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Question 1
D
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
35%
(medium)
Question Stats:
72% (03:04) correct
28%
(02:47) wrong
based on 142
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:
35%
(medium)
Question Stats:
64% (01:16) correct 36%
(01:32) wrong
based on 182
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 3
C
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:
54% (01:09) correct 46%
(01:11) wrong
based on 181
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 4
B
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
65%
(hard)
Question Stats:
49% (01:30) correct 51%
(01:48) wrong
based on 171
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 5
D
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:
56% (01:09) correct 44%
(01:11) wrong
based on 181
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 6
E
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
65%
(hard)
Question Stats:
45% (01:20) correct 55%
(01:17) wrong
based on 174
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Social historians have noted that European social
and political thought of the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries was marked by the popularity of
"grand theories," influential intellectual movements
(5) such as Freudianism or Marxism that attempted to
account for a broad range of historical phenomena
with a single, ambitious explanation. Freudianism,
for example, views culture, politics, and other forms
of social interaction as the products of specific human
(10) psychological traits that Sigmund Freud and his
followers believed were universal. Similarly, Marxism
sees these interactions as arising from universal
economic factors. Such theories naturally tend toward
historical determinism, the view that history develops
(15) according to universal and necessary laws.
Grand theories were sometimes so influential that,
in certain intellectual circles, challenging them was
tantamount to denying scientific fact. In recent years,
however, the authority wielded by these theories has
(20) been tarnished by the occurrence of events that do
not fit them. In some cases, they have also been
discredited by being linked to political systems that
have been seen to fail or that have inflicted injustices
on their citizens. It is not that works such as those of
(25) Freud and Marx, written in the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, were implausible explanations of
phenomena that preceded them, but that, as history has
progressed, they have been revealed as products of
their era, possessing inherent explanatory limitations,
(30) rather than the universal truths they purported to be.
Despite the decline of grand theories, people have
what one scholar calls "a nostalgia for determinism."
The attraction of grand theories was the sense they
conveyed that history is logical and proceeds
(35) according to certain universal laws; in discarding
these theories, we seem to have lost faith in historical
determinism. But while we no longer believe in the
deterministic explanations of history offered by grand
theories, we still long for the cognitive satisfaction
(40) provided by a belief in historical inevitability. This
leaves us in a curious state of intellectual discomfort.
But perhaps this discomfort is no bad thing, for it
might finally persuade us to relinquish the vain hope
for inevitability and hence restore us to the
(45) contemplation of historical contingency, particularity,
and novelty, all of which can serve as stimuli to
serious thought. Perhaps what is needed is a historical
perspective that seeks to include, as grand theories
did not and could not, the particular and unrepeatable
(50) details of historical events. Rather than forcing these
details into an inflexible progression, such a
perspective might instead explain history by means of
laws that constrain rather than necessitate. In this way
it might permit us the kind of narrative satisfaction
(55) provided by the arrangement of events in a cogent
story. In short, it would allow for the possibility of
historical explanation without viewing history as
fully determined.
and political thought of the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries was marked by the popularity of
"grand theories," influential intellectual movements
(5) such as Freudianism or Marxism that attempted to
account for a broad range of historical phenomena
with a single, ambitious explanation. Freudianism,
for example, views culture, politics, and other forms
of social interaction as the products of specific human
(10) psychological traits that Sigmund Freud and his
followers believed were universal. Similarly, Marxism
sees these interactions as arising from universal
economic factors. Such theories naturally tend toward
historical determinism, the view that history develops
(15) according to universal and necessary laws.
Grand theories were sometimes so influential that,
in certain intellectual circles, challenging them was
tantamount to denying scientific fact. In recent years,
however, the authority wielded by these theories has
(20) been tarnished by the occurrence of events that do
not fit them. In some cases, they have also been
discredited by being linked to political systems that
have been seen to fail or that have inflicted injustices
on their citizens. It is not that works such as those of
(25) Freud and Marx, written in the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, were implausible explanations of
phenomena that preceded them, but that, as history has
progressed, they have been revealed as products of
their era, possessing inherent explanatory limitations,
(30) rather than the universal truths they purported to be.
Despite the decline of grand theories, people have
what one scholar calls "a nostalgia for determinism."
The attraction of grand theories was the sense they
conveyed that history is logical and proceeds
(35) according to certain universal laws; in discarding
these theories, we seem to have lost faith in historical
determinism. But while we no longer believe in the
deterministic explanations of history offered by grand
theories, we still long for the cognitive satisfaction
(40) provided by a belief in historical inevitability. This
leaves us in a curious state of intellectual discomfort.
But perhaps this discomfort is no bad thing, for it
might finally persuade us to relinquish the vain hope
for inevitability and hence restore us to the
(45) contemplation of historical contingency, particularity,
and novelty, all of which can serve as stimuli to
serious thought. Perhaps what is needed is a historical
perspective that seeks to include, as grand theories
did not and could not, the particular and unrepeatable
(50) details of historical events. Rather than forcing these
details into an inflexible progression, such a
perspective might instead explain history by means of
laws that constrain rather than necessitate. In this way
it might permit us the kind of narrative satisfaction
(55) provided by the arrangement of events in a cogent
story. In short, it would allow for the possibility of
historical explanation without viewing history as
fully determined.
1. Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?
(A) Social historians argue that grand theories, though serviceable in the nineteenth century, are inadequate given the complexity of twentieth-century events.
(B) Grand theories were too deterministic and so failed to adequately explain even the era in which they were developed.
(C) Though seductive in their logic and coherence, grand theories not only led to political injustice but also failed to account for certain universal truths.
(D) The decline of grand theories illustrates the futility of viewing history as fully determined and the importance of recognizing the role of historical contingency.
(E) Though grand theories neglected to account for universal truths, they at least provided narrative satisfaction.
(A) Social historians argue that grand theories, though serviceable in the nineteenth century, are inadequate given the complexity of twentieth-century events.
(B) Grand theories were too deterministic and so failed to adequately explain even the era in which they were developed.
(C) Though seductive in their logic and coherence, grand theories not only led to political injustice but also failed to account for certain universal truths.
(D) The decline of grand theories illustrates the futility of viewing history as fully determined and the importance of recognizing the role of historical contingency.
(E) Though grand theories neglected to account for universal truths, they at least provided narrative satisfaction.
2. Which one of the following most accurately characterizes the author's attitude toward the "nostalgia for determinism" mentioned in line 32?
(A) wary of its repressive political implications
(B) disdainful of its sentimentality and lack of originality
(C) sympathetic but mindful of its inevitable disappointment
(D) fearful of how it may prolong the influence of grand theories
(E) optimistic that it will help to limit the contemplation of contingency
(A) wary of its repressive political implications
(B) disdainful of its sentimentality and lack of originality
(C) sympathetic but mindful of its inevitable disappointment
(D) fearful of how it may prolong the influence of grand theories
(E) optimistic that it will help to limit the contemplation of contingency
3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the organization of the passage?
(A) description of a group of theories followed by a series of examples illustrating their predictive accuracy
(B) explanation of the decline in influence of a group of theories followed by a defense of their logical coherence and rigor
(C) identification of the mistake common to a group of theories followed by a discussion of an alternative theoretical perspective
(D) summary of the history of a group of theories followed by speculation regarding the future of the group
(E) identification of the essential features of a group of theories followed by a description of some of the salient differences among these theories
(A) description of a group of theories followed by a series of examples illustrating their predictive accuracy
(B) explanation of the decline in influence of a group of theories followed by a defense of their logical coherence and rigor
(C) identification of the mistake common to a group of theories followed by a discussion of an alternative theoretical perspective
(D) summary of the history of a group of theories followed by speculation regarding the future of the group
(E) identification of the essential features of a group of theories followed by a description of some of the salient differences among these theories
4. The author introduces the concept of "cognitive satisfaction" in line 39 primarily in order to
(A) suggest why the wish for history to proceed with the clarity and logic of a good story is a vain hope
(B) explain why the demise of grand theories gave rise to nostalgia
(C) show that the notion of satisfaction derived from the comfort of universal laws became less popular as grand theories declined
(D) question the applicability of narrative techniques to the unrepeatable details of human events
(E) argue that interest in universal determinants in history will decline as new narrative conventions develop
(A) suggest why the wish for history to proceed with the clarity and logic of a good story is a vain hope
(B) explain why the demise of grand theories gave rise to nostalgia
(C) show that the notion of satisfaction derived from the comfort of universal laws became less popular as grand theories declined
(D) question the applicability of narrative techniques to the unrepeatable details of human events
(E) argue that interest in universal determinants in history will decline as new narrative conventions develop
5. According to the passage, which one of the following best describes the reason why Freudianism is considered a grand theory?
(A) It viewed human psychological traits as universal rather than particular to the individual.
(B) It had adherents who treated the theory as if it were scientific fact.
(C) It attempted to explain history in a way that provided narrative satisfaction.
(D) It attempted to account for a broad range of phenomena by means of a single explanation.
(E) It emphasized the importance of contingency, particularity, and novelty as stimuli to serious thought.
(A) It viewed human psychological traits as universal rather than particular to the individual.
(B) It had adherents who treated the theory as if it were scientific fact.
(C) It attempted to explain history in a way that provided narrative satisfaction.
(D) It attempted to account for a broad range of phenomena by means of a single explanation.
(E) It emphasized the importance of contingency, particularity, and novelty as stimuli to serious thought.
6. It can be inferred from the passage that the author would most likely agree with which one of the following statements?
(A) Since history is not fully explainable, we cannot hope for narrative satisfaction.
(B) Since historical contingency cannot be predicted, the study of history must avoid contingency.
(C) There are enough features common to all people's experiences to provide the foundation for universal laws of history.
(D) The works of Marx and Freud illustrate the historical perspective that should be used for studying events in the nineteenth century.
(E) The study of history is impaired by the imposition of universal patterns.
(A) Since history is not fully explainable, we cannot hope for narrative satisfaction.
(B) Since historical contingency cannot be predicted, the study of history must avoid contingency.
(C) There are enough features common to all people's experiences to provide the foundation for universal laws of history.
(D) The works of Marx and Freud illustrate the historical perspective that should be used for studying events in the nineteenth century.
(E) The study of history is impaired by the imposition of universal patterns.
12 Apr 2023, 00:27
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Explanation
2. Which one of the following most accurately characterizes the author's attitude toward the "nostalgia for determinism" mentioned in line 32?
Explanation
The correct answer is (C) sympathetic but mindful of its inevitable disappointment.
The author's attitude toward the "nostalgia for determinism" mentioned in line 32 is sympathetic, as the author acknowledges that people are attracted to grand theories because they provide a sense of logical order and universal laws in explaining history. However, the author is also mindful of the inevitable disappointment that comes with such nostalgia, as grand theories have been discredited and revealed to have inherent limitations as history has progressed. The author does not express disdain, fear, or optimism about the nostalgia for determinism, but rather acknowledges it while recognizing its limitations. Therefore, option (C) is the most accurate characterization of the author's attitude.
Answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is (C) sympathetic but mindful of its inevitable disappointment.
The author's attitude toward the "nostalgia for determinism" mentioned in line 32 is sympathetic, as the author acknowledges that people are attracted to grand theories because they provide a sense of logical order and universal laws in explaining history. However, the author is also mindful of the inevitable disappointment that comes with such nostalgia, as grand theories have been discredited and revealed to have inherent limitations as history has progressed. The author does not express disdain, fear, or optimism about the nostalgia for determinism, but rather acknowledges it while recognizing its limitations. Therefore, option (C) is the most accurate characterization of the author's attitude.
Answer: C
12 Apr 2023, 00:29
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Explanation
3. Which one of the following most accurately describes the organization of the passage?
Explanation
The most accurate description of the organization of the passage is:
(C) identification of the mistake common to a group of theories followed by a discussion of an alternative theoretical perspective.
The passage begins by discussing the "grand theories" of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as Freudianism and Marxism, and how they attempted to provide single, ambitious explanations for a broad range of historical phenomena. It then highlights the inherent limitations of these theories and how they have been discredited over time. The passage goes on to discuss the nostalgia for determinism and the cognitive satisfaction provided by a belief in historical inevitability, but argues for a historical perspective that includes the particular and unrepeatable details of historical events and allows for the possibility of historical explanation without viewing history as fully determined. This can be seen as an alternative theoretical perspective to the grand theories discussed earlier in the passage, which is presented as a solution to the mistake common to those theories.
Answer: C
Explanation
The most accurate description of the organization of the passage is:
(C) identification of the mistake common to a group of theories followed by a discussion of an alternative theoretical perspective.
The passage begins by discussing the "grand theories" of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as Freudianism and Marxism, and how they attempted to provide single, ambitious explanations for a broad range of historical phenomena. It then highlights the inherent limitations of these theories and how they have been discredited over time. The passage goes on to discuss the nostalgia for determinism and the cognitive satisfaction provided by a belief in historical inevitability, but argues for a historical perspective that includes the particular and unrepeatable details of historical events and allows for the possibility of historical explanation without viewing history as fully determined. This can be seen as an alternative theoretical perspective to the grand theories discussed earlier in the passage, which is presented as a solution to the mistake common to those theories.
Answer: C
