Answers and Explanations

1) C
The first paragraph introduces the problem created by the stink bug in the United States. The second paragraph gives more detailed
information about the stink bug’s eating habits and why exactly it is so destructive to farmers. An effective transition sentence will
connect the two paragraphs by offering more detail about the stink bug, and then by leading into the question of eating habits. An
effective transition sentence also has to take into account the second sentence of paragraph 2: “Unlike their fastidious cousins, stink
bugs feed on some 300 species of plants, including figs, mulberries, corn, and citrus fruits as well as soybeans, legumes, and
weeds.” Informing the reader that “stink bugs surprisingly do not share the eating habits of related insects” directly connects to the
beginning of the next sentence: “unlike their fastidious cousins.” The phrase “fastidious cousins” refers back to “related insects.”
Giving the scientific classification of the stink bug adds more detail about the insect, which connects to paragraph 1. Inserting that
the stink bug is “a member of the Pantatomidae family” provides this detail. Then, contrasting the stink bug’s eating habits with those
of other insects sets up the author to elaborate on why its eating habits are wreaking such havoc on farms. The sentence A member
of the Pantatomidae family, stink bugs surprisingly do not share the eating habits of related insects adds detail to connect to
paragraph 1, introduces the topic in paragraph 2, and provides a direct point of reference for the phrase “fastidious cousins.”
Therefore (C) is correct. While it may be true that “an increasing number” of stink bugs have been found in North America, and this
provides more detail about the stink bug to build on paragraph 1, we still need a transition to the following sentence: “Unlike their
fastidious cousins, stink bugs feed on some 300 species of plants, including figs, mulberries, corn, and citrus fruits as well as
soybeans, legumes, and weeds.” Since answer choice (A) offers no such transition to the relatives and specific eating habits of the
stink bug, it is incorrect. Beginning with “Unbeknownst to Eduardo” provides a connection to the subject of paragraph 1. However,
again there is no direct transition to the discussion of the stink bug’s cousins and their eating habits. Therefore (B) is incorrect. The
facts that brown marmorated stink bugs “first appeared in America in the late 1990s” and can now be “found in 30 states” build on
the information in paragraph 1. Yet this sentence offers no connection to the “fastidious cousins” mentioned in sentence 2 of
paragraph 2. Therefore (D) is incorrect. Generalizing the impact of the stink bug from just Eduardo to “a wide range of gardeners
and farmers” does not adequately introduce the topics of paragraph 2, which are the stink bug’s eating habits and the consequences
therein. Therefore (E) is incorrect.

2) B
fastidious (adjective): excessively particular, critical, or hard to please.
In paragraph 2 we learn that “unlike their fastidious cousins, stink bugs feed on some 300 species of plants, including figs,
mulberries, corn, and citrus fruits as well as soybeans, legumes, and weeds.” From this the reader can infer that the stink bugs eat
many different kinds of plants and are not very particular about diet. In fact, they are undemanding or indiscriminating about what
they eat. Since the stink bugs are “unlike their fastidious cousins,” the reader can infer that fastidious means the opposite of
undemanding. Fastidious means particular or choosy. This meaning fits in well with the word group demanding, particular, and
critical. Therefore (B) is correct. Being forward, assertive and proactive is not the same as being particular or choosy. Therefore (A)
is incorrect. Being delicate, insubstantial, and frail is not the same as being particular or choosy. Therefore (C) is incorrect. Being
passionate, fervent and avid is not the same as being particular or choosy. Therefore (D) is incorrect. Being abstemious, moderate
and restrained conveys a sense of refusing some options, but it is not necessarily the same as being particular or choosy. It conveys
a sense of not taking too much rather than not taking certain things. Therefore (E) is incorrect.

3) D
In paragraph 2, the author transitions from a discussion of the effects of the stink bug on gardeners like Eduardo to the effects on
macro farmers and the economy. We learn that “while hobbyists like Eduardo are left to face the disappointment of an unsuccessful
garden, macro farmers are forced to live with the loss of entire tracts of cash crops.” Later we learn that some of these macro
farmers cannot “clothe their children or put food on the table.” Losing your livelihood is much more dramatic than not being able to
grow fruits and vegetables successfully in your backyard. The author uses the word “while” to contrast Eduardo’s fate with those of
macro farmers. The author also uses the word “hobbyist” to highlight the contrast between Eduardo, a gardener for pleasure, and a
famer, who must grow crops to earn money. The word “hobbyist” as it describes Eduardo here juxtaposes the impact of stink bugs
on gardeners with that on farmers. Therefore (D) is correct. A “hobbyist” in this context is a person who plants a home garden, but
the use of the word does not illustrate anything about the type of person who plants a home garden. Therefore (A) is incorrect. A
“hobbyist” like Eduardo is affected by stink bugs to a point, but from the information in the passage, the reader can infer that the
macro farmer is more likely to be affected in bigger ways. Therefore (B) is incorrect. The passage does not contain any information
about whether gardeners are more or less skilled than farmers. Therefore (C) is incorrect. The word “hobbyist” is used to heighten
the differences between gardeners and farmers, not to elucidate the similarities. Therefore (E) is incorrect.

4) E
In paragraph 2 we learn that “stink bugs pose the most serious threat to the big agriculturalists and macro farm operators.” The
author goes on to say that “macro farmers have more invested in their produce, and therefore have more to lose.” The author then
details what can happen when macro farmers lose an entire crop: they might be “barely able to clothe their children or put food on
the table.” From this information, the reader can infer that the macro farmers have the biggest problem resulting from stink bugs.
Therefore (E) is correct. Although it is true that stink bugs can prevent “hobbyists like Eduardo Jimenez” from eating “healthy and
local,” the author makes it clear in paragraph 2 that the macro farmers have much bigger problems. Therefore (A) is incorrect. In
paragraph 3 we learn that fruits and vegetables “are also getting harder to find.” However, that is a direct, smaller consequence of
the larger problem, which is that macro farmers are losing their crops. Therefore (B) is incorrect. In paragraph 3 we learn that the
prices of apples and peppers are going up in Maryland and the north-Atlantic states. The author adds, “Not only are these items
becoming more expensive, but they are also getting harder to find.” However, this scarcity of apples and peppers is also a direct,
smaller consequence of the larger problem, which is that macro farmers are losing their crops. Therefore (C) is incorrect. The
passage contains information that the price of some fresh fruits and vegetables is increasing, but that is a minor hardship for grocery
shoppers, compared to the losses faced by macro farmers. Therefore (D) is incorrect.
5) A
In paragraph 3, we learn about the relationship between supply and demand with regard to fresh fruits and vegetables. The impact
of the stink bug has caused a decline in the supply of fresh produce. “As a result of this decline in the supply of fresh fruits and
vegetables, shoppers have seen adjustments—sometimes quite dramatic—in prices at the grocery store.” From this information the
reader can infer that when supply goes down, the prices go up. If this is true, then its opposite must also be true: when supply goes
up, the prices go down, or decrease. An increase in supply results in a decrease in price. Therefore (A) is correct. When there is a
decrease in supply, there is an increase in demand. It does not logically follow that an increase in supply would lead to an increase
in demand. Therefore (B) is incorrect. An increase in supply is another way to say an increase in availability, or high availability.
High availability is the opposite of low availability. Therefore (C) is incorrect. An increase in supply could result in reduced
importance, as the rarity of a thing can bestow importance. However, the passage does not contain information about the
relationship between supply and importance. The passage contains information about the relationship between supply and price.
Therefore (D) is incorrect. An increase in supply would not result in higher values, because an increase in supply leads to a
decrease in price. Therefore (E) is incorrect.

6) C
In paragraph 4, we learn about possibly remedies to the stink bug problem. The scientists believe “hope…may lie with an Asian
parasitic wasp, which helpfully lays its eggs inside stink bug eggs. The larvae of the wasp devour the stink bug from the inside.
Implementation of such a solution is still several years away, as scientists must first determine if it is safe for the wasp to be
introduced into America.” Since that solution is not immediate, “some farmers are resorting to homemade traps. Others have even
contemplated the use of peacocks and praying mantises, which, they hypothesize, will gulp down the little stinkers.” From this
information, the reader can infer that there are several solutions in the works, though none of them are guaranteed at the moment.
Therefore (C) is correct. The fact that several possible solutions are offered in paragraph 4 contradicts the idea that “the fight
against stink bugs is hopeless.” Therefore (A) is incorrect. There is more than just one possible remedy to the stink bug problem,
and scientists have “hope,” so some of them may be likely to succeed. Therefore (B) is incorrect. The passage does not contain any
information to indicate that most people believe the stink bug problem to be short-lived. Therefore (D) is incorrect. Scientists are not
sure if any of the proposed remedies will work completely, so they have not arrived at a foolproof method for eliminating stink bugs.
Therefore (E) is incorrect.

7) D
The passage does not contain any information about whether macro farmers do or do not commonly use pesticides, artificial
hormones, or other synthetic materials. This eliminates option (I). In paragraph 1 we learn that the stink bug caused the crops to fail
in Eduardo Jimenez’ home garden. In paragraph 3 we learn that many of the problems with stink bugs affecting produce have
occurred in the mid-Atlantic or north-Atlantic states. Both Georgia and Maryland are specifically mentioned. Since Washington DC is
located in the mid-Atlantic area, and is between Georgia and Maryland, the reader can infer that the stink bugs are likely a problem
in Washington DC. Therefore, it is probably not a good idea to start a home garden there until a solution to the stink bug problem is
found. This supports option (II). In paragraph 3, we learn that the stink bug was “accidentally brought from Asia.” It “has no natural
predators in America, and thus its population is soaring.” From these facts the reader can infer that the stink bug is not native to this
environment, but has been introduced. The passage details the consequences of this hazardous imbalance created by the soaring
stink bug population. Therefore the reader can infer that introducing foreign insects to closed environments can cause hazardous
imbalances. This supports option (III). Therefore (D) is correct.

8) A
ubiquitous (adjective): having or seeming to have the ability to be everywhere at once; omnipresent.
In the final paragraph, we learn that the stink bug population is “soaring.” The evidence of this is that “reported sightings of stink
bugs are becoming increasingly numerous, as the desiccated, brown, trapezoidal shells of the dead bugs are ubiquitous in some
areas.” From this information we can infer that there are large numbers of dead bugs, and that in some areas, they even seem to be
everywhere. We often say something ubiquitous covers or litters an area. Little pink love notes littered all over school is a good
example of something that seems to be everywhere—even stuck to a shoe. Therefore (A) is correct. Eight purple trucks is a lot, but
eight sightings does not make something ubiquitous or omnipresent. Therefore (B) is incorrect. Though a copier malfunctioning can
send lots of paper around the room, the paper is limited to the copy room, rather than seeming to be everywhere at once. Therefore
(C) is incorrect. Flies swarming represent a large number, but if they all flock to the hot dogs and campers, they do not seem to be
everywhere at once. Rather, they are focused on one target. Therefore (D) is incorrect. Droves of gold miners also represent a large
number, but they are all concentrated in California. They do not seem to be everywhere at once; instead, they are all flocking to one
location. Therefore (E) is incorrect.

9). C
This passage begins with an explanation of the problem of password fatigue. As the passage progresses, the author discusses
multiple different solutions, such as SSO authentication, password management software, and biometrics. For each potential
solution, the author identifies the flaws. In the final paragraph, the author dismisses these solutions as insufficient and states that
software engineers and computer security experts continue to search for “the perfect solution.” Based on this information, we can
describe the organization of the passage this way: the author explains a problem, explores solutions, and then dismisses these
solutions as inadequate. Therefore (C) is correct. The passage does not contain information to support choices (A), (B), (D), and
(E). Therefore they are incorrect.

10). E
Intelligent encryption is never mentioned in the passage. Therefore (E) is correct. In paragraph 2, the author states that some
people who experience password fatigue leave “handwritten lists” next to the computer. This means (A) is incorrect. In paragraph 5,
the author discusses using biometric identification that can recognize “human users based on unique traits, such as fingerprints,
voice, or DNA.” This makes (B) incorrect. In paragraph 3, the author mentions password management software and lists KeePass
as an example. This means (C) is incorrect. In paragraph 2, the author states that some people use “extremely simple passwords.”
Therefore (D) is incorrect.

11). D
mitigate (verb): to lessen or alleviate; to make something less harsh, severe, or violent.
In paragraph 3, the author writes, “Single sign-on (SSO) authentication and password management software can help mitigate this
problem, but there are drawbacks to both approaches.” Based on this information, we can understand that SSO and password
management software are attempts to reduce or lessen the problems of password fatigue, but that they are not perfect. This means
mitigate means to alleviate or reduce the severity of something, so a good synonym is lessen. Therefore (D) is correct. Predict
means to foretell, but SSO and password management software are both proposed solutions to the problem. The software does not
predict the problem, but aims to solve it. This makes (A) incorrect. Postpone means to delay or defer. The software does not delay
the problem, but aims to solve it. This means (B) is incorrect. Investigate means to inquire or explore. The software does not explore
the problem, but aims to solve it. Therefore (C) is incorrect. Complicate means to make something more complex. The software
does not make the problem more complex, but aims to solve it. This eliminates (E).

12). A
According to the author, those who use password management software (as opposed to SSO) “incur the added threat of passwords
being compromised because of computer theft.” This is a heightened threat for users of password management software because it
is most commonly used on personal computers, which can easily be stolen; SSO authentication software is “typically used by large
companies, schools, or libraries,” which cannot be stolen. In other words, safety concerns associated with personal computer theft
are a problem for those who rely on password management software, but not for those who use SSO. This means SSO software
may be safer than password management software. This supports option (I). In paragraph 4, the author discusses the flaws in both
SSO authentication and password management software. The author states that for both software programs, forgetting a password
poses dangers because of the fact that one password grants access to many accounts. Because this is a danger for both kinds of
software, it does not make SSO safer than password management software. This eliminates option (II). In paragraph 4, the author
discusses the flaws in both SSO authentication and password management software. The author states that for both software
programs, hackers pose dangers because of the fact that one password grants access to many accounts. Because this is a danger
for both kinds of software, it does not make SSO safer than password management software. This eliminates option (III). Therefore
(A) is correct.

13). C
A fact is something known to exist or be true as a result of experience or observation. Facts can be proven. An opinion is a belief or
judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty, such as an emotion or personal bias. Opinions cannot be
proven true or false. For example, it is a fact that roses are flowers, but an opinion that roses smell nice. Although most people
would be likely to agree with the author’s opinion that having to remember many passwords is irritating, it is still an opinion. Some
people might enjoy the challenge of remembering 30 different passwords. Since this statement cannot be proven true, (C) is correct.
Choices (A), (B), (D), and (E) all contain facts based on experience or observation. These statements can be proven. Therefore
they are incorrect.

14). D
In paragraph 6, the author writes that “the use of biometrics raises ethical questions concerning privacy.” To correctly interpret this
question, we must understand the term “biometrics.” Previously in the paragraph, the author defines it as “a method of recognizing
human users based on unique traits, such as fingerprints, voice, or DNA.” Based on this information, we can infer that using
people’s unique traits, like fingerprints, voice, or DNA, as identification raises ethical questions about privacy because of how the
information might be used. A situation that could raise such a concern likely includes a questionable use of these unique, identifying
traits. If a company employs fingerprint identification security software and turns its database over to the local police department
when a violent crime occurs on its grounds, this could be viewed as a violation of the employees’ privacy. On the other hand, some
people may believe that it is ethical to use the database of fingerprints to solve the crime. This situation represents an ethical
question concerning privacy and the use of biometrics, so it could be used as an example to illustrate the author’s point. Therefore
(D) is correct. A thief stealing a personal computer with password management software and gaining access to private information is
a privacy concern, but it does not involve the questionable use of biometrics. This means (A) is incorrect. Voice-recognition software
is an example of biometrics, but an employee snooping on another employee’s computer does not represent an ethical question that
is any different than the violation of privacy that occurs from reading someone else’s diary. If the employee’s computer had been
password-protected rather than protected by voice recognition, the privacy concern would be the same. This means that the privacy
concern is not raised by the use of biometrics, so (B) incorrect. SSO software is not a use of biometrics, but a password system, so
(C) is incorrect. Password-protected websites are not a use of biometrics, so (E) is incorrect.

15). B
In the final paragraph, the author notes that until a perfect solution is found, “everyone will simply have to rely on the flawed
password system currently in place.” The author has accepted the fact that we will have to rely on a flawed system. This means the
author’s tone is resigned. Therefore (B) is correct. The author does not express anger in the final paragraph, so (A) is incorrect. The
author does not express confusion in the final paragraph, so (C) is incorrect. Although the author discusses the future in the final
paragraph, he or she cannot necessarily be described as hopeful that a perfect solution will be found. This means (D) is incorrect.
Although the author is not necessarily hopeful in the final paragraph, nothing suggests that the author is depressed. This makes (E)
incorrect.

16). E
An author’s purpose is directly related to the content of a passage. In this passage, the author begins in paragraph 1 by identifying
PTSD as a problem, especially for female military veterans. He or she claims that “more that needs to be done” to provide treatment
options for this population. In paragraphs 2 and 3, the author describes two factors that may make female veterans more
susceptible to PTSD than male veterans: low unit cohesion and a desire not to appear weak, especially in light of gender
stereotypes. In paragraph 4, the author states that until very recently, female veterans have had less access than males to
treatment for PTSD. In paragraph 5, the author informs readers that the quality of care a PTSD sufferer receives “can vary widely.”
Finally, in paragraph 6, the author notes the lack of research targeting women PTSD sufferers specifically, and argues that “more
must be done to help the women who have sacrificed so much for their country.” Throughout the passage, the author provides
information about female veterans suffering from PTSD and the problems they face. Based on this overview, we can determine that
the author’s purpose is to educate readers about the problem of insufficient treatment available for female veterans with PTSD.
Therefore (E) is correct. The author focuses specifically on why female veterans are more susceptible to PTSD than male veterans.
He or she notes that military veterans are more likely than civilians to develop it, but does not explain why this is true. This means
(A) is incorrect. Although the author may agree that government officials should increase funding for PTSD treatment centers, the
author’s primary purpose here is to educate, not to persuade. Furthermore, the author addresses a general audience rather than
government officials specifically. This makes (B) incorrect. Although the author does criticize the government for not doing more
about female soldiers’ PTSD, the tone is not so critical that the purpose could be to denounce the government. The author focuses
on providing information more than assigning blame. This eliminates (C). The author briefly mentions symptoms of PTSD in
paragraph 1, but the larger purpose of the passage is not to inform readers about these warning signs. This makes (D) incorrect.

17). C
In paragraph 2, the author mentions that “women are less likely to develop the social support structures that will help prevent them
from developing PTSD, depression, or other serious mental health problems.” This is the only mention of depression in the passage,
so the author does not state or imply that women are more likely than men to suffer from depression. Therefore (C) is correct. In
paragraph 2, the author states, “Women are more likely than men to experience low unit cohesion for a variety of reasons.” Earlier in
the paragraph the author states that low unit cohesion could be a significant factor in the development of PTSD. This means (A) is
incorrect. In paragraph 2, the author notes that “pervasive male prejudice against women is another factor that can diminish unit
cohesion for female soldiers.” Since the author links low unit cohesion to an increased risk of PTSD, this makes (B) incorrect. In
paragraph 2, the author points out that there are far fewer women serving in the military than men, a factor that can contribute to low
unit cohesion, which is linked to an increased risk of PTSD. This eliminates (D). In paragraph 2, the author states that “because
women are less likely than men to experience unit cohesion while serving in the military, women are less likely to develop the social
support structures that will help prevent them from developing PTSD.” This means (E) is incorrect.

18). E
paucity (noun): scarceness; a small number; inadequacy or lack of something.
The author writes in paragraph 2, “One of the most obvious factors [leading to low unit cohesion] is the relative paucity of females in
the military; currently, women make up only 20% of the armed forces.” Based on this information, we can understand that there are
significantly fewer women in the military than men. This tells us that paucity means a small number. Since abundance means a
large number, it is a good antonym. Therefore (E) is correct. Certainty means sureness or conviction. While there is a relative lack of
females in the military, it does not make sense to say there is a relative uncertainty of them. This means (A) is incorrect. Audacity
means boldness or daring. The author does not in any way imply that women in the military lack daring. Rather, this sentence is
about the number of women in the military. This makes (B) incorrect. Deference means respectful submission. The author does not
in any way imply that women in the military are disrespectful or not submissive. Rather, this sentence is about the number of women
in the military. This eliminates (C). Contentment means satisfaction. Although the author discusses potential problems for women in
the military, he or she does not indicate that women in the military are dissatisfied. Therefore (D) is incorrect.

19). C
In paragraph 2, the author states, “Pervasive male prejudice against women is another factor that can diminish unit cohesion for
female soldiers. Because women are less likely than men to experience unit cohesion while serving in the military, women are less
likely to develop the social support structures that will help prevent them from developing PTSD.” This means that male prejudice
against women may limit unit cohesion for women and prevent them from forming close bonds with their units. Low unit cohesion is
cited as a factor that may lead to increased risk of PTSD. This supports option (I). In paragraph 3, the author states that “for
women, this hesitation to self-identify as a sufferer of PTSD could be even greater; historically, female soldiers have struggled to be
counted as equals to men on the battlefield. Women, stereotypically considered to possess less emotional fortitude than men, may
be unwilling to admit that they are suffering from PTSD lest they appear to conform to this stereotype.” This means that some
women hesitate to admit they are suffering from PTSD because they do not want to conform to stereotypes that portray women as
weak. This supports option (II). Although it might be true that women’s awareness of negative stereotypes may lead to a reduction
in self-esteem, this not discussed in the passage. Furthermore, a reduction in self-esteem is cited as a result of PTSD, not a factor
that increases the likelihood of developing PTSD. This eliminates option (III). Therefore (C) is correct.

20). E
In paragraph 1, the author notes that due to “recent changes,” there are now “improved treatment options” for female veterans
suffering from PTSD. In paragraph 4, the author discusses a rule change that now makes mental health counseling available to
women who have not served in combat positions, which increases women’s eligibility for benefits. Despite these improvements, the
author suggests in the final paragraph that the amount of care provided is still insufficient by stating, “More must be done to help the
women who have sacrificed so much for their country.” Based on this information, we can determine that the author believes the
amount of care provided has improved over the past few years, but it is still insufficient. Therefore (E) is correct. The author does not
suggest that state and independent agencies have made up for government deficiencies, so (A) is incorrect. Although the author is
critical of the government, he or she is not so harsh as to suggest that the government has done almost nothing to help. This makes
(B) incorrect. The author claims that mental health care has been worse for female veterans as compared to males, not better, so
(C) is incorrect. The author states in paragraph 3 that there is a “stigma amongst military personnel that asking for help for mental
health issues makes one ‘weak.’” The author goes on to explain that women may be even more hesitant to ask for help than men
because of negative gender stereotypes. However, the author does not suggest that most female veterans refuse to seek treatment.
This eliminates (D).