Test - GRE-Reading Comprehension

Select one answer choice from the given options.

1

After publishing his first book: Tolstoy or Dostoevsky: An Essay in the Old Criticism (1959), George Steiner was chastised at the time for having the audacity to write on the titans of Russian literature without speaking a word of Russian. Yet the "old" of the subtitle announced an even bolder move, distinguishing Steiner's critical practice from the "New Criticism"—a movement that made the "words on the page" the object of scrupulous critical attention and excluded such extra-textual concerns as the author's biography, religious or political camp, or cultural milieu. As an "old" critic, Steiner endeavored to illuminate how writers wrestled their texts into being. This demanded scrutiny of not just the "words on the page" but the contexts, personal and social, that ignited those words. That meant burrowing into the histories of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky as writers in multiple genres, as believers and doubters in political and religious causes, as lifelong readers. But Steiner held that the "old" critic's deeper responsibility is to readers: to reveal the claims that literature has on their attention. Critical aspirations to scientific objectivity, Steiner believed, were misplaced. The criticism that really matters is that which speaks to readers' subjectivity, their inner lives. "Literary criticism," Tolstoy or Dostoevsky memorably begins, "should arise out of a debt of love. In a manner evident and yet mysterious, the poem or the novel seizes upon our imaginings. We are not the same when we put down the work as we were when we took it up."

Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about the quality of Steiner as a critic?

He wanted to paint a complete picture by including the details of every aspect of his subject's life.

His piercing gaze saw beyond the professional aspiration of his subjects and into their personal lives.

He scrutinized not only the text but also its underlying context to be readily receptive to his readers.

He was not merely concerned with inspecting the words of his subjects but also their actions.

He was focused on his subject's journey toward finding the suitable words to express his beliefs.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

2

After publishing his first book: Tolstoy or Dostoevsky: An Essay in the Old Criticism (1959), George Steiner was chastised at the time for having the audacity to write on the titans of Russian literature without speaking a word of Russian. Yet the "old" of the subtitle announced an even bolder move, distinguishing Steiner's critical practice from the "New Criticism"—a movement that made the "words on the page" the object of scrupulous critical attention and excluded such extra-textual concerns as the author's biography, religious or political camp, or cultural milieu. As an "old" critic, Steiner endeavored to illuminate how writers wrestled their texts into being. This demanded scrutiny of not just the "words on the page" but the contexts, personal and social, that ignited those words. That meant burrowing into the histories of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky as writers in multiple genres, as believers and doubters in political and religious causes, as lifelong readers. But Steiner held that the "old" critic's deeper responsibility is to readers: to reveal the claims that literature has on their attention. Critical aspirations to scientific objectivity, Steiner believed, were misplaced. The criticism that really matters is that which speaks to readers' subjectivity, their inner lives. "Literary criticism," Tolstoy or Dostoevsky memorably begins, "should arise out of a debt of love. In a manner evident and yet mysterious, the poem or the novel seizes upon our imaginings. We are not the same when we put down the work as we were when we took it up."

Which of the following may be considered an example of New Criticism as described in the passage?

A reader commenting on those aspects of a novel which are not a part of it

A reviewer criticizing a piece of literature after reading it multiple times

A writer explaining the beliefs of another writer by justifying the origin of those beliefs

A person writing about an autobiography in a way that leaves the reader with a new perspective

A critic delving into the implications of a poem without learning the inspirations behind this work

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The passage is scrollable

After publishing his first book: Tolstoy or Dostoevsky: An Essay in the Old Criticism (1959), George Steiner was chastised at the time for having the audacity to write on the titans of Russian literature without speaking a word of Russian. Yet the "old" of the subtitle announced an even bolder move, distinguishing Steiner's critical practice from the "New Criticism"—a movement that made the "words on the page" the object of scrupulous critical attention and excluded such extra-textual concerns as the author's biography, religious or political camp, or cultural milieu. As an "old" critic, Steiner endeavored to illuminate how writers wrestled their texts into being. This demanded scrutiny of not just the "words on the page" but the contexts, personal and social, that ignited those words. That meant burrowing into the histories of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky as writers in multiple genres, as believers and doubters in political and religious causes, as lifelong readers. But Steiner held that the "old" critic's deeper responsibility is to readers: to reveal the claims that literature has on their attention. Critical aspirations to scientific objectivity, Steiner believed, were misplaced. The criticism that really matters is that which speaks to readers' subjectivity, their inner lives. "Literary criticism," Tolstoy or Dostoevsky memorably begins, "should arise out of a debt of love. In a manner evident and yet mysterious, the poem or the novel seizes upon our imaginings. We are not the same when we put down the work as we were when we took it up." .

3

Select a sentence that mentions taking a wider approach to meet an end.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

4

In cities across the country, stop-and-frisk strategies have gained great currency. They aim to get guns off the street, to glean information and solve crime sprees, and, perhaps above all, to act as deterrent, by letting criminals and would-be lawbreakers know that they might find themselves getting a pat-down at any given moment. Arguably, the policies have succeeded, helping to cut crime dramatically from New York to Los Angeles. But they have also stirred the loudest and most painful present debate in American criminology: Are young men of color being unfairly—and unconstitutionally—singled out?

What could be the possible reasons for the stop-and-frisk strategies to gain popularity?

These strategies are preemptive in nature.

These strategies aspire to make our cities safer.

These strategies have witnessed the light of success in some places.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

5

Mangrove forests are made of shrub and tree species that tolerate hot, muddy and salty conditions. Experts estimate that mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, sequestering up to four times as much climate-warming carbon than rainforests per unit area. The dense tangle of roots and branches acts as a barrier against storm surges and wind, and also serves as a critical nursery for seafood species, as well as birds and other wildlife. However, mangroves are at risk primarily from climate change, coastal development, pollution and human exploitation. Globally, mangroves have decreased by 1.4 million hectares. In tandem with strong efforts to conserve remaining healthy mangroves, ambitious projects have helped reverse the downward trends of the recent past by restoring mangroves in degraded areas, mudflats and abandoned aquaculture ponds. Regarding this, the studies have reported that restored mangroves performed slightly worse than natural mangroves for most of the individual ecosystem functions studied.

Which of the following conclusions concerning mangroves can be made from this passage?

Conserving mangroves is a better option than restoring them.

There is no net loss in mangroves due to preservation projects.
Wrong

It is important to contain exploitative activity of humans as mangroves cannot grow in degraded areas.
Wrong

Select one answer choice from the given options.

6

Mangrove forests are made of shrub and tree species that tolerate hot, muddy and salty conditions. Experts estimate that mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, sequestering up to four times as much climate-warming carbon than rainforests per unit area. The dense tangle of roots and branches acts as a barrier against storm surges and wind, and also serves as a critical nursery for seafood species, as well as birds and other wildlife. However, mangroves are at risk primarily from climate change, coastal development, pollution and human exploitation. Globally, mangroves have decreased by 1.4 million hectares. In tandem with strong efforts to conserve remaining healthy mangroves, ambitious projects have helped reverse the downward trends of the recent past by restoring mangroves in degraded areas, mudflats and abandoned aquaculture ponds. Regarding this, the studies have reported that restored mangroves performed slightly worse than natural mangroves for most of the individual ecosystem functions studied.

Which of the following statements about mangroves is true?

They have adapted for withstanding strong natural forces.

Their growth pattern is favorable to their survival.

They are the biggest sink for atmospheric carbon.

Their ready adaptability to all environments is established by studies.

They are a rich source of seafood.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

7

Mangrove forests are made of shrub and tree species that tolerate hot, muddy and salty conditions. Experts estimate that mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, sequestering up to four times as much climate-warming carbon than rainforests per unit area. The dense tangle of roots and branches acts as a barrier against storm surges and wind, and also serves as a critical nursery for seafood species, as well as birds and other wildlife. However, mangroves are at risk primarily from climate change, coastal development, pollution and human exploitation. Globally, mangroves have decreased by 1.4 million hectares. In tandem with strong efforts to conserve remaining healthy mangroves, ambitious projects have helped reverse the downward trends of the recent past by restoring mangroves in degraded areas, mudflats and abandoned aquaculture ponds. Regarding this, the studies have reported that restored mangroves performed slightly worse than natural mangroves for most of the individual ecosystem functions studied.

Which of the following is a likely outcome of loss of mangroves?

There will be lesser carbon in the environment.

Forested areas will be leveled by high speed winds.

Ambient temperature will register a rise.

All bird species that rely on mangroves will disappear.

Carbon sequestering ability of remaining tropical vegetation will be compromised.

Number	Status	Marked
1	Not answered
2	Not answered
3	Not answered
4	Not answered
5	Not answered
6	Not answered
7	Not answered

GRE-Reading Comprehension - 11

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