"Surprising" Phenomenon
Why do many cedars on cliff faces, which are relatively undernourished, live longer than cedars in forests?
Objective
A hypothesis explaining this discrepancy must state a key difference between cedars on cliff faces and cedars in forests. This difference must result in many cedars on cliff faces living longer than most cedars in forests.
A
The conditions on cliff faces are similar to those in most other places where there are few tall trees.
This does not explain the relative longevity of cedars on cliff faces. It suggests that environmental conditions cause cedars on cliff faces to grow shorter, but states no relationship between a cedar's height and its life span.
B
In areas where eastern white cedars grow, forest fires are relatively frequent, but fires cannot reach cliff faces.
This explains why cedars on cliff faces more often live to old age. Forest fires kill many cedars in forests, but do not reach cedars on cliff faces, so cedars in forests are exposed to a survival risk that cedars on cliff faces are not.
C
Trees that are older than a few hundred years start to lose the protective outer layer of their bark.
This is not a difference between cedars in forests and cedars on cliff faces. If all cedars lose their bark’s outer layer in old age, then cedars in both places should be equally affected.
D
The roots of cedars on cliff faces lodge in cracks in the cliff, and once the roots are so large that they fill a crack, the tree is unable to grow any taller.
This explains why cedars on cliff faces are shorter, but not why more of them grow old. It states no relationship between the height of a tree and its longevity.
E
Eastern white cedar wood is too soft to be used for firewood or modern buildings, but it is occasionally used to make furniture.
This rules out a possible explanation, rather than provide one. It implies that cedars are only infrequently harvested for wood, casting doubt on the possibility that cedars in forests are killed in large numbers by humans.
"Surprising" Phenomenon
Why is the most common bird in the marsh the least commonly spotted?
Objective
The correct answer must fail to explain why this marsh hen is seen less frequently. Every wrong answer will identify a difference between the marsh hen and the other species—such as a difference in appearance, location, or behavior—that explains this discrepancy.
A
The coloration of the marsh hen blends in particularly well with the marsh grass where the marsh hen nests.
This explains why these marsh hens are seen less frequently than other species. Because of their special camouflage, they are spotted rarely even though they are common.
B
The marsh hen’s call is harsh and repetitive, whereas the calls of many other marsh birds are pleasant and melodious.
This does not explain why this marsh hen is spotted less frequently than other species. A harsh repetitive call would attract attention and make the marsh hen more likely to be spotted, not less.
C
Unlike many small marsh birds, which dash along the banks of the marsh, the marsh hen remains completely still for long periods of time.
This explains why this marsh hen is seen less frequently than other species. The others move around the banks, making them visible to human visitors, while the marsh hen is stationary and therefore harder to spot.
D
Many marsh birds are most active during daylight hours, but the marsh hen is usually most active at night.
This explains why the marsh hen is seen less frequently than other species of birds. It is active at night, when the cover of darkness makes it difficult to see.
E
Although many small marsh birds fly in groups to several feeding areas each day, the marsh hen tends to be solitary and flies only when it is in danger.
This explains why the marsh hen is seen less frequently than other species of birds. Other species travel often and in groups, making them more easily sighted by visitors, while the marsh hen is more solitary and sedentary.
Pat: No, not always. The flexibility of being able to work either on one’s own or in a group is invaluable in a world where both skills are in demand.
Speaker 1 Summary
Dana argues that educational methods should always be tailored to each child's natural style of learning. For example, Dana believes that children raised in more communal environments would learn better through group activities.
Speaker 2 Summary
Pat disagrees that a child's learning style should *always* dictate the educational method used. Pat argues that flexibility in individual and group work is important because both skills are needed in the real world.
Objective
Disagree: Dana and Pat disagree over whether a child’s educational methods should always be tailored to their natural style of learning.
A
All children can learn valuable skills from individual activities.
This is too broad for either speaker to have an opinion on. Dana is focused on tailoring educational methods, while Pat argues for a more flexible approach.
B
All children should learn to adapt to various educational methods.
Dana disagrees with this because he believes a child’s natural learning style should always dictate the learning method used. Pat argues that flexibility is important, suggesting that children should learn to adapt to different educational methods.
C
Many children would learn better through group, rather than individual, activities.
Dana suggests that some children would learn better through group activities, but Pat does not agree/disagree with this point. Pat is focused on the flexibility of learning styles.
D
The main purpose of education is to prepare children to meet the demands of the job market as adults.
This is too broad for either speaker to have an opinion. Neither speaker gives a viewpoint on the “main purpose” of education.
E
It is sometimes desirable to tailor educational methods to the way a child learns best.
Dana believes it is *always* desirable to tailor methods to a child’s learning style, and Pat does not give any position on whether it is “sometimes” desirable.