GRE Exam  >  GRE Questions  >   Directions: Refer to the following passage. ... Start Learning for Free
Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.
Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.
Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.
Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?
  • a)
    Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.
  • b)
    Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.
  • c)
    Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.
  • d)
    The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.
  • e)
    Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage...
It is important to realize that although most of the passage is devoted to describing Pessen’s study, the author’s main point is to criticize the conclusion Pessen draws. Choices A, C, and D omit any reference to the author’s critical evaluation of Pessen’s study, and hence are not statements of the author’s main point. Choice B is also incorrect. Because Pessen criticizes Tocqueville and the author criticizes Pessen, it might seem that the author’s main point is to defend Tocqueville’s analysis. However, the passage does not indicate that Tocqueville’s analysis is definitive. Choice E is correct. According to the first paragraph, Pessen challenges Tocqueville’s view, but according to the second paragraph, Pessen’s conclusions are incorrect.
Attention GRE Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed GRE study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in GRE.
Explore Courses for GRE exam

Similar GRE Doubts

Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one. The evolution of intelligence among early large mammals of the grasslands was due in great measure to the interaction between two ecologically synchronized groups of these animals, the hunting carnivores and the herbivores that they hunted. The interaction resulting from the differences [Line 5] between predator and prey led to a general improvement in brain functions; however, certain components of intelligence were improved far more than others. The kind of intelligence favored by the interplay of increasingly smarter catchers and increasingly keener escapers is defined by attention — that aspect of mind carrying consciousness forward from one moment to the next. It ranges from a passive, [Line 10] free-floating awareness to a highly focused, active fixation. The range through these states is mediated by the arousal system, a network of tracts converging from sensory systems to integrating centers in the brain stem. From the more relaxed to the more vigorous levels, sensitivity to novelty is increased. The organism is more awake, more vigilant; this increased vigilance results in the apprehension of ever more subtle signals [Line 15] as the organism becomes more sensitive to its surroundings. The processes of arousal and concentration give attention its direction. Arousal is at first general, with a flooding of impulses in the brain stem; then gradually the activation is channelled. Thus begins concentration, the holding of consistent images. One meaning of intelligence is the way in which these images and other alertly searched information are used in the context [Line 20] of previous experience. Consciousness links past attention to the present and permits the integration of details with perceived ends and purposes. The elements of intelligence and consciousness come together marvelously to produce different styles in predator and prey. Herbivores and carnivores develop different kinds of attention related to escaping or chasing. Although in both kinds of [Line 25] animal, arousal stimulates the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine by the adrenal glands, the effect in herbivores is primarily fear, whereas in carnivores the effect is primarily aggression. For both, arousal attunes the animal to what is ahead. Perhaps it does not experience forethought as we know it, but the animal does experience something like it. The predator is searchingly aggressive, inner-directed, tuned by [Line 30] the nervous system and the adrenal hormones, but aware in a sense closer to human consciousness than, say, a hungry lizard’s instinctive snap at a passing beetle. Using past events as a framework, the large mammal predator is working out a relationship between movement and food, sensitive to possibilities in cold trails and distant sounds — and yesterday’s unforgotten lessons. The herbivore prey is of a different mind [Line 35] . Its mood of wariness rather than searching and its attitude of general expectancy instead of anticipating are silk-thin veils of tranquillity over an explosive endocrine system. Q. According to the passage, as the process of arousal in an organism continues, all of the following may occur EXCEPT

PASSAGE:In strongly territorial birds such as the indigo bunting, song is the main mechanism for securing g, defining, and defending an adequate breeding are. When population density is high, only the strongest males can retain a suitable area. The weakest males do not breed or are forced to nest on poor or marginal territories. During the breeding season, the male indigo bunting sings in his territory; each song lasts two or three seconds with a very short pause between songs, Melodic and rhythmic characteristics are produced by rapid changes in sound frequency and some regularity of silent periods between sounds. These modulated sounds form recognizable units, called figures, each of which is reproduced again and again with remarkable consistency. Despite the large frequency range of these sounds and the rapid frequency changes that the birds makes, the n umber of figures is very limited. Further, although we found some unique figures in different geographical populations, more than 90 percent of all Indigo bunting figures are extremely stable on the geographic basis . In our studies of isolated buntings we found that male indigo buntings are capable of singing many more types of figures than they usually do. Thus, it would seem that they copy their figures from other buntings they hear signing. Realizing that the ability to distinguish the songs of one species from those of another could be an important factor in the volition of the figures, we tested species recognition of a song. When we played a tape recording of a lazuli bunting or a painted bunting, male indigo bunting did not respond; Even when a dummy of male indigo bunting was placed near the tape recorder. Playing an indigo bunting song, however, usually brought an immediate response, making it clear that a male indigo bunting can readily distinguished songs of its own species from those of other species. The role of the songs figures in interspecies recognition was then examined. We created experimental songs composed of new figures by playing a normal song backwards, which changed the detailed forms of the figures without altering frequency ranges or gross temporal features. Since the male indigos gave almost a full response to the backward song, we concluded that a wide range of figures shapes can evoke positive responses. It seems likely, therefore, that a specific configuration is not essential for interspecies recognition, but it is clear that song figures must confirm to a particular frequency range, must be within narrow limits of duration, and must be spaced at particular intervals. There is evident that new figures may arise within a population through a slow process of change and selection. This variety is probably a valuable adaptation for survival: if every bird sang only a few types of figures, in dense woods or underbrush a female might have difficulty recognizing her mate’s song and a male might not be able to distinguished a neighbor from a stranger. Our studies led us to conclude that there must be a balance between song stability and conservatism, which lead to clear-cut species recognition, and song variation, which leads to individual recognition. Q. According to the passage, which of the following is true about the number and general nature of figures sung by the indigo bunting?

Directions: Answer the questions based on the following passage. Coffee has long been the subject of research due to its popularity as an early-morning pick-me-up and its distinct taste and aroma. Although it has often been laden with a reputation for being potentially unhealthy, many studies have shown that the opposite is true; in fact, coffee has been tied to a wide range of benefits. The acid in coffee can contribute to heartburn, and the caffeine can raise blood pressure, but when consumed in moderation (a few regular cups a day), these disadvantages are minimized. Although coffee was once linked to cancer, that association has long been dispelled. Instead, coffee may contribute to the prevention of certain types of cancers due to its high volume of antioxidants. Minerals found in coffee, like magnesium and chromium, help the body control blood sugar by influencing insulin, and this may contribute to preventing diabetes. Similarly, although researchers aren’t sure why, coffee drinkers seem to have a better chance than do non–coffee drinkers of fighting off Parkinson’s disease and dementia as they age. In the short term, coffee is low in calories, stimulates alertness and concentration, and, for some people, lengthens their attention spans. Q.The author would most likely disagree with which of the following statements? I. Stimulants are inherently bad for the human body. II. It is possible for coffee to be a part of a healthy diet. III. Decaffeinated coffee does not have the same benefits as caffeinated coffee.

Top Courses for GRE

Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for GRE 2024 is part of GRE preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GRE exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GRE 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GRE. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GRE Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Refer to the following passage. After reading the passage, read and respond to each question selecting the best answer choice for each one.Tocqueville, apparently, was wrong. Jacksonian America was not a fluid, egalitarian society where individual wealth and poverty were ephemeral conditions. At least so argues E.Pessen in his iconoclastic study of the very rich in the United States between 1825 and 1850. Pessen does present a quantity of examples, together with some refreshingly intel ligible statistics, to establish the existence of an inordinately wealthy class. Though active in commerce or the professions, most of the wealthy were not self-made but had inherited family fortunes. In no sense mercurial, these great fortunes survived the financial panics that destroyed lesser ones. Indeed, in several cities the wealthiest one percent constantly increased its share until by 1850 it owned half of the community’s wealth. Although these observations are true, Pessen overestimates their importance by concluding from them that the undoubted progress toward inequality in the late eigh teenth century continued in the Jacksonian period and that the United States was a class-ridden, plutocratic society even before industrialization.Q. Which of the following best states the author’s main point?a)Pessen’s study has overturned the previously established view of the social and economic structure of early-nineteenth-century America.b)Tocqueville’s analysis of the United States in the Jacksonian era remains the definitive account of this period.c)Pessen’s study is valuable primarily because it shows the continuity of the social system in the United States throughout the nineteenth century.d)The social patterns and political power of the extremely wealthy in the United States between 1825 and 1850 are well documented.e)Pessen challenges a view of the social and economic systems in the United States from 1825 to 1850, but he draws conclusions that are incorrect.Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GRE tests.
Explore Courses for GRE exam

Top Courses for GRE

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev