Question+16


 * 1) 16. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the first and second sentences of the passage?

The function of this question is to test the student's ability to distinguish the purpose and organization of a sentence. In order to answer this question correctly, it is be able to pinpoint the message a sentence is sending. Additionally, it helps to know what it is that constitutes a fact, opinion, statement, and view point. Since this question asks about two questions, it helps to read and understand each sentence independently and then compare the two. Look for transition words. In this case, the second sentence begins with “Yet,” thus the two sentences are contrasting each other.

(A) The first sentence states a fact; the second states an opinion. This option is incorrect because the first sentence is not necessarily a fact, it is a statement that can be true but without evidence there is no way to know for sure. Likewise, the second sentence is not necessarily an opinion because there is no signs of personal view infused into the sentence. This is also the distraction option.

(B)The first sentence presents an idea; the second reiterates the same idea. Choice B is also wrong because the sentence does not reiterate the idea made in the first. The word that indicates this is "Yet" which starts off the second sentence. Therefore it is evident that sentence two will be contrasting whatever point was made in the first.

(C)The first sentence makes a statement; the second introduces a potential difficulty. This is the correct answer. The first sentence simply states a point, the reader does not completely know for sure if it is true or false, thus it is classified as a statement. The word "yet" is in indication that the two sentences are referring to each other. Then, to know that the second sentence is listing a possible difficulty, it helps to read the third sentence which clearly lists a con: "… they have few ways of assuring a quality education…" By putting two and two together, the student is led to the conclusion that C is the correct answer.

(D) The first sentence lists goals; the second explains them. Option D is incorrect. The student should be able to realize that "teachers' salaries, expenditures per pupil,…" are not goals that are being listed because the sentence later says that they "significantly affect the employment prospects" after reading further it is evident this is not a positive affect. Goal usually has a positive connotation, therefore the answer cannot be D.

(E) The first sentence summarizes one point of view; the second summarizes an opposing position. This option is not correct because these two sentences are not view points. There is no indication of personal opinion in these sentences. They are merely statements with no bias input whatsoever.