Test - GRE-Reading Comprehension

Select one answer choice from the given options.

1

To the public, if not to scientists themselves, the focal point of Einstein fixation is E = mc2. No other equation in the history of the world has a more compact and ironclad biography or a more succinct meaning: In 1905, several months after completing his special theory of relativity, Albert Einstein perceived that mass and energy were equivalent and proved that the energy content of any body is equal to its mass times the speed of light squared, E = mc2. Thus the story of the equation has come to symbolize Einstein's entire body of work, if not all of modern physics, and has firmly embedded itself into pop culture.

But as is generally the case with isolated-genius science stories, this one is a fairy tale, or at least it veers strongly in that direction. Einstein was not the first physicist to suggest that energy behaves as if it possesses mass, and if he was indeed the first to write down the correct general expression, a professor grading the 1905 paper in which he gave his derivation of the mass–energy relationship would deduct points for unjustified and incorrect assumptions. Indeed, Einstein wrote half a dozen further papers to patch up his argument, never succeeding. Debate continues today over the proper approach to establishing the relationship, over whether relativity is necessary, and even over whether the equation is correct in all circumstances.

The passage is primarily concerned with discussing the

unsuitability of the Einstein's equation in answering basic questions of physics

approach that Einstein took to prove his equation that ultimately led to its sabotage

validity of Einstein's equation in the face of uncertainty that surrounds it

contrast between the arguments of the proponents and opponents of Einstein's theory

way the debates around the equation took shape that ultimately led to establishment of its position

Select one answer choice from the given options.

2

To the public, if not to scientists themselves, the focal point of Einstein fixation is E = mc2. No other equation in the history of the world has a more compact and ironclad biography or a more succinct meaning: In 1905, several months after completing his special theory of relativity, Albert Einstein perceived that mass and energy were equivalent and proved that the energy content of any body is equal to its mass times the speed of light squared, E = mc2. Thus the story of the equation has come to symbolize Einstein's entire body of work, if not all of modern physics, and has firmly embedded itself into pop culture.

But as is generally the case with isolated-genius science stories, this one is a fairy tale, or at least it veers strongly in that direction. Einstein was not the first physicist to suggest that energy behaves as if it possesses mass, and if he was indeed the first to write down the correct general expression, a professor grading the 1905 paper in which he gave his derivation of the mass–energy relationship would deduct points for unjustified and incorrect assumptions. Indeed, Einstein wrote half a dozen further papers to patch up his argument, never succeeding. Debate continues today over the proper approach to establishing the relationship, over whether relativity is necessary, and even over whether the equation is correct in all circumstances.

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the highlighted sentence?

It highlights the fate of unproved theories when they do not stand up to scrutiny.

It reinforces the point that Einstein's equation still remains unsubstantiated.

It suggests that Einstein's theory was successful despite its inherent flaws.

It establishes ground for further elaborating the features of Einstein's equation.

It explains how Einstein's perception of his equation was different from other scientists.

Select one or more choices from the given options.

3

To the public, if not to scientists themselves, the focal point of Einstein fixation is E = mc2. No other equation in the history of the world has a more compact and ironclad biography or a more succinct meaning: In 1905, several months after completing his special theory of relativity, Albert Einstein perceived that mass and energy were equivalent and proved that the energy content of any body is equal to its mass times the speed of light squared, E = mc2. Thus the story of the equation has come to symbolize Einstein's entire body of work, if not all of modern physics, and has firmly embedded itself into pop culture.

But as is generally the case with isolated-genius science stories, this one is a fairy tale, or at least it veers strongly in that direction. Einstein was not the first physicist to suggest that energy behaves as if it possesses mass, and if he was indeed the first to write down the correct general expression, a professor grading the 1905 paper in which he gave his derivation of the mass–energy relationship would deduct points for unjustified and incorrect assumptions. Indeed, Einstein wrote half a dozen further papers to patch up his argument, never succeeding. Debate continues today over the proper approach to establishing the relationship, over whether relativity is necessary, and even over whether the equation is correct in all circumstances.

Which of the following does the passage suggest about Einstein's equation?

The belief that Einstein first suggested the equivalence of mass and energy is misplaced.

Einstein was able to prove his derivations of mass-energy relationship in his equation.

Einstein tried to prove that energy and mass are the same through his equation.

Select one or more choices from the given options.

4

As compared to men, women are at a disadvantage when it comes to job prospects and especially prospects of growth within a job. When working on projects requiring execution within a certain time frame, sometimes their priorities at home score over their priorities at work, and as a result, sometimes women are forced to back out of such projects. Men, who are not bogged down by domestic responsibilities, typically get the best jobs and best perks. Many women prefer to work in part-time jobs which further compromises their ability to get promotions.

All of the following can be inferred from the given argument, EXCEPT:

Women cannot get promotions because they work part time.

Women cannot handle the pressure of deadlines.

Men who are bogged down by domestic responsibilities struggle to rise.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

5

The view of the "behaviorists" is that nothing can be known except by external observation. They deny altogether that there is a separate source of knowledge called "introspection", through which we can know things about ourselves that we could never observe in others. Many psychologists, especially those of the behaviorist school, tend to adopt what is essentially a materialistic position as a matter of method if not of metaphysics.

They make psychology increasingly dependent on physiology and external observation, and tend to think of matter as something much more solid and indubitable than the mind. Meanwhile, avant-garde physicists, especially Einstein and other exponents of the theory of relativity, have been making "matter" less and less material. Their world consists of "events", from which "matter" is derived by a logical construction. I think that what has permanent value in the outlook of behaviorists is the feeling that physics is the most fundamental science at present in existence. But this position cannot be called materialistic if, as seems to be the case, physics does not assume the existence of matter.

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between old-fashioned materialism and modern physics discussed in the passage?

Modern physics patronizes old-fashioned materialism.

Old-fashioned materialism advocates modern physics.

Old-fashioned materialism has been completely relinquished by modern physics.

Old-fashioned materialism receives little support from modern physics.

Recent scholars advocate replacing physics with materialism.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

6

The view of the "behaviorists" is that nothing can be known except by external observation. They deny altogether that there is a separate source of knowledge called "introspection", through which we can know things about ourselves that we could never observe in others. Many psychologists, especially those of the behaviorist school, tend to adopt what is essentially a materialistic position as a matter of method if not of metaphysics.

They make psychology increasingly dependent on physiology and external observation, and tend to think of matter as something much more solid and indubitable than the mind. Meanwhile, avant-garde physicists, especially Einstein and other exponents of the theory of relativity, have been making "matter" less and less material. Their world consists of "events", from which "matter" is derived by a logical construction. I think that what has permanent value in the outlook of behaviorists is the feeling that physics is the most fundamental science at present in existence. But this position cannot be called materialistic if, as seems to be the case, physics does not assume the existence of matter.

The primary purpose of the passage is to show that

physics and psychology are inconsistent

physics and psychology are in accord with each other

behaviorists do not, by any means, deny that all sorts of things may go on in our minds

psychology as a science is only concerned with behavior

physics is a study of inanimate objects, while psychology is the study of animate beings

Select one answer choice from the given options.

7

The one abundance you can count on in this life is lack. An artist need not go looking for it, much less empower it unnaturally by laying her gift down in front of sadness like a sacrifice. If anything, a modern artist might have to lean the other way, might have to seek out and sing her moments of happiness and joy, if only to balance the scale. Robert Lowell, who suffered from manic depression and became as famous for his miseries as for his verse—indeed the two can be very difficult to disentangle—said late in his life that, when looking back, what he chiefly remembered was the happiness. This is not entirely surprising if you read Lowell's biography, for he was a caring and charismatic person, capable of genuine relationships of all kinds. No, the surprise comes when reading through the thousand or so pages of Lowell's collected poems, which reveal no hint of that happiness—quite the opposite, actually.

It can be inferred from the passage that the author's concern about modern art is best described by which of the following?

Modern art is lacking in its depiction of reality of an artist's life.

An artist's actual experiences do not translate fully well into modern art.

Modern art is dominated with melancholic themes with little focus on brighter side of life.

Modern art portrays people as miserable who in reality are fully content with their lives.

Modern art is completely disconnected from the artist's personal life that is full of joy.

Select one answer choice from the given options.

8

The one abundance you can count on in this life is lack. An artist need not go looking for it, much less empower it unnaturally by laying her gift down in front of sadness like a sacrifice. If anything, a modern artist might have to lean the other way, might have to seek out and sing her moments of happiness and joy, if only to balance the scale. Robert Lowell, who suffered from manic depression and became as famous for his miseries as for his verse—indeed the two can be very difficult to disentangle—said late in his life that, when looking back, what he chiefly remembered was the happiness. This is not entirely surprising if you read Lowell's biography, for he was a caring and charismatic person, capable of genuine relationships of all kinds. No, the surprise comes when reading through the thousand or so pages of Lowell's collected poems, which reveal no hint of that happiness—quite the opposite, actually.

Which of the following best describes the author's purpose behind mentioning Robert Lowell in the passage?

To cite an example of how artists fail to reflect personal happiness in their works

To explain how modern artists create a false image of themselves by focusing only on sadness

To highlight the inconsistencies between a writer's personal life and his works

To elaborate how some works of art have unexpected and questionable features

To justify a writer's inadequacy in depicting the joyful moments from his life in his works

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

GRE-Reading Comprehension - 2