1. Tone and Vocab in Context
HOMEWORK—Answers and Explanations

2. Note the one word in the other choices that make them incorrect.
Positive
Negative
Neutral
The passage is about how the sonnet form is rather restrictive, which is addressed as the author notes the rhyme pattern, the “rigidity”, and the “brevity” (shortness, succinctness). So, because of these challenges, the poet has to work hard to deliver, which the author admires. But it’s not answer C because this piece isn’t over-the-top praise. It’s based in an understanding of the technical poem form and the skill of the poet to make it all work artistically.
Note the one word in the other choices that make them incorrect.

3. Nostalgic=longing for the past Sardonic=cynical
Positive
Negative
Neutral
The author asks a question and looks to provide an answer by flashing back to history and providing a chronological look at how the term “SPAM” came to be. So, there is no emotional involvement here.
Hopefully process of elimination let you cross out nostalgic and sardonic.
Nostalgic=longing for the past
Sardonic=cynical

4. Hopefully process of elimination let you cross out unsure and bitter.
Positive
Negative
Neutral
The passage addresses the author’s WISH for a warm vacation in the depths of winter. While it may not be possible now, there is perhaps a chance, so s/he keeps believing in the possibility to make it happen.
Hopefully process of elimination let you cross out unsure and bitter.

5. Positive
Negative
Neutral
The excerpt takes a negative look at AIDS education; the info needs to get to kids and fast.
Hopefully process of elimination let you cross out resigned; the author hasn’t given up.

6. Procedures=set of rules, standard operations
Rehearsals=performing arts context
Exercises=training moves
Rituals=parts of a ceremony

7. The excerpt notes that when Impressionists first came on the scene, their “bold new techniques” were criticized. Critics didn’t get them, even though now the art is so loved.
If you narrowed it down to C and D, know that C doesn’t quite work because the piece isn’t saying that critics showed no thankfulness for the new art.

8. See how the excerpt gives you a clue
See how the excerpt gives you a clue? Clear AND dominant—so, the passage hints that dominant is a synonym for clear, meaning without question.

9. Review the highlighted context clues; the horses are kind of spastic, and this would then not be a smooth, comfortable carriage (coach) ride for a passenger. And since the passenger is noted as “nervous,” that should lead you to letter A.

10. The excerpt provides a scientific look into spiders, their hairs, and biological reactions to stimuli.
If you had selected A as the answer, know that “individualistic” speaks more to an attitude or approach, whereas this passage is more about biological function/reaction.
Letter C is also not correct because it hints at being unmindful, which a spider’s reaction is not; it is innate as part of its bodily function.
The gives information without any emotion attached to it.