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Sajjad1994 KarishmaB GMATNinja egmat

in Q1. how can we say author "heard"
why cant we say E author was surprised , because usually we expect the other person to be surprised about something when we were surprised the first time we saw/heard/read about it.


Sajjad1994
We tend to view termites only in terms of their destructive potential, but perhaps it is time to think of their potential for good. Yes, they are agricultural pests and cause millions of dollars in damage to wood structures, but perhaps they have some useful properties as well.

It may come as a shock to you to learn that in certain cultures, termites are part of the human diet. In parts of Africa and southern Asia, people eat winged termites roasted or fried (after first removing their wings). They are said to have a nutty taste and to be rich in protein.

Termites are important in other ways. They create habitats for other species, whether by hollowing trees or by building large termite mounds. They clear away flammable materials on the savanna, lessening the possibility of grass fires. In addition, termites are notoriously efficient energy producers. They break down wood products quickly, releasing hydrogen as they do so. Scientists are studying their biochemical processes in hopes of reproducing them on a large scale as a source of renewable energy.

Of course, these positive qualities do nothing to assuage the fears of homeowners. The subterranean consumers thrive on dark, damp places in your home, tunneling and foraging as they go. Without your ever recognizing their existence, they may thoroughly undermine the wood throughout your dwelling, leaving only the external grain. To prevent such infestations, store firewood well away from your home, keep any mulch at least six inches from your foundation, and check old furniture for telltale tunnels and ridges before moving it into your living space.

1. Which of the following conclusions may be drawn directly from the second paragraph of the passage?

(A) The author has actually tasted roasted or fried termites.
(B) The author has heard about the consumption of termites.
(C) The author does not believe that people ever eat termites.
(D) The author is disgusted by the notion of eating termites.
(E) The author is surprised about human consumption of termites.


2. The author’s list of termites’ uses in the third paragraph is reflective of which of the following types of text structure?

(A) Opinion and examples
(B) Problem-solution
(C) Comparison-contrast
(D) Space order
(E) Cause and effect


3. Which of the following statements best describes the author’s bias?

(A) She is biased against termites.
(B) She thinks termites are both good and bad.
(C) She approves of everything termites do.
(D) She is biased in favor of termites.
(E) She holds no opinion of termites.


4. According to the passage, termites play what role in energy production?

(A) Their digestive processes release hydrogen.
(B) Their respiration converts water to oxygen.
(C) They convert cellulose to flammable fuel.
(D) They produce renewable energy via transpiration.
(E) They manufacture hydrogen in their spiracles.


5. Unlike the previous paragraphs, the final paragraph plays what role in the passage?

(A) It focuses on the habits and powers of the termite.
(B) It illustrates termites’ role in ecology.
(C) It stresses termites’ negative qualities.
(D) It develops a theory about termite behavior.
(E) It presents scientific facts about termites.


RC Butler 2023 - Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.
Passage # 213 Date: 29-Jun-2023
This question is part of RC Butler 2023. Click here for Details
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Sajjad1994

in Q1. how can we say author "heard"
why cant we say E author was surprised , because usually we expect the other person to be surprised about something when we were surprised the first time we saw/heard/read about it.

Hi rak08

Choice (E) is tempting because the paragraph begins with “It may come as a shock to you to learn...”, which implies the reader might be surprised.

The wording is “It may come as a shock to you”, not “It came as a shock to me” or “I was surprised.” The author is anticipating the reader’s potential reaction, not stating his/her own surprise.

The author presents the information factually, describing where termites are eaten, how they are cooked, and their reported taste, without any expression of personal astonishment. The paragraph only says the fact might be shocking to the reader, which is not evidence of the author's personal emotional state.

Therefore, (E) goes beyond what is directly supported by the paragraph.
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The question asks what can be concluded from Paragraph 2.

Key Text:
> "It may come as a shock to you to learn that..."
> "They are said to have a nutty taste..."

Why (B) is correct:
The phrase "They are said to" indicates the author is reporting second-hand information - something they've heard about, not personally experienced. This directly supports that the author has "heard about" termite consumption.

Why (E) is a trap:
"Shock to you" describes the reader's predicted reaction, not the author's emotion.

Correct approach: For inference questions, every claim must be directly supported by the text. We cannot infer what the author felt - only what they stated.

- The author never says: "I was surprised" / "To my shock" / "I couldn't believe"
- The author only predicts: "You might be shocked"

Think of it this way:

A tour guide says: "You might be surprised to learn this building is 500 years old."

Can we conclude:
✅ The guide has heard/knows about the building's age (obviously - they're telling you)
❌ The guide was surprised when they first learned it (we have no idea, maybe they've known since childhood)

The passage tells us what the READER might feel, not what the AUTHOR felt.

Answer: B

rak08
Sajjad1994 KarishmaB GMATNinja egmat

in Q1. how can we say author "heard"
why cant we say E author was surprised , because usually we expect the other person to be surprised about something when we were surprised the first time we saw/heard/read about it.



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Can someone explain answer for Question 2 ?
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Can someone explain answer for Question 2 ?
2. The author’s list of termites’ uses in the third paragraph is reflective of which of the following types of text structure?

(A) Opinion and examples
(B) Problem-solution
(C) Comparison-contrast
(D) Space order
(E) Cause and effect

The third paragraph lists several beneficial roles of termites (e.g., as food, habitat creators, fire preventers, energy producers) to support the author's opening opinion that termites have potential for good.

(A) Opinion and examples: This fits. The paragraph serves to provide multiple examples supporting the author's stated opinion that termites have useful properties.

(B) Problem-solution: The paragraph does not present a problem and then propose a solution.

(C) Comparison-contrast: The paragraph does not compare or contrast termites with anything else.

(D) Space order: The paragraph is not organized by physical location or spatial description.

(E) Cause and effect: The paragraph states facts and uses, but does not explain causes and their effects.

Therefore, the structure is opinion supported by examples.

The answer is A.
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