, Snyder et al compared the  
stimulatory effects of a series of caffeine derivatives with  
their ability to dislodge adenosine from its receptors in  
Page 2


 1
GMAT READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS 
Instruction: This file contains 285 sample questions on GMAT Reading Comprehension 
and explanations for 24 of them. For answers with complete explanations to other 261 
questions, please order the Complete GMAT Prep Course which includes Verbal Study 
Guide, Essay Prep Course, and Math Review.   
  
READING COMPREHENSION 
Passage 1 
           Caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, has been called  
       "the most widely used psychoactive substance on Earth ." 
       Synder, Daly and Bruns have recently proposed that  
       caffeine affects behavior by countering the activity in  
(5)    the human brain of a naturally occurring chemical called  
       adenosine. Adenosine normally depresses neuron firing  
       in many areas of the brain. It apparently does this by  
       inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals  
       that carry nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. 
(10)     Like many other agents that affect neuron firing, 
adenosine must first bind to specific receptors on  
neuronal membranes. There are at least two classes  
of these receptors, which have been designated A1 and  
A2. Snyder et al propose that caffeine, which is struc- 
(15)  turally similar to adenosine, is able to bind to both types  
of receptors, which prevents adenosine from attaching  
there and allows the neurons to fire more readily than  
they otherwise would. 
   For many years, caffeine's effects have been attri- 
(20)  buted to its inhibition of the production of phosphodi- 
esterase, an enzyme that breaks down the chemical  
called cyclic AMP.A number of neurotransmitters exert  
their effects by first increasing cyclic AMP concentra- 
tions in target neurons. Therefore, prolonged periods at  
(25)  the elevated concentrations, as might be brought about  
by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could lead to a greater  
amount of neuron firing and, consequently, to behav- 
ioral stimulation. But Snyder et al point out that the  
caffeine concentrations needed to inhibit the production  
(30)  of phosphodiesterase in the brain are much higher than  
those that produce stimulation. Moreover, other com- 
pounds that block phosphodiesterase's activity are not  
stimulants. 
  To buttress their case that caffeine acts instead by pre- 
(35)  venting adenosine binding, Snyder et al compared the  
stimulatory effects of a series of caffeine derivatives with  
their ability to dislodge adenosine from its receptors in  
 2
the brains of mice. "In general," they reported, "the  
ability of the compounds to compete at the receptors  
(40) correlates with their ability to stimulate locomotion in  
       the mouse; i.e., the higher their capacity to bind at the  
  receptors, the higher their ability to stimulate locomo- 
  tion." Theophylline, a close structural relative of caffeine  
  and the major stimulant in tea, was one of the most  
(45)  effective compounds in both regards. 
           There were some apparent exceptions to the general  
  correlation observed between adenosine-receptor binding 
  and stimulation. One of these was a compound called  
        3-isobuty1-1-methylxanthine(IBMX), which bound very  
(50)  well but actually depressed mouse locomotion. Snyder  
  et al suggest that this is not a major stumbling block to  
  their hypothesis. The problem is that the compound has  
  mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with  
  psychoactive drugs. Even caffeine, which is generally  
 (55) known only for its stimulatory effects, displays this  
  property, depressing mouse locomotion at very low   
  concentrations and stimulating it at higher ones. 
  
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to  
(A)     discuss a plan for investigation of a phenomenon that is not yet fully understood  
(B)     present two explanations of a phenomenon and reconcile the differences between them 
(C)     summarize two theories and suggest a third theory that overcomes the problems 
encountered in the first two   
(D)    describe an alternative hypothesis and provide evidence and arguments that support it  
(E)     challenge the validity of a theory by exposing the inconsistencies and contradictions in 
it   
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. This question requires you to identify the primary concern of the passage 
as a whole. The first paragraph presents a recent hypothesis about how caffeine affects 
behavior. The second paragraph describes an earlier and widely accepted hypothesis about 
how caffeine affects behavior, and then presents evidence that is not consistent with that 
hypothesis. The third and fourth paragraphs return to the newer hypothesis introduced in the 
first paragraph and provide "evidence and arguments" that support this alternative hypothesis. 
  
2. According so Snyder et al, caffeine differs from   adenosine in that caffeine 
(A)    stimulates behavior in the mouse and in humans, whereas adenosine stimulates 
behavior in humans only  
(B)    has mixed effects in the brain, whereas adenosine has only a stimulatory effect  
(C)    increases cyclic AMP concentrations in target neurons, whereas adenosine 
decreases such concentrations 
Page 3


 1
GMAT READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS 
Instruction: This file contains 285 sample questions on GMAT Reading Comprehension 
and explanations for 24 of them. For answers with complete explanations to other 261 
questions, please order the Complete GMAT Prep Course which includes Verbal Study 
Guide, Essay Prep Course, and Math Review.   
  
READING COMPREHENSION 
Passage 1 
           Caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, has been called  
       "the most widely used psychoactive substance on Earth ." 
       Synder, Daly and Bruns have recently proposed that  
       caffeine affects behavior by countering the activity in  
(5)    the human brain of a naturally occurring chemical called  
       adenosine. Adenosine normally depresses neuron firing  
       in many areas of the brain. It apparently does this by  
       inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals  
       that carry nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. 
(10)     Like many other agents that affect neuron firing, 
adenosine must first bind to specific receptors on  
neuronal membranes. There are at least two classes  
of these receptors, which have been designated A1 and  
A2. Snyder et al propose that caffeine, which is struc- 
(15)  turally similar to adenosine, is able to bind to both types  
of receptors, which prevents adenosine from attaching  
there and allows the neurons to fire more readily than  
they otherwise would. 
   For many years, caffeine's effects have been attri- 
(20)  buted to its inhibition of the production of phosphodi- 
esterase, an enzyme that breaks down the chemical  
called cyclic AMP.A number of neurotransmitters exert  
their effects by first increasing cyclic AMP concentra- 
tions in target neurons. Therefore, prolonged periods at  
(25)  the elevated concentrations, as might be brought about  
by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could lead to a greater  
amount of neuron firing and, consequently, to behav- 
ioral stimulation. But Snyder et al point out that the  
caffeine concentrations needed to inhibit the production  
(30)  of phosphodiesterase in the brain are much higher than  
those that produce stimulation. Moreover, other com- 
pounds that block phosphodiesterase's activity are not  
stimulants. 
  To buttress their case that caffeine acts instead by pre- 
(35)  venting adenosine binding, Snyder et al compared the  
stimulatory effects of a series of caffeine derivatives with  
their ability to dislodge adenosine from its receptors in  
 2
the brains of mice. "In general," they reported, "the  
ability of the compounds to compete at the receptors  
(40) correlates with their ability to stimulate locomotion in  
       the mouse; i.e., the higher their capacity to bind at the  
  receptors, the higher their ability to stimulate locomo- 
  tion." Theophylline, a close structural relative of caffeine  
  and the major stimulant in tea, was one of the most  
(45)  effective compounds in both regards. 
           There were some apparent exceptions to the general  
  correlation observed between adenosine-receptor binding 
  and stimulation. One of these was a compound called  
        3-isobuty1-1-methylxanthine(IBMX), which bound very  
(50)  well but actually depressed mouse locomotion. Snyder  
  et al suggest that this is not a major stumbling block to  
  their hypothesis. The problem is that the compound has  
  mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with  
  psychoactive drugs. Even caffeine, which is generally  
 (55) known only for its stimulatory effects, displays this  
  property, depressing mouse locomotion at very low   
  concentrations and stimulating it at higher ones. 
  
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to  
(A)     discuss a plan for investigation of a phenomenon that is not yet fully understood  
(B)     present two explanations of a phenomenon and reconcile the differences between them 
(C)     summarize two theories and suggest a third theory that overcomes the problems 
encountered in the first two   
(D)    describe an alternative hypothesis and provide evidence and arguments that support it  
(E)     challenge the validity of a theory by exposing the inconsistencies and contradictions in 
it   
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. This question requires you to identify the primary concern of the passage 
as a whole. The first paragraph presents a recent hypothesis about how caffeine affects 
behavior. The second paragraph describes an earlier and widely accepted hypothesis about 
how caffeine affects behavior, and then presents evidence that is not consistent with that 
hypothesis. The third and fourth paragraphs return to the newer hypothesis introduced in the 
first paragraph and provide "evidence and arguments" that support this alternative hypothesis. 
  
2. According so Snyder et al, caffeine differs from   adenosine in that caffeine 
(A)    stimulates behavior in the mouse and in humans, whereas adenosine stimulates 
behavior in humans only  
(B)    has mixed effects in the brain, whereas adenosine has only a stimulatory effect  
(C)    increases cyclic AMP concentrations in target neurons, whereas adenosine 
decreases such concentrations 
 3
(D)   permits release of neurotransmitters when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas 
adenosine inhibits such release  
(E)    inhibits both neuron firing and the production of phosphodiesterase when there is a 
sufficient concentration in the brain, whereas adenosine inhibits only neuron firing  
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. 
Lines 11-23 state that adenosine "depresses neuron firing" by binding to specific receptors on 
neuronal membranes, which in turn inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. Lines 27-35 
describe Snyder et al's hypothesis about caffeine. They propose that caffeine binds to specific 
receptors on neuronal membranes, which prevents adenosine from binding to those receptors 
and "allows the neurons to fire more readily that they otherwise would". Therefore, according 
to Snyder et al, caffeine differs from adenosine in that caffeine permits neurotransmitter 
release when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas adenosine inhibits neruotransmitter 
release. 
  
3. In response to experimental results concerning IBMX, Snyder et al contended that it is not 
uncommon for psychoactive drugs to have  
(A)     mixed effects in the brain  
(B)     inhibitory effects on enzymes in the brain  
(C)     close structural relationships with caffeine 
(D)    depressive effects on mouse locomotion 
(E)     the ability to dislodge caffeine from receptors in the brain 
  
Answer with explanation:  
A is the best answer. The effects of IBMX are discussed in the last paragraph of the passage. 
IBMX apparently binds to adenosine-specific receptors on neuronal membranes, but, in 
contrast to the other caffeine derivatives that Snyder et al experimented with, IBMX depresses 
rather than stimulates mouse locomotion. Snyder et al respond to this experimental result by 
stating that IBMX has "mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with psychoactive 
drugs"(line 104-107) 
  
4. According to Snyder et al, all of the following compounds can bind to specific receptors in 
the brain EXCEPT 
(A)     IBMX  
(B)     caffeine 
(C)     adenosine 
(D)    theophylline 
(E)     phosphodiesterase  
  
Answer with explanation:  
E is the best answer. This question asks you to identify which compound, according to Snyder 
et al, does NOT bind to specific receptors in the brain. Phosphodiesterase, identified as an 
"enzyme that breaks down the chemical called cyclic AMP"(lines 40-42), is the only compound 
that is not identified as one that binds to specific receptors in the brain.  
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 1
GMAT READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS 
Instruction: This file contains 285 sample questions on GMAT Reading Comprehension 
and explanations for 24 of them. For answers with complete explanations to other 261 
questions, please order the Complete GMAT Prep Course which includes Verbal Study 
Guide, Essay Prep Course, and Math Review.   
  
READING COMPREHENSION 
Passage 1 
           Caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, has been called  
       "the most widely used psychoactive substance on Earth ." 
       Synder, Daly and Bruns have recently proposed that  
       caffeine affects behavior by countering the activity in  
(5)    the human brain of a naturally occurring chemical called  
       adenosine. Adenosine normally depresses neuron firing  
       in many areas of the brain. It apparently does this by  
       inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals  
       that carry nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. 
(10)     Like many other agents that affect neuron firing, 
adenosine must first bind to specific receptors on  
neuronal membranes. There are at least two classes  
of these receptors, which have been designated A1 and  
A2. Snyder et al propose that caffeine, which is struc- 
(15)  turally similar to adenosine, is able to bind to both types  
of receptors, which prevents adenosine from attaching  
there and allows the neurons to fire more readily than  
they otherwise would. 
   For many years, caffeine's effects have been attri- 
(20)  buted to its inhibition of the production of phosphodi- 
esterase, an enzyme that breaks down the chemical  
called cyclic AMP.A number of neurotransmitters exert  
their effects by first increasing cyclic AMP concentra- 
tions in target neurons. Therefore, prolonged periods at  
(25)  the elevated concentrations, as might be brought about  
by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could lead to a greater  
amount of neuron firing and, consequently, to behav- 
ioral stimulation. But Snyder et al point out that the  
caffeine concentrations needed to inhibit the production  
(30)  of phosphodiesterase in the brain are much higher than  
those that produce stimulation. Moreover, other com- 
pounds that block phosphodiesterase's activity are not  
stimulants. 
  To buttress their case that caffeine acts instead by pre- 
(35)  venting adenosine binding, Snyder et al compared the  
stimulatory effects of a series of caffeine derivatives with  
their ability to dislodge adenosine from its receptors in  
 2
the brains of mice. "In general," they reported, "the  
ability of the compounds to compete at the receptors  
(40) correlates with their ability to stimulate locomotion in  
       the mouse; i.e., the higher their capacity to bind at the  
  receptors, the higher their ability to stimulate locomo- 
  tion." Theophylline, a close structural relative of caffeine  
  and the major stimulant in tea, was one of the most  
(45)  effective compounds in both regards. 
           There were some apparent exceptions to the general  
  correlation observed between adenosine-receptor binding 
  and stimulation. One of these was a compound called  
        3-isobuty1-1-methylxanthine(IBMX), which bound very  
(50)  well but actually depressed mouse locomotion. Snyder  
  et al suggest that this is not a major stumbling block to  
  their hypothesis. The problem is that the compound has  
  mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with  
  psychoactive drugs. Even caffeine, which is generally  
 (55) known only for its stimulatory effects, displays this  
  property, depressing mouse locomotion at very low   
  concentrations and stimulating it at higher ones. 
  
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to  
(A)     discuss a plan for investigation of a phenomenon that is not yet fully understood  
(B)     present two explanations of a phenomenon and reconcile the differences between them 
(C)     summarize two theories and suggest a third theory that overcomes the problems 
encountered in the first two   
(D)    describe an alternative hypothesis and provide evidence and arguments that support it  
(E)     challenge the validity of a theory by exposing the inconsistencies and contradictions in 
it   
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. This question requires you to identify the primary concern of the passage 
as a whole. The first paragraph presents a recent hypothesis about how caffeine affects 
behavior. The second paragraph describes an earlier and widely accepted hypothesis about 
how caffeine affects behavior, and then presents evidence that is not consistent with that 
hypothesis. The third and fourth paragraphs return to the newer hypothesis introduced in the 
first paragraph and provide "evidence and arguments" that support this alternative hypothesis. 
  
2. According so Snyder et al, caffeine differs from   adenosine in that caffeine 
(A)    stimulates behavior in the mouse and in humans, whereas adenosine stimulates 
behavior in humans only  
(B)    has mixed effects in the brain, whereas adenosine has only a stimulatory effect  
(C)    increases cyclic AMP concentrations in target neurons, whereas adenosine 
decreases such concentrations 
 3
(D)   permits release of neurotransmitters when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas 
adenosine inhibits such release  
(E)    inhibits both neuron firing and the production of phosphodiesterase when there is a 
sufficient concentration in the brain, whereas adenosine inhibits only neuron firing  
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. 
Lines 11-23 state that adenosine "depresses neuron firing" by binding to specific receptors on 
neuronal membranes, which in turn inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. Lines 27-35 
describe Snyder et al's hypothesis about caffeine. They propose that caffeine binds to specific 
receptors on neuronal membranes, which prevents adenosine from binding to those receptors 
and "allows the neurons to fire more readily that they otherwise would". Therefore, according 
to Snyder et al, caffeine differs from adenosine in that caffeine permits neurotransmitter 
release when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas adenosine inhibits neruotransmitter 
release. 
  
3. In response to experimental results concerning IBMX, Snyder et al contended that it is not 
uncommon for psychoactive drugs to have  
(A)     mixed effects in the brain  
(B)     inhibitory effects on enzymes in the brain  
(C)     close structural relationships with caffeine 
(D)    depressive effects on mouse locomotion 
(E)     the ability to dislodge caffeine from receptors in the brain 
  
Answer with explanation:  
A is the best answer. The effects of IBMX are discussed in the last paragraph of the passage. 
IBMX apparently binds to adenosine-specific receptors on neuronal membranes, but, in 
contrast to the other caffeine derivatives that Snyder et al experimented with, IBMX depresses 
rather than stimulates mouse locomotion. Snyder et al respond to this experimental result by 
stating that IBMX has "mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with psychoactive 
drugs"(line 104-107) 
  
4. According to Snyder et al, all of the following compounds can bind to specific receptors in 
the brain EXCEPT 
(A)     IBMX  
(B)     caffeine 
(C)     adenosine 
(D)    theophylline 
(E)     phosphodiesterase  
  
Answer with explanation:  
E is the best answer. This question asks you to identify which compound, according to Snyder 
et al, does NOT bind to specific receptors in the brain. Phosphodiesterase, identified as an 
"enzyme that breaks down the chemical called cyclic AMP"(lines 40-42), is the only compound 
that is not identified as one that binds to specific receptors in the brain.  
 4
  
5. Snyder et al suggest that caffeine's ability to bind to A1 and A2 receptors can be at least 
partially attributed to which of the following? 
(A)     The chemical relationship between caffeine and phosphodiesterase  
(B)     The structural relationship between caffeine and adenosine  
(C)     The structural similarity between caffeine and neurotransmitters  
(D)    The ability of caffeine to stimulate behavior  
(E)     The natural occurrence of caffeine and adenosine in the brain  
  
Answer with explanation:  
B is the best answer. 
This question asks you to identify information that is suggested rather than directly stated in 
the passage. To answer it, first look for the location in the passage of the information specified 
in the question. The A1 and A2 receptors are mentioned in lines 23-26. Lines 27-35 go on to 
describe Snyder et al's hypothesis about the effects of caffeine on behavior. They propose that 
caffeine, "which is structurally similar to adenosine," is able to bind to A1 and A2 receptors in 
the brain, the same receptors that adenosine normally binds to. Thus, the passage suggests 
that the structural relationship between caffeine and adenosine may be partially responsible 
for caffeine's ability to bind to A1 and A2 receptors. 
  
6. The author quotes Snyder et al in lines 38-43 most probably in order to  
(A)     reveal some of the assumptions underlying their theory  
(B)     summarize a major finding of their experiments  
(C)     point out that their experiments were limited to the mouse  
(D)    indicate that their experiments resulted only in general correlations 
(E)     refute the objections made by supporters of the older theory 
  
Answer with explanation:  
B is the best answer. 
This question asks you to identify the function of a quotation in the third paragraph of the 
passage. The third paragraph provides evidence for Snyder et al's hypothesis by discussing 
experiments they conducted on mice. The quotation in lines 74-84 "summarizes" the findings 
of these experiments. Snyder et al found that a number of caffeine derivatives are able to bind 
to specific receptors in the brains of mice just as adenosine does, and that the derivatives that 
are most successful at stimulating locomotion are also the most successful in competing with 
adenosine in binding at the receptors. This finding is "major" in that it supports their hypothesis 
that the simulative effects of caffeine are a result of its ability to compete with adenosine. 
  
Passage 2 
          Archaeology as a profession faces two major prob- 
lems. First, it is the poorest of the poor. Only paltry 
sums are available for excavating and even less is avail- 
able for publishing the results and preserving the sites  
(5)  once excavated. Yet archaeologists deal with priceless 
Page 5


 1
GMAT READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS 
Instruction: This file contains 285 sample questions on GMAT Reading Comprehension 
and explanations for 24 of them. For answers with complete explanations to other 261 
questions, please order the Complete GMAT Prep Course which includes Verbal Study 
Guide, Essay Prep Course, and Math Review.   
  
READING COMPREHENSION 
Passage 1 
           Caffeine, the stimulant in coffee, has been called  
       "the most widely used psychoactive substance on Earth ." 
       Synder, Daly and Bruns have recently proposed that  
       caffeine affects behavior by countering the activity in  
(5)    the human brain of a naturally occurring chemical called  
       adenosine. Adenosine normally depresses neuron firing  
       in many areas of the brain. It apparently does this by  
       inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters, chemicals  
       that carry nerve impulses from one neuron to the next. 
(10)     Like many other agents that affect neuron firing, 
adenosine must first bind to specific receptors on  
neuronal membranes. There are at least two classes  
of these receptors, which have been designated A1 and  
A2. Snyder et al propose that caffeine, which is struc- 
(15)  turally similar to adenosine, is able to bind to both types  
of receptors, which prevents adenosine from attaching  
there and allows the neurons to fire more readily than  
they otherwise would. 
   For many years, caffeine's effects have been attri- 
(20)  buted to its inhibition of the production of phosphodi- 
esterase, an enzyme that breaks down the chemical  
called cyclic AMP.A number of neurotransmitters exert  
their effects by first increasing cyclic AMP concentra- 
tions in target neurons. Therefore, prolonged periods at  
(25)  the elevated concentrations, as might be brought about  
by a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, could lead to a greater  
amount of neuron firing and, consequently, to behav- 
ioral stimulation. But Snyder et al point out that the  
caffeine concentrations needed to inhibit the production  
(30)  of phosphodiesterase in the brain are much higher than  
those that produce stimulation. Moreover, other com- 
pounds that block phosphodiesterase's activity are not  
stimulants. 
  To buttress their case that caffeine acts instead by pre- 
(35)  venting adenosine binding, Snyder et al compared the  
stimulatory effects of a series of caffeine derivatives with  
their ability to dislodge adenosine from its receptors in  
 2
the brains of mice. "In general," they reported, "the  
ability of the compounds to compete at the receptors  
(40) correlates with their ability to stimulate locomotion in  
       the mouse; i.e., the higher their capacity to bind at the  
  receptors, the higher their ability to stimulate locomo- 
  tion." Theophylline, a close structural relative of caffeine  
  and the major stimulant in tea, was one of the most  
(45)  effective compounds in both regards. 
           There were some apparent exceptions to the general  
  correlation observed between adenosine-receptor binding 
  and stimulation. One of these was a compound called  
        3-isobuty1-1-methylxanthine(IBMX), which bound very  
(50)  well but actually depressed mouse locomotion. Snyder  
  et al suggest that this is not a major stumbling block to  
  their hypothesis. The problem is that the compound has  
  mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with  
  psychoactive drugs. Even caffeine, which is generally  
 (55) known only for its stimulatory effects, displays this  
  property, depressing mouse locomotion at very low   
  concentrations and stimulating it at higher ones. 
  
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to  
(A)     discuss a plan for investigation of a phenomenon that is not yet fully understood  
(B)     present two explanations of a phenomenon and reconcile the differences between them 
(C)     summarize two theories and suggest a third theory that overcomes the problems 
encountered in the first two   
(D)    describe an alternative hypothesis and provide evidence and arguments that support it  
(E)     challenge the validity of a theory by exposing the inconsistencies and contradictions in 
it   
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. This question requires you to identify the primary concern of the passage 
as a whole. The first paragraph presents a recent hypothesis about how caffeine affects 
behavior. The second paragraph describes an earlier and widely accepted hypothesis about 
how caffeine affects behavior, and then presents evidence that is not consistent with that 
hypothesis. The third and fourth paragraphs return to the newer hypothesis introduced in the 
first paragraph and provide "evidence and arguments" that support this alternative hypothesis. 
  
2. According so Snyder et al, caffeine differs from   adenosine in that caffeine 
(A)    stimulates behavior in the mouse and in humans, whereas adenosine stimulates 
behavior in humans only  
(B)    has mixed effects in the brain, whereas adenosine has only a stimulatory effect  
(C)    increases cyclic AMP concentrations in target neurons, whereas adenosine 
decreases such concentrations 
 3
(D)   permits release of neurotransmitters when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas 
adenosine inhibits such release  
(E)    inhibits both neuron firing and the production of phosphodiesterase when there is a 
sufficient concentration in the brain, whereas adenosine inhibits only neuron firing  
  
Answer with explanation:  
D is the best answer. 
Lines 11-23 state that adenosine "depresses neuron firing" by binding to specific receptors on 
neuronal membranes, which in turn inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. Lines 27-35 
describe Snyder et al's hypothesis about caffeine. They propose that caffeine binds to specific 
receptors on neuronal membranes, which prevents adenosine from binding to those receptors 
and "allows the neurons to fire more readily that they otherwise would". Therefore, according 
to Snyder et al, caffeine differs from adenosine in that caffeine permits neurotransmitter 
release when it is bound to adenosine receptors, whereas adenosine inhibits neruotransmitter 
release. 
  
3. In response to experimental results concerning IBMX, Snyder et al contended that it is not 
uncommon for psychoactive drugs to have  
(A)     mixed effects in the brain  
(B)     inhibitory effects on enzymes in the brain  
(C)     close structural relationships with caffeine 
(D)    depressive effects on mouse locomotion 
(E)     the ability to dislodge caffeine from receptors in the brain 
  
Answer with explanation:  
A is the best answer. The effects of IBMX are discussed in the last paragraph of the passage. 
IBMX apparently binds to adenosine-specific receptors on neuronal membranes, but, in 
contrast to the other caffeine derivatives that Snyder et al experimented with, IBMX depresses 
rather than stimulates mouse locomotion. Snyder et al respond to this experimental result by 
stating that IBMX has "mixed effects in the brain, a not unusual occurrence with psychoactive 
drugs"(line 104-107) 
  
4. According to Snyder et al, all of the following compounds can bind to specific receptors in 
the brain EXCEPT 
(A)     IBMX  
(B)     caffeine 
(C)     adenosine 
(D)    theophylline 
(E)     phosphodiesterase  
  
Answer with explanation:  
E is the best answer. This question asks you to identify which compound, according to Snyder 
et al, does NOT bind to specific receptors in the brain. Phosphodiesterase, identified as an 
"enzyme that breaks down the chemical called cyclic AMP"(lines 40-42), is the only compound 
that is not identified as one that binds to specific receptors in the brain.  
 4
  
5. Snyder et al suggest that caffeine's ability to bind to A1 and A2 receptors can be at least 
partially attributed to which of the following? 
(A)     The chemical relationship between caffeine and phosphodiesterase  
(B)     The structural relationship between caffeine and adenosine  
(C)     The structural similarity between caffeine and neurotransmitters  
(D)    The ability of caffeine to stimulate behavior  
(E)     The natural occurrence of caffeine and adenosine in the brain  
  
Answer with explanation:  
B is the best answer. 
This question asks you to identify information that is suggested rather than directly stated in 
the passage. To answer it, first look for the location in the passage of the information specified 
in the question. The A1 and A2 receptors are mentioned in lines 23-26. Lines 27-35 go on to 
describe Snyder et al's hypothesis about the effects of caffeine on behavior. They propose that 
caffeine, "which is structurally similar to adenosine," is able to bind to A1 and A2 receptors in 
the brain, the same receptors that adenosine normally binds to. Thus, the passage suggests 
that the structural relationship between caffeine and adenosine may be partially responsible 
for caffeine's ability to bind to A1 and A2 receptors. 
  
6. The author quotes Snyder et al in lines 38-43 most probably in order to  
(A)     reveal some of the assumptions underlying their theory  
(B)     summarize a major finding of their experiments  
(C)     point out that their experiments were limited to the mouse  
(D)    indicate that their experiments resulted only in general correlations 
(E)     refute the objections made by supporters of the older theory 
  
Answer with explanation:  
B is the best answer. 
This question asks you to identify the function of a quotation in the third paragraph of the 
passage. The third paragraph provides evidence for Snyder et al's hypothesis by discussing 
experiments they conducted on mice. The quotation in lines 74-84 "summarizes" the findings 
of these experiments. Snyder et al found that a number of caffeine derivatives are able to bind 
to specific receptors in the brains of mice just as adenosine does, and that the derivatives that 
are most successful at stimulating locomotion are also the most successful in competing with 
adenosine in binding at the receptors. This finding is "major" in that it supports their hypothesis 
that the simulative effects of caffeine are a result of its ability to compete with adenosine. 
  
Passage 2 
          Archaeology as a profession faces two major prob- 
lems. First, it is the poorest of the poor. Only paltry 
sums are available for excavating and even less is avail- 
able for publishing the results and preserving the sites  
(5)  once excavated. Yet archaeologists deal with priceless 
 5
objects every day. Second, there is the problem of illegal  
excavation, resulting in museum-quality pieces being  
sold to the highest bidder. 
         I would like to make an outrageous suggestion that  
(10) would at one stroke provide funds for archaeology and  
reduce the amount of illegal digging. I would propose  
that scientific archeological expeditions and govern- 
mental authorities sell excavated artifacts on the open  
market. Such sales would provide substantial funds for  
(15)the excavation and preservation of archaeological sites  
and the publication of results. At the same time, they  
would break the illegal excavator's grip on the market,  
thereby decreasing the inducement to engage in illegal  
activities. 
(20)    You might object that professionals excavate to  
acquire knowledge, not money. Moreover, ancient arti- 
facts are part of our global cultural heritage, which  
should be available for all to appreciate, not sold to the  
highest bidder. I agree. Sell nothing that has unique 
(25)artistic merit or scientific value. But, you might reply, 
everything that comes our of the ground has scientific  
value. Here we part company. Theoretically, you may be  
correct in claiming that every artifact has potential scien- 
tific value. Practically, you are wrong. 
(30)    I refer to the thousands of pottery vessels and ancient  
lamps that are essentially duplicates of one another. In  
one small excavation in Cyprus, archaeologists recently  
uncovered 2,000 virtually indistinguishable small jugs in 
a single courtyard, Even precious royal seal impressions  
(35)known as/melekh handles have been found in abun- 
dance---more than 4,000 examples so far. 
    The basements of museums are simply not large  
enough to store the artifacts that are likely to be discov- 
ered in the future. There is not enough money even to  
(40)catalogue the finds; as a result, they cannot be found  
again and become as inaccessible as if they had never  
been discovered. Indeed, with the help of a computer, 
sold artifacts could be more accessible than are the  
pieces stored in bulging museum basements. Prior to  
(45) sale, each could be photographed and the list of the  
purchasers could be maintained on the computer A 
purchaser could even be required to agree to return the  
piece if it should become needed for scientific purposes.