services are used in the sentence. Eliminate (A) and (C), which are ambiguous, and (D)
because it’s singular and ambiguous. Choice (B) is the clearest, most precise choice and is
therefore correct.
8. C Use POE to find the clearest and most concise response. Choice (A) is awkward because
visitors are on the rise doesn’t necessarily refer to their numbers, so eliminate it. Choice
(B) is incorrect, as poised on the rise is an idiom error and should be poised to rise.
Choice (D) is awkward, unclear, and redundant, as poised on the rise seems to be referring
to the numbers, which are also described as growing. Choice (C) is the answer.
9. A Check the underlined portion of this sentence, which states that the visitation numbers
peaked in 1987, and compare it with the chart. This information is true, as is the second
phrase, the general trend has been on a steady rise, so keep (A). Eliminate (B) because
1987 isn’t really the mid-1980s and has not tapered off. Choice (C) is simply incorrect, and
(D) can be eliminated because the growth has been somewhat erratic and not linear. Choice
(A) is correct.
10. B The question asks for the LEAST acceptable response to the underlined portion, so the
underlined word is correct. Use POE to eliminate answer choices that are similar in
meaning to foretold. Choice (B) is the odd man out because stated just means “to express
or declare,” whereas the other choices mean “to predict.” Therefore, (B) is the correct
answer.
11. D The idea before the punctuation, The park-ranger workforce is so diverse, is a complete
idea, as is the clause that follows it, there are actually a few common attributes among
park rangers. A comma cannot separate two complete ideas, so eliminate (A). Look at (C)
and (D), since the transition words because and although are exact opposites, and then
refer back to the sentence to see if the two ideas are complimentary or contrasting. The
words used in the sentence are diverse and a few common, so pick the transition word that
indicates a contrast. Choice (D) is the answer.
The Ferry Godfather
12. D Sentence 2 begins with the phrase this part. Because a pronoun is used, go back and find
the noun it refers to. Sentence 4 states that Lincoln granted a special provision for that
part of Virginia, so the pronoun this refers to the part of Virginia. Therefore, Sentence 2
should go after Sentence 4, and (D) is the correct answer.
13. C The answer choices here suggest that this question is testing pronouns. Go back earlier in
the sentence to find what the pronoun refers to. It’s the United States, which is a collective
noun and therefore singular. Eliminate (A) and (B). Eliminate (D) as well because a
contraction is not necessary here. Choice (C) is the correct answer.
14. D This question is testing comma usage, so check to see if the comma is separating two
