18. A Check the answer choices against the map, and make sure that the information is consistent
with the figure. Choices (B) and (D) contain information that cannot be gleaned from the
map, while (C) contains information that contradicts the map. Choice (A) is consistent with
the map, so it is the correct answer.
19. B As written, the first part of the sentence creates a comma splice, wherein a comma
separates two complete ideas. Choice (A) can be eliminated. Choice (B) is the best of the
remaining answer choices because it is the most concise. A conjunction such as although or
moreover is not needed due to the however in the preceding sentence. This sentence’s
purpose is to explain the preceding sentence.
20. C Unprecedented means “never done or known before.” Choices (A), (B), and (D) have the
same definition, so they can be eliminated—the question asks for what would NOT be
acceptable. Choice (C) means “lacking historical context” and is not an acceptable
alternative.
21. D The idea before the period (Alexandria, Egypt, perhaps the most...continues to thrive) is
a complete idea. The idea after the period (It is the second...of Egypt) is also a complete
idea. Therefore, the two cannot be joined together with only a comma. (Remember your
STOP punctuation rules.) Eliminate (B). Of the remaining answer choices, (D) is the most
effective way to combine the two sentences because it eliminates the need to repeat the
subject, which makes the sentence flow better. Therefore, (D) is correct.
22. A The sentence as written is consistent in structure with between man and god and the
individual and the world, both of which use the conjunction and. As the last item in this
list, and should be used between the natural and the unnatural. All other choices are not
consistent and change the meaning. Therefore, (A) is the answer.
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
23. C The correct answer will contain phrases that are as precise as possible. It is the dime novel
that was printed cheaply and for quick consumption, so the words dime novel need to be
placed immediately next to the modifier phrase. Choices (A), (B), and (D) all include this
misplaced modifier. Only (C) makes the sentence precise.
24. D Notice the question! It asks for the phrase that gives the most specific information. Choice
(D) provides specific names of authors who wrote by way of literary periodicals. Choices
(A), (B), and (C) refer to the authors only in vague terms.
25. D The title of Stowe’s book is necessary information, which means we do not want to
surround it in commas, so eliminate (B). Choices (A) and (C) have other unnecessary
commas. The correct answer is (D) because it contains no commas at all.
26. A The correct answer will support the passage while being as precise as possible. The next
sentence begins with the subject That book, and without the phrase the publishers were
clamoring for an actual book, the reader wouldn’t know what that book is. This reasoning
