Reading Passage for HSPT - 21

Read each passage carefully and then answer the questions about it. For each question, decide on the basis of the passage which one of the choices best answers the question.

Passage 1

The following passage is adapted from a work of narrative fiction.

    The morning Aunt Clara arrived, she brought with her a trunk so enormous that Father had to summon Mr. Peterson from next door to help carry it up the porch steps. Inside, we later discovered, were forty-seven jars of pickled beets, three feather boas, and a collection of (5) porcelain cats that she insisted on arranging along every available shelf in the parlor. Mother smiled tightly and offered tea.     Aunt Clara was not like the other aunts who visited us in careful, measured intervals. She swept into our home as if claiming territory, rearranging furniture to suit her notions of proper (10) feng shui-a term none of us had heard before-and declaring that our kitchen faced the wrong direction for good fortune. By the second day, she had persuaded Father to let her repaint the dining room in what she called "restorative amber," a shade that made the room look as though it had been dipped in mustard.     Yet (15) for all her peculiarities, I found myself drawn to her. While Mother conducted her life by the strict rhythms of church socials and Tuesday sewing circles, Aunt Clara spoke of riding camels in Egypt and attending operas in Vienna. She had opinions on everything from President Taft’s tariff policies to the proper (20) way to prune a rosebush, and she delivered them all with equal conviction.

1. The narrator’s attitude toward Aunt Clara can best be described as

1. resentful admiration
2. amused fascination
3. cautious disapproval
4. indifferent tolerance

2. The detail about the trunk requiring two men to carry it primarily serves to

1. establish the physical strength of the father
2. suggest the length of Aunt Clara’s intended stay
3. criticize Mr. Peterson for interfering in family matters
4. demonstrate the poor construction of the porch steps

3. As used in line 8, the word measured most nearly means

1. calculated
2. infrequent
3. moderate
4. evaluated

4. Mother’s tight smile when offering tea (lines 5-6) suggests that she

1. is genuinely delighted by Aunt Clara’s arrival
2. is attempting to maintain politeness despite discomfort
3. disapproves of serving tea to family members
4. is angry at Father for inviting Aunt Clara

5. According to the passage, Aunt Clara’s possessions include all of the following EXCEPT

1. preserved vegetables
2. decorative scarves
3. ceramic animal figurines
4. opera recordings

6. The narrator’s statement that Aunt Clara "swept into our home as if claiming territory" (lines 8-9) implies that Aunt Clara

1. had legal ownership of the house
2. behaved with assertive confidence
3. cleaned the house thoroughly upon arrival
4. frightened the family with aggressive behavior

7. The contrast between Mother and Aunt Clara primarily highlights differences in their

1. levels of education
2. approaches to domestic life
3. relationships with the narrator’s father
4. opinions about interior design

Passage 2

The following passage is adapted from a general-audience archaeology article.

    In 1991, two hikers in the Ötztal Alps stumbled upon what they assumed was the body of an unfortunate mountaineer. Instead, they had discovered Ötzi, a natural mummy from the Copper Age who had died approximately 5,300 years ago. The exceptional preservation of his body, clothing, and (5) tools has provided archaeologists with an unprecedented window into Neolithic European life.     Ötzi’s equipment reveals sophisticated technology. His axe, featuring a copper blade attached to a yew handle with birch tar and leather bindings, represents advanced metallurgical knowledge. The copper itself originated from ore deposits in southern Tuscany, indicating (10) extensive trade networks existed across the Alps millennia before Roman roads. His clothing-a cloak woven from grass, leather leggings, and shoes insulated with hay-demonstrates practical adaptations to alpine conditions.     Perhaps most intriguing are the medical findings. CT scans revealed that Ötzi suffered from atherosclerosis, Lyme disease, and (15) intestinal parasites. Tattoos on his body, consisting of simple lines and crosses, correspond to acupuncture points used to treat joint pain, suggesting therapeutic practices far older than previously documented. The presence of partially digested ibex meat in his stomach, combined with pollen analysis, allowed researchers to reconstruct his final (20) forty-eight hours with remarkable precision. He had eaten a meal in a mid-altitude valley, then climbed higher into the mountains, where an arrowhead lodged in his shoulder proved fatal.

8. The primary purpose of this passage is to

1. argue for increased funding for alpine archaeology
2. describe significant discoveries about a prehistoric individual
3. compare Copper Age technology with modern equipment
4. explain the scientific process of mummy preservation

9. According to the passage, the copper in Ötzi’s axe came from

1. the Ötztal Alps
2. deposits near Roman roads
3. southern Tuscany
4. Neolithic European mines

10. As used in line 5, the word unprecedented most nearly means

1. unclear
2. unmatched
3. unexpected
4. unpopular

11. The author mentions birch tar and leather bindings (line 8) in order to

1. identify the trees that grew in the Copper Age
2. illustrate the complexity of Ötzi’s tool construction
3. prove that Ötzi was a skilled leather worker
4. explain why the axe survived for thousands of years

12. The passage suggests that Ötzi’s tattoos were most likely

1. decorative symbols of tribal affiliation
2. marks indicating his social status
3. related to pain management
4. created accidentally during hunting

13. The tone of the passage is best described as

1. skeptical and questioning
2. informative and engaged
3. somber and reverent
4. critical and analytical

14. Which of the following can be inferred about trade networks in Neolithic Europe?

1. They were more extensive than scholars previously believed.
2. They were controlled entirely by Roman merchants.
3. They did not extend beyond local villages.
4. They primarily involved agricultural products.

Passage 3

The following passage is adapted from a speech delivered by Susan B. Anthony in 1873 after being fined for voting illegally in the presidential election.

    Friends and fellow citizens: I stand before you tonight under indictment for the alleged crime of having voted at the last presidential election, without having a lawful right to vote. It shall be my work this evening to prove to you that in thus doing, I not only (5) committed no crime, but instead simply exercised my citizen’s rights, guaranteed to me and all United States citizens by the National Constitution, beyond the power of any State to deny.     The preamble of the Federal Constitution says: "We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic (10) tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."     It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who (15) formed the Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people-women as well as men. And it is a downright mockery to talk to women of their enjoyment of the blessings of liberty while they are denied the use (20) of the only means of securing them provided by this democratic-republican government-the ballot.

15. Anthony’s main argument in this passage is that

1. women should form a separate government
2. the Constitution guarantees women the right to vote
3. she should not have to pay the fine imposed on her
4. men have deliberately misinterpreted the preamble

16. As used in line 6, the word deny most nearly means

1. reject
2. contradict
3. refuse
4. disprove

17. Anthony quotes the preamble to the Constitution (lines 8-12) primarily to

1. demonstrate her knowledge of legal documents
2. establish that "the people" includes all citizens
3. criticize the language used by the founders
4. prove that the Constitution contains errors

18. According to Anthony, the phrase "we, the people" (line 13) refers to

1. only property-owning citizens
2. white male citizens exclusively
3. all people regardless of gender
4. those who wrote the Constitution

19. Anthony’s repetition of "not...but" in lines 15-17 serves to

1. emphasize the contrast between intention and reality
2. confuse her audience about the Constitution’s meaning
3. suggest that the founders made grammatical errors
4. demonstrate her skills as a public speaker

20. The tone of the final sentence (lines 17-21) can best be described as

1. resigned and defeated
2. indignant and forceful
3. conciliatory and gentle
4. uncertain and hesitant

Answer Key

1. Ans: (B) – amused fascination
Explanation: This is a Tone/Mood question. The narrator describes being "drawn to" Aunt Clara despite her "peculiarities" (lines 15-16) and notes specific colorful details about her behavior with an observational rather than critical eye, indicating amused fascination. Choice (A) is wrong because there is no evidence of resentment in the passage. Choice (C) is wrong because the narrator expresses attraction rather than disapproval toward Aunt Clara.

2. Ans: (B) – suggest the length of Aunt Clara’s intended stay
Explanation: This is an Inference question. The enormous trunk containing forty-seven jars and numerous other possessions (lines 3-5) implies Aunt Clara packed for an extended visit. Choice (A) is wrong because the detail emphasizes the trunk’s size, not the father’s strength. Choice (D) is wrong because nothing in the passage suggests the porch steps are poorly constructed.

3. Ans: (C) – moderate
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 8, "measured intervals" describes visits that are restrained and controlled, making "moderate" the best match. Choice (A) is wrong because "calculated" implies deliberate planning rather than restraint. Choice (B) is wrong because while "measured intervals" might be infrequent, the emphasis is on their controlled nature, not their frequency.

4. Ans: (B) – is attempting to maintain politeness despite discomfort
Explanation: This is an Inference question. The phrase "smiled tightly" (line 6) suggests forced or strained courtesy, indicating Mother is uncomfortable but maintaining social propriety. Choice (A) is wrong because a tight smile indicates discomfort, not genuine delight. Choice (D) is wrong because nothing in the passage indicates Father invited Aunt Clara or that Mother is angry at him.

5. Ans: (D) – opera recordings
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. The passage mentions pickled beets, feather boas, and porcelain cats (lines 4-5), but while Aunt Clara attended operas in Vienna (line 18), no opera recordings are mentioned. Choice (B) is wrong because feather boas are decorative scarves mentioned in line 4. Choice (C) is wrong because porcelain cats are ceramic animal figurines mentioned in lines 4-5.

6. Ans: (B) – behaved with assertive confidence
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. The metaphor of "claiming territory" (line 9) followed by examples of her rearranging furniture and making pronouncements indicates bold, confident behavior. Choice (A) is wrong because the passage describes her as a visitor, not an owner. Choice (C) is wrong because "swept" is metaphorical, not literal cleaning.

7. Ans: (B) – approaches to domestic life
Explanation: This is a Structure/Organization question. Lines 16-19 contrast Mother’s structured life of "church socials and Tuesday sewing circles" with Aunt Clara’s worldly experiences and wide-ranging opinions, highlighting different lifestyle approaches. Choice (A) is wrong because education levels are never mentioned in the passage. Choice (D) is wrong because while interior design is mentioned, it is not the primary basis of contrast.

8. Ans: (B) – describe significant discoveries about a prehistoric individual
Explanation: This is a Main Idea question. The passage systematically presents findings about Ötzi’s equipment, medical conditions, and final hours (lines 1-23), making description of discoveries the primary purpose. Choice (A) is wrong because the passage never discusses funding. Choice (C) is wrong because no comparison with modern equipment appears in the passage.

9. Ans: (C) – southern Tuscany
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. Lines 9-10 explicitly state that "the copper itself originated from ore deposits in southern Tuscany." Choice (A) is wrong because the Ötztal Alps is where Ötzi was found, not where the copper originated. Choice (B) is wrong because Roman roads are mentioned only to indicate the trade networks predated them.

10. Ans: (B) – unmatched
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 5, "unprecedented window" describes something without previous parallel or example, making "unmatched" the best synonym. Choice (C) is wrong because "unexpected" refers to surprise rather than uniqueness. Choice (A) is wrong because the window into Neolithic life is quite clear, not unclear.

11. Ans: (B) – illustrate the complexity of Ötzi’s tool construction
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. The specific mention of multiple materials and attachment methods (line 8) demonstrates sophisticated manufacturing, supporting the claim of "advanced metallurgical knowledge" in line 9. Choice (A) is wrong because identifying tree species is not the purpose of mentioning these materials. Choice (C) is wrong because the passage makes no claim about Ötzi’s personal skill as opposed to general technological knowledge.

12. Ans: (C) – related to pain management
Explanation: This is an Inference question. Lines 16-17 state the tattoos "correspond to acupuncture points used to treat joint pain, suggesting therapeutic practices," directly linking them to pain management. Choice (A) is wrong because the passage describes the tattoos as therapeutic, not decorative. Choice (B) is wrong because social status is never mentioned in relation to the tattoos.

13. Ans: (B) – informative and engaged
Explanation: This is a Tone/Mood question. The passage presents factual information while using words like "intriguing" (line 13) and "remarkable" (line 20), showing both informative intent and engagement with the subject. Choice (A) is wrong because the author presents findings as established fact, not with skepticism. Choice (C) is wrong because the tone is interested and factual rather than somber.

14. Ans: (A) – They were more extensive than scholars previously believed.
Explanation: This is an Inference question. Lines 9-11 indicate that copper from southern Tuscany reached the Alps, showing "extensive trade networks existed...millennia before Roman roads," which surprises expectations. Choice (B) is wrong because the passage states these networks predated Roman roads. Choice (C) is wrong because the passage directly contradicts this by describing extensive networks.

15. Ans: (B) – the Constitution guarantees women the right to vote
Explanation: This is a Main Idea question. Anthony states she exercised "citizen’s rights, guaranteed to me...by the National Constitution" (lines 5-6) and argues that "we, the people" includes women (lines 13-17). Choice (A) is wrong because Anthony argues for inclusion in the existing government, not forming a separate one. Choice (C) is wrong because while she disputes the charge, her argument focuses on constitutional rights, not the fine itself.

16. Ans: (C) – refuse
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary in Context question. In line 6, rights are guaranteed "beyond the power of any State to deny" means states cannot refuse to grant these rights. Choice (B) is wrong because "contradict" means to disagree verbally, not to withhold rights. Choice (D) is wrong because "disprove" relates to proving something false, not refusing to grant it.

17. Ans: (B) – establish that "the people" includes all citizens
Explanation: This is an Author’s Purpose question. Anthony quotes the preamble (lines 8-12) then immediately argues it means "the whole people" not just male citizens (lines 13-14), using the quote to support her interpretation. Choice (A) is wrong because demonstrating knowledge is not the purpose; making a legal argument is. Choice (C) is wrong because she uses the language to support her position, not criticize it.

18. Ans: (C) – all people regardless of gender
Explanation: This is a Detail/Fact question. Lines 13-17 explicitly state "we, the whole people, who formed the Union" and "the whole people-women as well as men." Choice (B) is wrong because Anthony specifically rejects this interpretation in lines 13-14. Choice (A) is wrong because property ownership is never mentioned.

19. Ans: (A) – emphasize the contrast between intention and reality
Explanation: This is a Structure/Organization question. The repeated "not...but" structure (lines 15-17) contrasts what the Union was not formed to do with what it was formed to do, highlighting the gap between constitutional intent and current practice. Choice (B) is wrong because the repetition clarifies rather than confuses meaning. Choice (D) is wrong because while it may demonstrate skill, that is not the rhetorical purpose of the repetition.

20. Ans: (B) – indignant and forceful
Explanation: This is a Tone/Mood question. The phrase "downright mockery" (line 18) and the strong assertion about denial of rights (lines 19-21) convey anger and determination. Choice (A) is wrong because Anthony’s language is assertive and combative, not resigned. Choice (C) is wrong because calling something a "mockery" is confrontational, not conciliatory.