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Question 1
B
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
75%
(hard)
Question Stats:
37% (02:47) correct
63%
(02:47) wrong
based on 904
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 2
D
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
5%
(low)
Question Stats:
79% (00:49) correct 21%
(01:03) wrong
based on 897
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:
45%
(medium)
Question Stats:
61% (01:18) correct 39%
(01:22) wrong
based on 873
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 4
A
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
5%
(low)
Question Stats:
79% (00:46) correct 21%
(01:03) wrong
based on 839
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Jakobson argues that languages differ primarily in what they must convey rather than what they may convey. He asserts that, accordingly, if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about. This view is both a departure from the behaviorist stance that all thought is inherently linguistic (and that there is therefore no distinction) and a rejection of the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language. Rather, Jakobson suggests, some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
The Aboriginal tongue Guugu Yimithirr, as an illustration, lacks coordinates related to the self, such as “in front of,” “behind,” “left of,” and “right of,” and instead relies strictly on geographic coordinates—east, west, south, and north. Native Guugu Yimithirr speakers are able to identify which direction is north without a compass, while native English speakers do not typically develop this intuitive sense of cardinal direction. Whorf would argue that this difference is merely one of myriad ways in which linguistic patterns codify our thoughts, but Jakobson would more specifically point to the requisite aspects of Guugu Yimithirr that are lacking in English. In other words, Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not. Studying how languages constrain us, Jakobson believes, could lead to new discoveries in regard to how we think. For instance, a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation.
The Aboriginal tongue Guugu Yimithirr, as an illustration, lacks coordinates related to the self, such as “in front of,” “behind,” “left of,” and “right of,” and instead relies strictly on geographic coordinates—east, west, south, and north. Native Guugu Yimithirr speakers are able to identify which direction is north without a compass, while native English speakers do not typically develop this intuitive sense of cardinal direction. Whorf would argue that this difference is merely one of myriad ways in which linguistic patterns codify our thoughts, but Jakobson would more specifically point to the requisite aspects of Guugu Yimithirr that are lacking in English. In other words, Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not. Studying how languages constrain us, Jakobson believes, could lead to new discoveries in regard to how we think. For instance, a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation.
1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with
(A) contrasting multiple theories in a discipline
(B) discussing a particular theory and its implications
(C) presenting a new theory that supplants the previously dominant theory
(D) examining the origins of an academic position
(E) reconciling two historically opposed views
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements best describes mould theories of language?
(A) Some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
(B) There is no difference between thought and language.
(C) Languages differ primarily in their restrictiveness.
(D) Language influences all thought.
(E) Thought influences all language.
3. The passage suggests that which of the following is more restrictive for a speaker?
(A) Directions that reflect personal orientation, as compared to those that rely only on cardinal keys
(B) Pronouns in which gender is embedded, in contrast to pronouns that are gender-neutral
(C) Pronouns that are gender-neutral, as opposed to pronouns for which gender is inherent
(D) Mould theories compared to behaviorist theories
(E) Jakobson’s view in comparison to Whorf’s view
4. With respect to the relationship of language to thought, the passage indicates that Jakobson believes that
(A) language shapes some thoughts
(B) most thoughts are shaped by language
(C) if thoughts are shaped by language, language must be shaped by thoughts
(D) the two are not interrelated
(E) linguistic patterns codify all thought
(A) contrasting multiple theories in a discipline
(B) discussing a particular theory and its implications
(C) presenting a new theory that supplants the previously dominant theory
(D) examining the origins of an academic position
(E) reconciling two historically opposed views
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements best describes mould theories of language?
(A) Some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
(B) There is no difference between thought and language.
(C) Languages differ primarily in their restrictiveness.
(D) Language influences all thought.
(E) Thought influences all language.
3. The passage suggests that which of the following is more restrictive for a speaker?
(A) Directions that reflect personal orientation, as compared to those that rely only on cardinal keys
(B) Pronouns in which gender is embedded, in contrast to pronouns that are gender-neutral
(C) Pronouns that are gender-neutral, as opposed to pronouns for which gender is inherent
(D) Mould theories compared to behaviorist theories
(E) Jakobson’s view in comparison to Whorf’s view
4. With respect to the relationship of language to thought, the passage indicates that Jakobson believes that
(A) language shapes some thoughts
(B) most thoughts are shaped by language
(C) if thoughts are shaped by language, language must be shaped by thoughts
(D) the two are not interrelated
(E) linguistic patterns codify all thought
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Passage # 11 Date: 8-Jan-2021
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Passage # 11 Date: 8-Jan-2021
This question is a part of RC Butler Competition 2021. Click here for Details
09 Jan 2021, 09:15
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Official Explanation
1. The author of the passage is primarily concerned with
Step 1: Identify the question.
Primarily concerned with signals that this is a Primary Purpose question.
Step 2: Find the support.
Ideally, you will have determined the main idea during your readthrough of the passage; if you need to refresh your memory, return to your map.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
On Primary Purpose questions, use your map and your understanding of the main point to articulate ananswer. The passage is focused primarily on what Jakobson thinks, though it does mention that his views don’t go along with those of two other positions (the behaviorist views and Whorf’s mould theories). The other views are presented primarily as a contrast to Jakobson’s views.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) The passage does mention two alternative opinions in one sentence in the first paragraph, but the primary focus is on Jakobson’s theory.
(B) CORRECT. The passage primarily discusses Jakobson’s point of view, describing it in the first paragraph and illustrating it via the Guugu Yimithirr example in the second paragraph. The passage concludes by mentioning broader implications at the end of the second paragraph.
(C) The passage doesn’t indicate that either of the earlier theories was dominant, nor does it indicate that Jakobson’s theory is the new dominant theory.
(D) The passage doesn’t address how Jakobson came to develop his theory in the first place.
(E) The passage does not reconcile the opposing points of view. No information indicates that the groups have come to agreement.
Answer: B
Step 1: Identify the question.
Primarily concerned with signals that this is a Primary Purpose question.
Step 2: Find the support.
Ideally, you will have determined the main idea during your readthrough of the passage; if you need to refresh your memory, return to your map.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
On Primary Purpose questions, use your map and your understanding of the main point to articulate ananswer. The passage is focused primarily on what Jakobson thinks, though it does mention that his views don’t go along with those of two other positions (the behaviorist views and Whorf’s mould theories). The other views are presented primarily as a contrast to Jakobson’s views.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) The passage does mention two alternative opinions in one sentence in the first paragraph, but the primary focus is on Jakobson’s theory.
(B) CORRECT. The passage primarily discusses Jakobson’s point of view, describing it in the first paragraph and illustrating it via the Guugu Yimithirr example in the second paragraph. The passage concludes by mentioning broader implications at the end of the second paragraph.
(C) The passage doesn’t indicate that either of the earlier theories was dominant, nor does it indicate that Jakobson’s theory is the new dominant theory.
(D) The passage doesn’t address how Jakobson came to develop his theory in the first place.
(E) The passage does not reconcile the opposing points of view. No information indicates that the groups have come to agreement.
Answer: B
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements best describes mould theories of language?
Step 1: Identify the question.
According to the passage indicates that this is a Specific Detail question. The mould theories were mentioned in the first paragraph.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found the first paragraph:
…if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about. This view is both a departure from the behaviorist stance that all thought is inherently linguistic (and that there is therefore no distinction) and a rejection of the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
Jakobson’s theory goes against the mould theories. The mould theories argue that all thought is shaped by language.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) Jakobson believe this; this is not part of Whorf’s mould theories.
(B) The behaviorist position promotes this view, not the mould theories.
(C) Jakobson believe this; this is not part of Whorf’s mould theories.
(D) CORRECT. This is how the passage describes the mould theories: all thought is shaped by language . In other words, language shapes (or-influences) all thought.
(E) This is the opposite of the description of the mould theories, which says that all thought is shaped by language, not that all thought shapes or influences language.
Answer: D
Step 1: Identify the question.
According to the passage indicates that this is a Specific Detail question. The mould theories were mentioned in the first paragraph.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found the first paragraph:
…if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about. This view is both a departure from the behaviorist stance that all thought is inherently linguistic (and that there is therefore no distinction) and a rejection of the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
Jakobson’s theory goes against the mould theories. The mould theories argue that all thought is shaped by language.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) Jakobson believe this; this is not part of Whorf’s mould theories.
(B) The behaviorist position promotes this view, not the mould theories.
(C) Jakobson believe this; this is not part of Whorf’s mould theories.
(D) CORRECT. This is how the passage describes the mould theories: all thought is shaped by language . In other words, language shapes (or-influences) all thought.
(E) This is the opposite of the description of the mould theories, which says that all thought is shaped by language, not that all thought shapes or influences language.
Answer: D
3. The passage suggests that which of the following is more restrictive for a speaker?
Step 1: Identify the question.
The word suggests indicates that this is an Inference question. The phrase more restrictive might lead you to consider the constraints imposed by a language.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found at the end of the passage:
…Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not. Studying how languages constrain us, Jakobson believes, could lead to new discoveries in regard to how we think. For instance, a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
Since Guugu Yimithirr doesn’t contain certain descriptive words, the speakers are forced to use north, south, east, and west. That’s restrictive. Also, if more specific information is required or built in (such as gender), that’s more restrictive.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) This choice is the opposite of what the question asks. The cardinal directions are described as more restrictive, because the speakers cannot use personal orientation.
(B) CORRECT. This matches one of the restrictive examples given in the passage.
(C) The passage states the opposite: The gendered pronouns are more restrictive than the gender neutral pronouns.
(D) The restrictiveness of language is not mentioned in relation to the competing theories.
(E) The restrictiveness of language is not mentioned in relation to the competing theories.
Answer: B
Step 1: Identify the question.
The word suggests indicates that this is an Inference question. The phrase more restrictive might lead you to consider the constraints imposed by a language.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found at the end of the passage:
…Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not. Studying how languages constrain us, Jakobson believes, could lead to new discoveries in regard to how we think. For instance, a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
Since Guugu Yimithirr doesn’t contain certain descriptive words, the speakers are forced to use north, south, east, and west. That’s restrictive. Also, if more specific information is required or built in (such as gender), that’s more restrictive.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) This choice is the opposite of what the question asks. The cardinal directions are described as more restrictive, because the speakers cannot use personal orientation.
(B) CORRECT. This matches one of the restrictive examples given in the passage.
(C) The passage states the opposite: The gendered pronouns are more restrictive than the gender neutral pronouns.
(D) The restrictiveness of language is not mentioned in relation to the competing theories.
(E) The restrictiveness of language is not mentioned in relation to the competing theories.
Answer: B
4. With respect to the relationship of language to thought, the passage indicates that Jakobson believes that
Step 1: Identify the question.
The language the passage indicates signals that this is a Specific Detail question.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found in the first paragraph:
…if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about. …some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
According to Jakobson, it isn’t the case that language always shapes how we think. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) CORRECT. This matches the last sentence of the first paragraph.
(B) The passage indicates only that Jakobson thinks that some thoughts are shaped by language, not most.
(C) This choice is trying to mix up confusing language from the passage. Jakobson asserts only that some thoughts are shaped by language and some thoughts are not.
(D) Jakobson does believe that the two are interrelated at least some of the time.
(E) This reflects Whorf’s point of view, not Jakobson’s.
Answer: A
Step 1: Identify the question.
The language the passage indicates signals that this is a Specific Detail question.
Step 2: Find the support.
Support can be found in the first paragraph:
…if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about. …some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
Step 3: Predict an answer.
According to Jakobson, it isn’t the case that language always shapes how we think. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn’t.
Step 4: Eliminate and find a match.
(A) CORRECT. This matches the last sentence of the first paragraph.
(B) The passage indicates only that Jakobson thinks that some thoughts are shaped by language, not most.
(C) This choice is trying to mix up confusing language from the passage. Jakobson asserts only that some thoughts are shaped by language and some thoughts are not.
(D) Jakobson does believe that the two are interrelated at least some of the time.
(E) This reflects Whorf’s point of view, not Jakobson’s.
Answer: A
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Question 2. According to the passage, which of the following statements best describes mould theories of language?
PG1: "the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language"
(A) Some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
INCORRECT -- "all thought is shaped by language", not just some
(B) There is no difference between thought and language.
INCORRECT -- Whorf argues that all thought is shaped by language (not that there is no difference between the two)
(C) Languages differ primarily in their restrictiveness.
INCORRECT -- This better describes Jakobson's theory vs Whorf's “mould theories” (PG1: "Jakobson argues that languages differ primarily in what they must convey rather than what they may convey... determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about")
(D) Language influences all thought.
CORRECT -- PG1: "the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language"
(E) Thought influences all language.
INCORRECT -- "thought is shaped by language", which means that language influences thought (not the other way around)
Question 3. The passage suggests that which of the following is more restrictive for a speaker?
(A) Directions that reflect personal orientation, as compared to those that rely only on cardinal keys
INCORRECT -- PG2 "Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not", implying GY (relying on cardinal) is more restrictive than ENG (relying on personal orient)
(B) Pronouns in which gender is embedded, in contrast to pronouns that are gender-neutral
CORRECT -- PG2 "a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation"'; therefore pronouns embedding gender is more restrictive
(C) Pronouns that are gender-neutral, as opposed to pronouns for which gender is inherent
INCORRECT -- (same as above) PG2 "a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation"'; therefore pronouns embedding gender is more restrictive than gender-neutral pronouns
(D) Mould theories compared to behaviorist theories
INCORRECT -- unclear which is more restrictive; we just know these are two different theories (behaviorist = "all thought is inherently linguistic"/ mould theories = "all thought is shaped by language")
(E) Jakobson’s view in comparison to Whorf’s view
INCORRECT -- The passage compares different languages from the angle of Jakobson's theory to evaluate which language is more restrictive. It doesn't compare different theories based on how restrictive they are
Question 4. With respect to the relationship of language to thought, the passage indicates that Jakobson believes that
PG1 "Jakobson suggests, some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not."
(A) language shapes some thoughts
CORRECT -- exactly the same as the quote above, said in reverse direction
(B) most thoughts are shaped by language
INCORRECT -- "some thoughts are shaped by language", not "most"
(C) if thoughts are shaped by language, language must be shaped by thoughts
INCORRECT -- PG1 "if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about"; no mention that language must also be shaped by thoughts
(D) the two are not interrelated
INCORRECT -- PG1 "if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about"; Jakobson is suggesting how they are related (not arguing that they are not related at all)
(E) linguistic patterns codify all thought
INCORRECT -- Whorf's theory, not Jakobson's (PG2: "Whorf would argue... linguistic patterns codify our thoughts")
PG1: "the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language"
(A) Some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not.
INCORRECT -- "all thought is shaped by language", not just some
(B) There is no difference between thought and language.
INCORRECT -- Whorf argues that all thought is shaped by language (not that there is no difference between the two)
(C) Languages differ primarily in their restrictiveness.
INCORRECT -- This better describes Jakobson's theory vs Whorf's “mould theories” (PG1: "Jakobson argues that languages differ primarily in what they must convey rather than what they may convey... determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about")
(D) Language influences all thought.
CORRECT -- PG1: "the pure “mould theories” advanced by Whorf, which argue that all thought is shaped by language"
(E) Thought influences all language.
INCORRECT -- "thought is shaped by language", which means that language influences thought (not the other way around)
Question 3. The passage suggests that which of the following is more restrictive for a speaker?
(A) Directions that reflect personal orientation, as compared to those that rely only on cardinal keys
INCORRECT -- PG2 "Guugu Yimithirr speakers are forced to consider cardinal direction, while English speakers are free to consider it or not", implying GY (relying on cardinal) is more restrictive than ENG (relying on personal orient)
(B) Pronouns in which gender is embedded, in contrast to pronouns that are gender-neutral
CORRECT -- PG2 "a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation"'; therefore pronouns embedding gender is more restrictive
(C) Pronouns that are gender-neutral, as opposed to pronouns for which gender is inherent
INCORRECT -- (same as above) PG2 "a language in which common terms denote gender (“him”) imposes information on listeners, whereas one in which gender is irrelevant (“they”) leaves more open to interpretation"'; therefore pronouns embedding gender is more restrictive than gender-neutral pronouns
(D) Mould theories compared to behaviorist theories
INCORRECT -- unclear which is more restrictive; we just know these are two different theories (behaviorist = "all thought is inherently linguistic"/ mould theories = "all thought is shaped by language")
(E) Jakobson’s view in comparison to Whorf’s view
INCORRECT -- The passage compares different languages from the angle of Jakobson's theory to evaluate which language is more restrictive. It doesn't compare different theories based on how restrictive they are
Question 4. With respect to the relationship of language to thought, the passage indicates that Jakobson believes that
PG1 "Jakobson suggests, some thoughts are shaped by language and some are not."
(A) language shapes some thoughts
CORRECT -- exactly the same as the quote above, said in reverse direction
(B) most thoughts are shaped by language
INCORRECT -- "some thoughts are shaped by language", not "most"
(C) if thoughts are shaped by language, language must be shaped by thoughts
INCORRECT -- PG1 "if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about"; no mention that language must also be shaped by thoughts
(D) the two are not interrelated
INCORRECT -- PG1 "if language shapes how we think, it does so by determining what speakers are obligated to think about rather than what they are allowed to think about"; Jakobson is suggesting how they are related (not arguing that they are not related at all)
(E) linguistic patterns codify all thought
INCORRECT -- Whorf's theory, not Jakobson's (PG2: "Whorf would argue... linguistic patterns codify our thoughts")
