Choice (D) is correct.18 . C In lines 3 and 4, the author states that he “had made a valuable acquisition...[but]
had lost something, too.” So, an acquisition must be the opposite of a loss, which is
(C), gain.19 . D The author states that he looked upon the sunset scene “without rapture
[happiness]” and goes on to talk about merely factual details about the river. A
pragmatic person thinks only of practical details around an issue and tends not to
romanticize. Therefore, (D) is the answer.20 . B Conspicuous refers to “solitary log” that the author sees clearly. Therefore, (B) is
the most logical answer.21 . A We don’t usually think of shadows as having cheerful characteristics, so eliminate
(A). Shadows are often associated with a mood that is dark and potentially
depressing. Choice (A), despondent, is the closest match, as it means “sad.”22 . D This section of the passage has an abundance of very positive language: “glowed
like a flame”; “graceful curves”; “marvels of coloring”; “I stood like one bewitched. I
drank it in, in a speechless rapture.” Choices (A), (B), and (C) are all negative
words. The answer is (D).23 . B Look back to the explanation for question 22. This part of the passage is filled with
positive language extolling nature. The answer here is (B), fascinated.24 . D Put the sentence in your own words: The moon and the sun would “make” the river
look a certain way. Therefore, the answer is (D).25 . C Substitute each answer choice into the sentence. The only one that works is (C).
26 . B Half of the passage is about the author’s poetic appreciation of the river’s beauty,
while the other half shows that the author eventually became indifferent to its
beauty. Choice (B) is closest to this meaning. Choice (D) is a good trap, but the
author’s sentiments do not only apply to nature (check the last paragraph). Choice
(A) might sound tempting, but the question is not asking about the nature of the
author’s appreciation; it is asking about what the author appreciated.27 . B Choice (A) is a good trap if you are simply looking at the word, but always check
the context. In the context of the passage, the word means ramifications, (B).28 . A Franklin’s outlook was formed by his upbringing. The answer is (A).
29 . C A strictly classical education would have no practical purpose, making it most
appealing to the already well-educated or highly intelligent. Therefore, (C),
privileged, is correct. Choice (A) is tempting, but wealth is not directly connected to
one’s level of education.30 . C In line 23, “empiricism” is matched up with “sense realism and science.” This is
closest in meaning to scientific observation, (C).31 . A In line 24, “utilitarian” is paired up with “commercial,” so Franklin is interested in a