Events & Promotions
|
|
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.
Customized
for You
Track
Your Progress
Practice
Pays
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Sep 2107:00 PM EDT
-10:00 PM EDT
Boost your GMAT score in less than one month in a live online class + 6 months access to TTP OnDemand video courses included!
Sep 1810:00 AM IST
-11:00 PM IST
Start your journey with a fully customized action plan and work with a dedicated mentor to achieve a 735+ score.
Sep 2601:00 PM EDT
-04:00 PM EDT
Top scores are possible when you enroll in a powerful GMAT course, taught live online + 6 months access to TTP OnDemand video courses included. Class starts Saturdays Sept. 26, 2026 - Dec. 19, 2026, 1:00pm-4:00pm ES
16 Aug 2023, 07:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
Question 1
A
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
45%
(medium)
Question Stats:
51% (02:28) correct
49%
(02:18) wrong
based on 237
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 2
C
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
15%
(low)
Question Stats:
78% (00:56) correct 22%
(01:17) wrong
based on 212
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 3
B
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
15%
(low)
Question Stats:
81% (00:44) correct 19%
(00:49) wrong
based on 196
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Invented by Thomas Edison in 1877, the phonograph cylinder was a remarkable device that allowed sounds to be recorded and reproduced. It was the earliest instrument to do both; Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville had created a phonautograph that could record sound in a visible format but could not play it back. In its earliest form, the phonograph cylinder was wrapped in a scratchable medium—tinfoil—and then rotated under a stylus that was attached to the speaking tube. When sound entered the tube, the attached diaphragm would vibrate, causing the point of the stylus to create indentations of varying depths on the cylinder; meanwhile, the cylinder was rotated by a hand crank at a rate of 60 revolutions per minute. The recording on the cylinder could then be played back by drawing a lighter stylus along the indentations, causing the diaphragm of the speaking tube to vibrate and thereby replicate the recorded sounds. Over time, the phonograph slowly evolved. Cylinders were wrapped in wax instead of tinfoil, a motorized crank and more effective recording media were developed, and the cylinder itself was replaced with a disc that allowed for more durable creations. Eventually, the phonograph evolved into the record players we know today.
1. The passage implies which of the following?
A. Cylinders were more fragile than discs.
B. The original phonograph used wax cylinders to record sound.
C. Thomas Edison had the idea to use wax instead of tinfoil.
D. Early phonographs used the same stylus to record and to play sound.
E. Thomas Edison invented the first sound-recording device.
A. Cylinders were more fragile than discs.
B. The original phonograph used wax cylinders to record sound.
C. Thomas Edison had the idea to use wax instead of tinfoil.
D. Early phonographs used the same stylus to record and to play sound.
E. Thomas Edison invented the first sound-recording device.
2. According to the passage, which of the following was NOT a contribution by Thomas Edison to the phonograph?
A. He designed a cylindrical rotating object as the recording medium.
B. He designed the phonograph to have a consistent speed.
C. He designed the disc as a more durable format than the cylinder.
D. He designed cylinders wrapped in a scratchable substance.
E. He created a device that could play sounds as well as record them.
A. He designed a cylindrical rotating object as the recording medium.
B. He designed the phonograph to have a consistent speed.
C. He designed the disc as a more durable format than the cylinder.
D. He designed cylinders wrapped in a scratchable substance.
E. He created a device that could play sounds as well as record them.
3. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To discuss the early inventions of Thomas Edison
B. To describe the invention and technological evolution of the phonograph cylinder
C. To explain how Edison's phonograph cylinder evolved from de Martinville's phonautograph
D. To expound on the history of audio recording devices
E. To establish Thomas Edison as the most important figure in the development of audio recording technology
A. To discuss the early inventions of Thomas Edison
B. To describe the invention and technological evolution of the phonograph cylinder
C. To explain how Edison's phonograph cylinder evolved from de Martinville's phonautograph
D. To expound on the history of audio recording devices
E. To establish Thomas Edison as the most important figure in the development of audio recording technology
RC Butler 2023 - Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.
Passage # 282 Date: 16 Aug-2023
This question is part of RC Butler 2023. Click here for Details
Passage # 282 Date: 16 Aug-2023
This question is part of RC Butler 2023. Click here for Details
19 Feb 2024, 23:04
Kudos
Bookmarks
This passage describes the invention and evolution of the phonograph cylinder, highlighting early challenges and advances. It emphasizes Edison's role but mentions advancements beyond his contributions.
Author's Tone
The tone of the author is neutral . They present factual information about the phonograph's development without expressing personal opinions or judgments. While the passage highlights Edison's work, it doesn't show bias or glorify him disproportionately.
Answer Explanations
1. A) Cylinders were more fragile than discs.
This answer is correct because the passage mentions a later evolution into discs due to their durability, implying cylinders were less durable.
B) Original phonograph used wax cylinders is incorrect as the passage states tinfoil was initially used.
C) Edison had the idea of wax is not mentioned; the passage only clarifies the material shift.
D) Same stylus is mentioned for early models, but not exclusively across all variations.
E) First sound-recording device is inaccurate; the passage mentions de Martinville's earlier phonautograph.
2. C) Designed discs as a more durable format
This answer is correct because the passage credits the disc format's development to later advancements, not Edison.
A) Cylindrical object and B) Consistent speed are mentioned as Edison's contributions.
D) Scratchable substance cylinders is accurate for Edison's initial design.
E) Play and record sounds accurately reflects Edison's phonograph.
Author's Tone
The tone of the author is neutral . They present factual information about the phonograph's development without expressing personal opinions or judgments. While the passage highlights Edison's work, it doesn't show bias or glorify him disproportionately.
Answer Explanations
1. A) Cylinders were more fragile than discs.
This answer is correct because the passage mentions a later evolution into discs due to their durability, implying cylinders were less durable.
B) Original phonograph used wax cylinders is incorrect as the passage states tinfoil was initially used.
C) Edison had the idea of wax is not mentioned; the passage only clarifies the material shift.
D) Same stylus is mentioned for early models, but not exclusively across all variations.
E) First sound-recording device is inaccurate; the passage mentions de Martinville's earlier phonautograph.
2. C) Designed discs as a more durable format
This answer is correct because the passage credits the disc format's development to later advancements, not Edison.
A) Cylindrical object and B) Consistent speed are mentioned as Edison's contributions.
D) Scratchable substance cylinders is accurate for Edison's initial design.
E) Play and record sounds accurately reflects Edison's phonograph.
19 Feb 2024, 23:06
Kudos
Bookmarks
3. B) Describe the invention and technological evolution of the phonograph cylinder
This answer is correct because the passage focuses primarily on the phonograph's development, detailing its initial form, material changes, speed control, and eventual shift to discs.
A) Early Edison inventions is too narrow, covering only a segment of the passage's focus.
C) Edison vs. de Martinville focuses only on a small comparison within the broader phonograph discussion.
D) History of audio recording is broader than the passage's specific focus on the phonograph cylinder.
E) Importance of Edison overemphasizes one aspect while ignoring broader historical context.
This answer is correct because the passage focuses primarily on the phonograph's development, detailing its initial form, material changes, speed control, and eventual shift to discs.
A) Early Edison inventions is too narrow, covering only a segment of the passage's focus.
C) Edison vs. de Martinville focuses only on a small comparison within the broader phonograph discussion.
D) History of audio recording is broader than the passage's specific focus on the phonograph cylinder.
E) Importance of Edison overemphasizes one aspect while ignoring broader historical context.
