Reading Comprehension
 

Reading Comprehension Question 1

Answer this question after reading through the accompanying passage. Base your answers on information that is either stated or implied in the passage.

Although Dorothy Wordsworth was convinced that her journal entries were not literature, they were seamlessly incorporated by her brother William into some of his most famous poems, altered only by his use of the first-person pronoun, the "I." The important question concerning the relationship between Dorothy and William, however, is not whether William's borrowings constituted exploitation, but rather how the relationship contributed to Dorothy's inability to conceive of herself as a writer.
Traditionally in literature, the authorial self, the "I," is identifiably masculine. The dominated "other" is feminine. In William's poems, the "other" is usually Nature, often personified as Dorothy. While these literary roles helped to sustain the close relationship between the two in real life, they also reinforced Dorothy's acceptance of the norms which defined her as "other." Thus, her access to authorial self-consciousness was blocked not just by the fact of her gender, but also by her accepted role in her brother's life and poetry.


The passage is primarily concerned with answering which of the following questions?

Whether Dorothy Wordsworth was aware of her role in her relationship with William Wordsworth

Whether Dorothy Wordsworth was exploited by her brother's use of her journal entries

How William Wordsworth altered Dorothy Wordsworth's writings for inclusion in his poems

Whether the relationship between Dorothy and William Wordsworth was psychologically harmful

How Dorothy Wordsworth's relationship to her brother reinforced her assumptions about herself

Reading Comprehension Question 2

Although Dorothy Wordsworth was convinced that her journal entries were not literature, they were seamlessly incorporated by her brother William into some of his most famous poems, altered only by his use of the first-person pronoun, the "I." The important question concerning the relationship between Dorothy and William, however, is not whether William's borrowings constituted exploitation, but rather how the relationship contributed to Dorothy's inability to conceive of herself as a writer.
Traditionally in literature, the authorial self, the "I," is identifiably masculine. The dominated "other" is feminine. In William's poems, the "other" is usually Nature, often personified as Dorothy. While these literary roles helped to sustain the close relationship between the two in real life, they also reinforced Dorothy's acceptance of the norms which defined her as "other." Thus, her access to authorial self-consciousness was blocked not just by the fact of her gender, but also by her accepted role in her brother's life and poetry.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author believes which of the following about Dorothy Wordsworth's journal entries?

They are praiseworthy but not literature.

They are only about her relationship with her brother.

They are more moving than her brother's poetry.

They surpass her own estimation of their merit.

They borrow many ideas from her brother's work.


Reading Comprehension Question 3


Although Dorothy Wordsworth was convinced that her journal entries were not literature, they were seamlessly incorporated by her brother William into some of his most famous poems, altered only by his use of the first-person pronoun, the "I." The important question concerning the relationship between Dorothy and William, however, is not whether William's borrowings constituted exploitation, but rather how the relationship contributed to Dorothy's inability to conceive of herself as a writer.
Traditionally in literature, the authorial self, the "I," is identifiably masculine. The dominated "other" is feminine. In William's poems, the "other" is usually Nature, often personified as Dorothy. While these literary roles helped to sustain the close relationship between the two in real life, they also reinforced Dorothy's acceptance of the norms which defined her as "other." Thus, her access to authorial self-consciousness was blocked not just by the fact of her gender, but also by her accepted role in her brother's life and poetry.

Which of the following best captures the meaning of the word "self-consciousness" as it is used in the final sentence of the passage?

appreciation by a writer of the value of critical reflection

awareness by a writer that one's perspectives may change

perception of the differences between an author's values and those of others

acceptance by a writer of his or her own identity as a writer

understanding rather than judgment of existing conditions

[B]LISTENING COMPREHENSION[/B]

TOEFL test listening example 1:

Man: I'm feeling kind of sick tonight. I don't know if I have a virus, or if it's something I ate for lunch. Maybe we should stay home tonight.

Woman: I think you're right. I feel a little under the weather myself.

Narrator: What does the woman mean?

(A) She believes the weather is too bad to go out.
(B) She is not feeling well herself.
(C) She didn't eat lunch.
(D) She disagrees with the man.
"I feel under the weather" means that "the woman is not feeling well"; the answer is B.
TOEFL test listening example 2:

Woman: What's the problem? Were you offended by what I said?
Man: No, I just got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
Narrator: What does the man mean?

(A) The woman is wrong.
(B) He is in a bad mood.
(C) He injured his side getting out of bed.
(D) He was offended by the woman's comments.

"To get up on the wrong side of the bed" is an idiomatic expression that means "to be in a bad mood." The correct answer is B.

LISTENING COMPREHENSION: SHORT CONVERSATIONS

LISTENING PART A. MEANING QUESTIONS.
EX.1

Man: I've heard that the new Chemistry class is really difficult.
Woman: Oh, I wouldn't say that. I took Chemistry 402 last quarter, and I think the course went very smoothly.
Narrator: What does the woman mean?
(A) The chemistry class is very tough.
(B) The chemistry class is not teaching this quarter.
(C) The chemistry class is easier than the man thinks.
(D) The chemistry class should be avoided if possible.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that" indicates that the woman disagrees with the man. The best answer is C.
EX.2

Woman: I've heard great things about that movie that just came out. You want to go see it tonight?

Man: I'd love to, but I've got a history final in two days, and I haven't studied all quarter. I think I'd better take a rain check this time.
Narrator: What does the man mean?
(A) He needs to take a break from his studying.
(B) He loves the woman very much.
(C) He doesn't like going out in the rain.
(D) He will not be able to accompany the woman.
"I'd better take a rain check this time" means that the person "cannot do the activity." The correct answer is D.

LISTENING PART A. IMPLICATION QUESTIONS.
EX.3
Woman: The milk in the refrigerator is sour. I don't think it's drinkable.
Man: No joke. The expiration date was three weeks ago.

Narrator: What does the man imply?
(A) The woman has an extremely sour disposition.
(B) They need to replace the refrigerator.
(C) The woman is just kidding.
(D) It's not surprising the milk has ruined.
EX.4
Man: It looks like Jane is coming apart at the seams. I think she should seek psychological help.
Woman: Oh, I wouldn't say that. She seems to be coping with her problems reasonably well.
Narrator: What does the woman imply?
(A) Jane is not losing emotional control.
(B) Jane is more intelligent than she seems.
(C) Jane made an excellent copy of the parts.
(D) Jane wouldn't say that.


Answers: Ex.3: D, Ex. 4 A

LISTENING PART A. REFERENCE QUESTIONS.
EX.5

Man: What does Susan think about her new job? I've heard it through the grapevine that she's dissatisfied.
Woman: It's not exactly that. She simply feels that she's not cut out for it.
Narrator: What does the woman say about Susan?
(A) She is cutting classes.
(B) She works on grape vines.
(C) She feels she isn't suited for her new job.
(D) Susan's new job is too simple.

EX.6
Woman: I'd like to buy a new car, but this model of Toyota is too expensive.
Man: More so than I thought.
Narrator: What does the man say about the car?
(A) He thinks it is extremely nice.
(B) He thought the car was less expensive.
(C) He would like to take it for a test ride.
(D) He would prefer more choices.
Answers: Ex. 5: C, Ex. 6: B

LISTENING PART A. ACTION QUESTIONS.
EX.7
Man: John's grades in math are incredibly low. Maybe he needs a tutor to get through the class.
Woman: That could be true, but we should talk to him first.

Narrator: What are these people probably going to do next?
(A) Study math with John.
(B) Take John to a doctor.
(C) Discuss the problem with John.
(D) Find John a study group.
EX.8

Woman: What a birthday party! All of the food is great--but this strawberry cheesecake is especially good. Why don't you try some?
Man: If I weren't on a diet I would. Strawberry cheesecake is my favorite.
Narrator: What is the man probably going to do?
(A) Pass up the food.
(B) Try a bite of the cake.
(C) Buy a strawberry cheesecake.
(D) Get the recipe for the cake.
Answers: Ex.7: C, Ex. 8 A

LISTENING PART A. SUGGESTION QUESTIONS.
EX.9
Man: It's really hot today. The temperature must be over a hundred. The forecast is for rain in the afternoon.
Woman: How about putting off the picnic until tomorrow?

Narrator: What does the woman suggest that they do?

(A) Take a walk in the rain.
(B) Delay their outing.
(C) Go on a picnic.
(D) Find out the weather forecast.

EX. 10

Woman: I just can't stand my job anymore. My boss is not supportive at all.
Man: If I were you I wouldn't take it anymore. I'd let her know how you feel.
Narrator: What does the man suggest the woman do?
(A) Take more rest breaks while at work..
(B) Quit her job and find a new one.
(C) Request an immediate leave of absence from her boss.
(D) Confront her supervisor.

Answers: Ex. 9: B, Ex. 10: D

LISTENING PART A. ASSUMPTION QUESTIONS.
EX.11
Woman: The truck is gone and I don't see Fred anywhere.
Man: He must have decided to go to work after all.
Narrator: What had the man assumed about Fred?
(A) Fred had stolen a truck.
(B) Fred wasn't going to work.
(C) Fred couldn't make a decision..
(D) Fred's truck was broken down..
.
EX.12
Man: Michael passed the GRE test easily.
Woman: You're surprised?

Narrator: What had the woman assumed about Michael?
(A) Michael would do well on the test.
(B) Michael never talked about his past.
(C) Michael surprised his professor.
(D) Michael was in love with her.
Answers: Ex 11: B, Ex. 12: A

LISTENING PART A. INFERENTIAL QUESTIONS.
EX.13
Man: When it comes to fixing faucets, I hear you're the best in town..
Woman: That, and replacing pipes.
Narrator: What can be inferred about the woman?
(A) She's a heavy smoker.
(B) She plays the organ.
(C) She owns four sets of pipes.
(D) She is a plumber.

EX.14
Woman: You had three rebounds and four blocked shots on the court tonight.

Man: Don't forget my twelve assists and twenty points.

Narrator: What can be inferred about the man?

(A) He needs assistance to solve his problem.
(B) He was shot four times during the robbery.
(C) He played in a basketball game.
(D) His case was blocked in court.
Answers: 13:D, 14:C

LISTENING PART A. SUBJECT QUESTIONS.
EX.15
Man: It sounds like it is going to be extremely tough. I've heard that at the end of the quarter most of the questions are essay.

Woman: I hope not. I really prefer matching or multiple choice.
Narrator: What are these people talking about?
(A) A final exam they are going to take.
(B) A multiplication problem that they cannot find the solution to.
(C) A journey they are about to take.
(D) Something they forgot to say to their friend.
EX.16
Woman: She said to cut down on my fat intake and to get more exercise. The checkup didn't last long.

Man: Did you talk to her about the problem with your ear?

Narrator: What are these speakers discussing?
(A) A sporting event.
(B) A doctor's appointment.
(C) A grammar exercise.
(D) Taking overweight people to the gym..
Answers: 15:A, 16: B


LISTENING PART A. PROBLEM QUESTIONS.
EX.17
Woman: Put your foot on the clutch and gently depress it.

Man: But every time I do it, it jumps.

Narrator: What is the man's problem?
(A) His bicycle is broken.
(B) He doesn't perform well in the clutch.
(C) He doesn't know how to drive.
(D) He is extremely depressed and nervous.
EX.18
Man: Here, take this towel. You're dripping all over the floor.
Woman: I got caught in a downpour.
Narrator: What is the woman's problem?
(A) She spilled her coffee as she was pouring it.
(B) She was arrested by the police.
(C) She tripped on the floor.
(D) She is soaked.

Answers: 17: C, 18 D



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SAMIA