and difficult to understand, so eliminate (B). Choices (C) and (D) are not supported
by the passage. Inconsequential literally means “of no consequence,” or irrelevant,
(A).
3 . C In the third paragraph, the author uses disparaging language to
describe the artists, so eliminate (A). Since virtually the entire passage is about the
author’s opinions on this subject, we cannot say he doesn’t care, which rules out (B)
and (D). This leaves you with (C), which means hatred or distaste.
4 . C Choice (A) is definitely a trap. Just because these are artists, that
does not mean that “objectives” are artworks. Choice (B) sounds much too
negative, and (D) is unsupported by the passage. The answer is (C).
5 . A It’s a funny comparison, but a “fat cook” serving “non-nutritious fare”
would suggest a “lack of care.” In other words, the fat cook does not care about the
quality of the food, since he himself is well fed. Choice (A) is correct.
6 . A Always be suspicious of the most obvious definitions. Choice (B) is
definitely a trap. Choices (C) and (D) are not supported by the passage. Frothy
entertainment would be shallow, so (A) is a good match and the correct answer.
7 . A Lines 51–52 state that the traditional view of art holds that it “seeks
to improve life, not debase it.” So, debasing must be the opposite of “improving.”
Choices (A) and (D) are close, but denying is simply a rejection of a fact, not a
weakening of something.
8 . D The clue “no meaning or value” (lines 55–56) makes (D) the clear
choice here.
9 . C According to the passage, the art of nihilists “tends toward
destruction,” but (B) is far too literal. Since the passage contrasts traditional views
of art with more modern views, (C) is the correct answer.10 . B Look at the sentence and surrounding sentences for clues. “Chaos and death” (line
60) should point you to the answer, which is (B), entropy.11 . A Look to the end of the previous paragraph, which states that “our side must lose...
because only a clown with sawdust brains would take our side and eagerly join in”
(lines 62–63). The answer is (A).12 . C As with prior examples, obvious definitions of simple-looking words are almost
always trap answers. Choices (A), (B), and (D) are all words associated with a
courtroom, but they are incorrect. The answer is (C), provoke.13 . D The author uses words like “imaginative” and “profound” to describe Frankenstein,
which reflects admiration, (D).14 . B If a person is continuously relying on credit cards to the point of going to debtor’s
prison, Grant would view this as a ridiculous situation. Derisive, (B), means
expressing ridicule, so it is the best match.