spatel2 wrote:
Can someone explain the answers to these I was stuck between answer choices and got all three wrong. I choose A, B, D but the answers are E D A i narrowed down to these two choices and choose the wrong one all three times.
Hi spatel2,
Question 1:
(A) convince the reader of the nobility of the pigeon, based on its history as a symbol of virtue
(B) dissuade the reader from mistreating a once-majestic animal that has fallen from favor
(C) rebut claims that the pigeon carries disease any more frequently than do other domestic animals
(D) promote a renewal of pigeon fancying and a resurgence of breeds such as the Almond Tumbler
(E) suggest that there might be more to the story of some urban wildlife than is commonly known - the author does not take any stance. The passage is descriptive - it simply talks about how pigeons were seen in the past and gives one reason to explain why this the opinion has changed.
2. The case of the Almond Tumbler is most analogous to which of the following?
(A) a strain of wheat that can be grown in plentiful quantities but loses much of its nutritional value in the process
(B) Arabian horses that are able to run at phenomenal speeds due to centuries of careful breeding designed to enhance those physical attributes
(C) vitamins that were purported to provide all of the necessary nutrients but have since been found not to be very effective
(D) the dachshund, a popular breed of dog that is nonetheless prone to severe back problems, due to weaknesses exacerbated by targeted breeding - the last part of this answer mentions breeding. Like Almond Tumbler, this dog has become prone to back problems (a disadvantage). As a result of manipulations, the bird was nearly unable to feed it's offspring (also a disadvantage).
(E) the wild rock doves that are most commonly found nesting in the faces of cliffs far from human habitation
3. The passage suggests that
(A) pigeons were once known for flying with celerity - the first sentence of the passage.
(B) the Almond Tumbler was the most beautiful breed of pigeon - beauty wasn't discussed.
(C) Darwin was infatuated with his fancy pigeons - too strong.
(D) modern pigeons are dirtier than the fancy pigeons of yore - such comparison isn't given.
(E) only scientists should breed new kinds of animals - too strong and it's not mention who should or should not do that.
I hope this will help. Feel free to point to my mistakes made in the explanations above. Thanks