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Updated on: 09 Mar 2026, 10:37
Originally posted by betterscore on 08 Aug 2012, 17:00.
Last edited by Bunuel on 09 Mar 2026, 10:37, edited 4 times in total.
Last edited by Bunuel on 09 Mar 2026, 10:37, edited 4 times in total.
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Question 1
E
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:
73% (02:41) correct
27%
(02:51) wrong
based on 5356
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 2
A
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:
74% (01:02) correct 26%
(01:17) wrong
based on 5162
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 3
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:
83% (01:05) correct 17%
(01:18) wrong
based on 5054
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Io and Europa, the inner two of Jupiter's four largest moons, are about the size of Earth's moon and are composed mostly or entirely of rock and metal. Ganymede and Callisto are larger and roughly half ice. Thus, these four moons are somewhat analogous to the planets of the solar system, in which the rock- and metal-rich inner planets are distinct from the much larger gas- and ice-rich outer planets. Jupiter's moons are, however, more "systematic": many of their properties vary continuously with distance from Jupiter. For example, Io is ice-free, Europa has a surface shell of ice, and while Ganymede and Callisto are both ice-rich, outermost Callisto has more.
This compositional gradient has geological parallels. Io is extremely geologically active, Europa seems to be active on a more modest scale, and Ganymede has undergone bouts of activity in its geological past. Only Callisto reveals no geological activity. In similar fashion, Callisto's surface is very heavily cratered from the impact of comets and asteroids; Ganymede, like Earth's moon, is heavily cratered in parts; Europa is very lightly cratered; and no craters have been detected on Io, even though Jupiter's gravity attracts comets and asteroids passing near it, substantially increasing the bombardment rate of the inner moons compared to that of the outer ones. But because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.
This compositional gradient has geological parallels. Io is extremely geologically active, Europa seems to be active on a more modest scale, and Ganymede has undergone bouts of activity in its geological past. Only Callisto reveals no geological activity. In similar fashion, Callisto's surface is very heavily cratered from the impact of comets and asteroids; Ganymede, like Earth's moon, is heavily cratered in parts; Europa is very lightly cratered; and no craters have been detected on Io, even though Jupiter's gravity attracts comets and asteroids passing near it, substantially increasing the bombardment rate of the inner moons compared to that of the outer ones. But because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.
1. According to the passage, the difference in the amount of cratering on Callisto's and Io's respective surfaces can probably be explained by the difference between these two moons with respect to which of the following factors?
(A) Size
(B) Ice content
(C) The rate of bombardment by comets and asteroids
(D) The influence of Jupiter's other moons
(E) The level of geological activity
(A) Size
(B) Ice content
(C) The rate of bombardment by comets and asteroids
(D) The influence of Jupiter's other moons
(E) The level of geological activity
2. Which of the following best describes the purpose of the second paragraph of the passage?
(A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(B) To present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) To explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(D) To introduce facts that contradict conventional assumptions about Jupiter's four largest moons
(E) To contrast the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons with the characteristics of the planets of the solar system
(A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(B) To present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) To explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(D) To introduce facts that contradict conventional assumptions about Jupiter's four largest moons
(E) To contrast the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons with the characteristics of the planets of the solar system
3. The author's reference to Jupiter's gravity in line 25 serves primarily to
(A) indicate why the absence of craters on Io's surface is surprising
(B) explain the presence of craters on the surface of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) provide an explanation for the lack of geological activity on Callisto
(D) contrast Jupiter's characteristics with the characteristics of its four largest moons
(E) illustrate the similarity between Jupiter's four largest moons and the planets of the solar system
(A) indicate why the absence of craters on Io's surface is surprising
(B) explain the presence of craters on the surface of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) provide an explanation for the lack of geological activity on Callisto
(D) contrast Jupiter's characteristics with the characteristics of its four largest moons
(E) illustrate the similarity between Jupiter's four largest moons and the planets of the solar system
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27 Jul 2015, 17:19
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Io and Europa, the inner two of Jupiter's four largest moons, are about the size of Earth's moon and are composed mostly or entirely of rock and metal. Ganymede and Callisto are larger and roughly half ice. Thus, these four moons are somewhat analogous to the planets of the solar system, in which the rock- and metal-rich inner planets are distinct from the much larger gas- and ice-rich outer planets. Jupiter's moons are, however, more "systematic": many of their properties vary continuously with distance from Jupiter. For example, Io is ice-free, Europa has a surface shell of ice, and while Ganymede and Callisto are both ice-rich, outermost Callisto has more.
This compositional gradient has geological parallels. Io is extremely geologically active, Europa seems to be active on a more modest scale, and Ganymede has undergone bouts of activity in its geological past. Only Callisto reveals no geological activity. In similar fashion, Callisto's surface is very heavily cratered from the impact of comets and asteroids; Ganymede, like Earth's moon, is heavily cratered in parts; Europa is very lightly cratered; and no craters have been detected on Io, even though Jupiter's gravity attracts comets and asteroids passing near it, substantially increasing the bombardment rate of the inner moons compared to that of the outer ones. But because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.
EMPOWERgmat Enhanced Explanation:
This passage was retained in the OG 2016.
Paragraph Summary:
Notes: 1|+| Further -> Icier, resembles solar system, more systematic
Analysis: The first paragraph is not just a report on the inner moons of Jupiter, but also an argument as to the similarity of Jupiter’s moons to that of the solar system itself. “Thus, these four moons are somewhat analogous to the planets of the solar system” That’s opinion. The rest is evidence supporting that opinion.
Notes: 2|+| Further -> Less geo active
Analysis: Here, the case is being made that the intensity of geological activity on the surface of the moons varies based on the distance from Jupiter. The further out, the less geologically active, and vice-versa.
OG 2015 #11
OG 2016 #11
According to the passage, the difference in the amount of cratering on Callisto's and Io's respective surfaces can probably be explained by the difference between these two moons with respect to which of the following factors?
(A) Size
(B) Ice content
(C) The rate of bombardment by comets and asteroids
(D) The influence of Jupiter's other moons
(E) The level of geological activity
Detail Question
Find the Facts: What causes the difference in cratering? Geologic activity. “because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing” so the closer to Jupiter, the more active the volcanic activity, and the volcanoes essentially erase the craters off the surface more frequently, the closer the moon is to Jupiter. Which option says that? E. It’s not about the size, the ice content ,or the influence of Jupiter’s other moons. Those are the 3 easy outs. Option C is the runner up. We know it’s not C because the rate of bombardment intensifies the closer the moon is to Jupiter, but the closer the moon is to Jupiter, the fewer craters, so it can’t be about the bombardment. Again, at the end of paragraph 2, we’re told that the volcanic activity is what wipes the surface.
OG 2015 #12
OG 2016 #12
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the second paragraph of the passage?
(A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(B) To present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) To explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(D) To introduce facts that contradict conventional assumptions about Jupiter's four largest moons
(E) To contrast the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons with the characteristics of the planets of the solar system
Purpose Question
What’s The Purpose of Paragraph 2? Further proof of systematic relationship of the moons. The further the moon, the greater the catering. That is proof of a system in which the distance from Jupiter impacts the character of the moons. Which option says that? A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
B) Easy Out #1 Is this passage, let alone paragraph 2 actually presenting a COMPREHENSIVE theory? No. How would we know this is a comprehensive treatment. This option has the right flavor, but warps it by making it too extreme.
C) The runner up. Does this passage actually provide information as to how significant this systematic relationship is? No Just because the author is describing the systematic relationship doesn’t automatically make that issue a significant one. That distorts, or in other words warps what the answer should say.
D) Easy Out #2 Left field. Nothing in the passage indicates that these facts used to support this systematic theory counter the conventional thinking. For all we know, this passage might actually reinforce conventional assumptions, and beliefs about the moons.
E) Easy Out #3 Even though there is reference to the similarity of Jupiter’s moons to the planets in the solar system, that’s not automatically the goal if either paragraph. Instead, the author is really just drawing on the familiarity of the solar system to help illustrate what’s going on with Jupiter’s moons.
OG 2015 #13
OG 2016 #13
The author's reference to Jupiter's gravity in line 25 serves primarily to
(A) indicate why the absence of craters on Io's surface is surprising
(B) explain the presence of craters on the surface of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) provide an explanation for the lack of geological activity on Callisto
(D) contrast Jupiter's characteristics with the characteristics of its four largest moons
(E) illustrate the similarity between Jupiter's four largest moons and the planets of the solar system
Purpose Question
What’s the purpose of the reference to gravity in line 25? The passage points out that we’d expect more craters the closer we got to jupiter because of Jupiter’s gravity, but instead we see fewer craters. That seeming paradox is the point. Which option expresses that idea?
A) Yes! To point out that the absence of craters is not what we’d expect
B) A 180. We know for a fact that not all of the 4 moons have craters. Io is extremely volcanic, and the passage says that “its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.”
C) Is the entire purpose of the mention of Jupiter’s gravity to talk about the lack of activity on Callisto? No In fact Callisto is month the furthest out.
D) Easy Out #2 Is the purpose of sharing the information in paragraph 2 to contrast Jupiter’s characteristics to that of it’s moon? no.
E) Even though the passage does reference the similarity in P1, is that the purpose of referencing Jupiter’s gravity here? No. The reason why the author is referencing Jupiter’s gravity is to point out why it’s surprising these innermost moons don’t have more craters since they’re more likely to be bombarded.
This compositional gradient has geological parallels. Io is extremely geologically active, Europa seems to be active on a more modest scale, and Ganymede has undergone bouts of activity in its geological past. Only Callisto reveals no geological activity. In similar fashion, Callisto's surface is very heavily cratered from the impact of comets and asteroids; Ganymede, like Earth's moon, is heavily cratered in parts; Europa is very lightly cratered; and no craters have been detected on Io, even though Jupiter's gravity attracts comets and asteroids passing near it, substantially increasing the bombardment rate of the inner moons compared to that of the outer ones. But because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.
EMPOWERgmat Enhanced Explanation:
This passage was retained in the OG 2016.
Paragraph Summary:
Notes: 1|+| Further -> Icier, resembles solar system, more systematic
Analysis: The first paragraph is not just a report on the inner moons of Jupiter, but also an argument as to the similarity of Jupiter’s moons to that of the solar system itself. “Thus, these four moons are somewhat analogous to the planets of the solar system” That’s opinion. The rest is evidence supporting that opinion.
Notes: 2|+| Further -> Less geo active
Analysis: Here, the case is being made that the intensity of geological activity on the surface of the moons varies based on the distance from Jupiter. The further out, the less geologically active, and vice-versa.
OG 2015 #11
OG 2016 #11
According to the passage, the difference in the amount of cratering on Callisto's and Io's respective surfaces can probably be explained by the difference between these two moons with respect to which of the following factors?
(A) Size
(B) Ice content
(C) The rate of bombardment by comets and asteroids
(D) The influence of Jupiter's other moons
(E) The level of geological activity
Detail Question
Find the Facts: What causes the difference in cratering? Geologic activity. “because of Io's high degree of geological activity, its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing” so the closer to Jupiter, the more active the volcanic activity, and the volcanoes essentially erase the craters off the surface more frequently, the closer the moon is to Jupiter. Which option says that? E. It’s not about the size, the ice content ,or the influence of Jupiter’s other moons. Those are the 3 easy outs. Option C is the runner up. We know it’s not C because the rate of bombardment intensifies the closer the moon is to Jupiter, but the closer the moon is to Jupiter, the fewer craters, so it can’t be about the bombardment. Again, at the end of paragraph 2, we’re told that the volcanic activity is what wipes the surface.
OG 2015 #12
OG 2016 #12
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the second paragraph of the passage?
(A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(B) To present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) To explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
(D) To introduce facts that contradict conventional assumptions about Jupiter's four largest moons
(E) To contrast the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons with the characteristics of the planets of the solar system
Purpose Question
What’s The Purpose of Paragraph 2? Further proof of systematic relationship of the moons. The further the moon, the greater the catering. That is proof of a system in which the distance from Jupiter impacts the character of the moons. Which option says that? A) To provide further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons
B) Easy Out #1 Is this passage, let alone paragraph 2 actually presenting a COMPREHENSIVE theory? No. How would we know this is a comprehensive treatment. This option has the right flavor, but warps it by making it too extreme.
C) The runner up. Does this passage actually provide information as to how significant this systematic relationship is? No Just because the author is describing the systematic relationship doesn’t automatically make that issue a significant one. That distorts, or in other words warps what the answer should say.
D) Easy Out #2 Left field. Nothing in the passage indicates that these facts used to support this systematic theory counter the conventional thinking. For all we know, this passage might actually reinforce conventional assumptions, and beliefs about the moons.
E) Easy Out #3 Even though there is reference to the similarity of Jupiter’s moons to the planets in the solar system, that’s not automatically the goal if either paragraph. Instead, the author is really just drawing on the familiarity of the solar system to help illustrate what’s going on with Jupiter’s moons.
OG 2015 #13
OG 2016 #13
The author's reference to Jupiter's gravity in line 25 serves primarily to
(A) indicate why the absence of craters on Io's surface is surprising
(B) explain the presence of craters on the surface of Jupiter's four largest moons
(C) provide an explanation for the lack of geological activity on Callisto
(D) contrast Jupiter's characteristics with the characteristics of its four largest moons
(E) illustrate the similarity between Jupiter's four largest moons and the planets of the solar system
Purpose Question
What’s the purpose of the reference to gravity in line 25? The passage points out that we’d expect more craters the closer we got to jupiter because of Jupiter’s gravity, but instead we see fewer craters. That seeming paradox is the point. Which option expresses that idea?
A) Yes! To point out that the absence of craters is not what we’d expect
B) A 180. We know for a fact that not all of the 4 moons have craters. Io is extremely volcanic, and the passage says that “its surface undergoes more-or-less continuous volcanic resurfacing.”
C) Is the entire purpose of the mention of Jupiter’s gravity to talk about the lack of activity on Callisto? No In fact Callisto is month the furthest out.
D) Easy Out #2 Is the purpose of sharing the information in paragraph 2 to contrast Jupiter’s characteristics to that of it’s moon? no.
E) Even though the passage does reference the similarity in P1, is that the purpose of referencing Jupiter’s gravity here? No. The reason why the author is referencing Jupiter’s gravity is to point out why it’s surprising these innermost moons don’t have more craters since they’re more likely to be bombarded.
14 May 2017, 22:03
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Quote:
The author uses the word "systematic" to describe Jupiter's moons as following a regular pattern (i.e., arranged in an ordered fashion). Ice content and geological activity are two properties of the moons that "vary continuously with distance from Jupiter"; thus, those two properties follow a regular, ordered pattern. In contrast, say another planet has 5 moons, A through E, where A is closest to the planet and E is the farthest away from the planet. If A has a little bit of ice, B has no ice, C has the same amount of ice as A, D has much more ice than A and C, and E has the same amount as E (so B < A=C < D=E), we might be able to say that the ice content generally increases as we get farther away from the planet, but the ice content does not vary continuously with distance. This would be a less regular pattern than that of Jupiter's moons, and we could describe Jupiter's moons as being more "systematic" than the moons of our made-up planet.
Quote:
Question #12 does not ask about the primary purpose of the passage. Instead, it asks about "the purpose of the second paragraph of the passage". In paragraph one, the author describes Jupiter's moons as more systematic than the planets of the solar system. The author then uses ice content as an example to support that statement.
In paragraph two, the author describes two other examples to support the statement that Jupiter's moons are more systematic than the planets of the solar system (geological activity and cratering). Thus, paragraph two provides "further evidence of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons", making (A) the correct choice.
Choice (B) is well beyond the scope of paragraph two, which only provides two examples of characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons that vary systematically. While paragraph two does explain why cratering varies with distance, it does not explain why geological activity varies with distance (or why ice content varies with distance). Paragraph two certainly does not "present a comprehensive theory to explain the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons."
As for choice (C), the author does explain how geological activity affects the surface features of the moons, but the author does not "explain the significance of the systematic variation in the characteristics of Jupiter's four largest moons". Why is it significant that Jupiter's moons are more systematic than the planets of the solar system? In other words, why does it matter that "many of their properties vary continuously with distance from Jupiter?" The author describes those characteristics but does not describe why their systematic variations are significant. Choice (C) is beyond the scope of the passage and certainly beyond the scope of paragraph two.
