Mock Test - 4 - ACT MCQ

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (4)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (5)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (6)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (7)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (8)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (9)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (10)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. For the sake of logic and coherence, Sentence 5 should be placed:

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (12)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (13)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. (14) The writer is considering deleting the preceding sentence. If the sentence was deleted, the essay would primarily lose:

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
Hair-raising Problems
Why is it that we are so completely (1) obsessive with the hair on our heads? Millions of dollars are spent each year on cutting hair, lengthening hair, bleaching hair, straightening hair, curling hair, highlighting hair, and even growing hair; whatever you can do to hair, someone is willing to (2) pay the money to do it. Natural redheads long (3) for to be brunettes and dishwater blondes dream of shiny golden tresses. Both men and women cringe at the sight of each gray hair, (4) so teenagers enjoy weekly experiments with magenta dyes, spikes, and tangerine streaks.
All of these thoughts cross my mind as I examine the (5) result of  my most recent hair adventure. As a mature woman watching the gray hairs (6) mixing in rapidly with my natural brunette tones, I decided over a year (7) ago, to approach my stylist with the idea of highlights. Having seen many of my peers go this route, I figured that highlighting (8) was for to be the answer to my reluctance to look my age.
1. The monthly highlighting went (9) well: excepting for those times when my hair turned out a little too subdued, making me look partially gray instead of brunette.
2. I suffered through it remarkably well, saying to myself, “She’ll get it right the next time.”
3. (10) For the most part, I’ve enjoyed my year of highlights, so much so that I bravely approached Donna, my stylist, two months ago and proclaimed that I was done with wimpy highlighting and ready to go blonde.
4. The result was not quite what I expected, but I resolved to live with it! (11)
5. Donna was surprised at my suggestion, but quickly began sharing my unbridled enthusiasm as (12) she gathers the appropriate chemicals and concoctions that would soon transform me.
Three months later, I find myself seesawing between tears (13) and laughter as I attempt to cover up a patch of nearly bald scalp on the top of my head. For someone who has long been fanatical about the appearance of her hair, this absence of hair has proven to be quite a challenge to my ego and self-confidence. I’ve always enjoyed styling my hair, and suddenly, I have nothing to style.
Each time I begin to experience a new pang of disgust and despair over this new hair anomaly, I once again ask myself why we are so obsessed with the hair on our heads.
The answer always comes to me in a flash, in a simple two-word phrase: pure vanity. Soon after this realization, I cease my crying.(14)

Q. Suppose the writer had chosen to write a how-to article for people wanting to change their hair color. Would this essay fulfill the writer’s goal?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (1)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (2)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (3)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (4) Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion would NOT be acceptable?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (5) Which choice most emphasizes the difficulty in moving the large anvil?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (6) At this point, the writer wants to express how Lee first began the craft of blacksmithing. Which choice would most effectively accomplish this task?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (7)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (8)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (9) Given that all of the choices are true, which one would most effectively introduce the subject of this paragraph?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (10)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (11)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (12)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (13)

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (14) Which of the following sentences in this paragraph is LEAST relevant to the main focus of the essay and, therefore, could be deleted?

Directions: In the passages that follow, some words and phrases are underlined and numbered. In the answer column, you will find alternatives for the words and phrases that are underlined. If you think that the original version is best, choose “NO CHANGE,”. You will also find questions about a particular section of the passage, or about the entire passage. These questions will be identified either by an underlined portion or by a number in a box. Look for the answer that clearly expresses the idea, is consistent with the style and tone of the passage, and makes the correct use of standard written English. Read the passage through once before answering the questions. For some questions, you should read beyond the indicated portion before you answer.

Passage
A Modern Blacksmith
You will probably never find his name in a history book, but to this day, Walker Lee continues to contribute to (1) America heritage. Walker Lee is an old-fashioned, modern-16 day blacksmith (2) who still practices the fine art of manipulating metal over a hot fire. In his words, “Blacksmithing is no dying art!”
Walker Lee (3) had began his career in hand-forged ironwork at the age of 30. The idea of creating an object out of (4) iron, a most intractable material, appealed to him. He started on this new venture by collecting and reading every book he could find that described the process of blacksmithing: its history, its practical and decorative uses, and the equipment needed to establish and outfit his own smithy. During the course of his research, Lee discovered a tool necessary for the success of any blacksmith: the anvil, a heavy block of iron or steel upon which the blacksmith hammered and shaped the malleable metal.
Lee bought his first anvil from 84-year-old Hurley Alford Templeton of Philadelphia, (5) lugging it home to Michigan in the back of a 4-H county bus. This anvil weighed 100 pounds, about the minimum size Walker Lee needed to (6) get started in his craft.
Lee’s first anvil cost him $100, and four months later, he paid $75 for an additional implement—a vice—from Cornell University in New York. This important tool also made (7) its way back to Michigan in the back of Lee’s 4-H bus.
(8) Lee had spent the summer carting 4-H groups out from Michigan to the east coast for various county fairs and expositions. 
(9) Once Lee obtained his first portable forge, he was ready to build his blacksmith shop, commonly referred to as a “smithy.” In the interest of economy, he constructed this shop out of inexpensive oak planks and tarpaper. It was a crude little shack (10) but stood for only nine years. Lee, who by then was completely hooked on blacksmithing, replaced his first shop with a finer one made of more expensive wood; this shop also had glass windows, a definite improvement over Lee’s original “smithy.”
1. The very first object Lee forged was a (11) long, pointed Hudson Bay dagger.
2. Many people refer to this type of knife as a “dag.”
3. As he recalls that event he says, “From the minute I first saw the thing take shape, I was hooked ... still am. There’s an element of magic in it to me. You heat  it up and pound it with a hammer and it goes where you want it to go.”
4. Years (12) later at a family event Lee, discovered that his Italian ancestors were accomplished coppersmiths.
5. During the gathering, Lee’s great uncle Johnny (13) was proclaiming that Lee’s propensity for blacksmithing was “in the blood” as he happily presented Lee with a new 125-pound anvil. (14)
As an outside observer (15) watches Walker Lee bending and shaping a hot metal rod into some recognizable form, it is difficult to discern the origin of the magic Lee spoke of; is it in the glowing, orange steel or in Walker himself?

Q. (15)