Passage 1 Zombies in philosophy are imaginary creatures used to illuminate problems about consciousness and its relation to the

physical world. Unlike those in films or witchcraft, they are exactly like us in all physical respects but without conscious experiences: by definition there is nothing it is like to be a zombie. Yet zombies behave just like us, and some even spend a lot of time discussing consciousness. Few people think zombies actually exist. But many hold they are at least conceivable, and some that they are possible. It is important to review two philosophical concepts (1) physicalism the idea that the actual world and everything conforms to a certain condition, the condition of being physical or material and, (2) dualism the idea that the universe and everything it is marked by a dualistic structure, such as Descartes mind-body distinctions. It is argued that if zombies are so much as a bare possibility, then physicalism is false and some kind of dualism is true. For many philosophers that is the chief importance of the zombie idea. But the idea is also of interest for its presuppositions about the nature of consciousness and how the physical and the phenomenal are related. Use of the zombie idea against physicalism also raises more general questions about relations between imaginability, conceivability, and possibility. Finally, zombies raise epistemological difficulties: they reinstate the other minds problem A philosophical zombie (p-zombie, for short) would be a human body without consciousness which would nevertheless behave like a human body with consciousness. To some philosophers (e.g., Daniel Dennett) this is a contradictory notion and thus an impossible conception. If it behaves like a person and is indistinguishable from a person, then it is a person. Other philosophers (e.g. Todd Moody and David Chalmers) argue that a p-zombie would be distinguishable from a person even though indistinguishable from a conscious person. It is distinguishable, say these philosophers, because it is stipulated that it is not conscious even though it is indistinguishable from a conscious being. In case you are wondering why philosophers would debate whether it is possible to conceive of a p-zombie, it is because some philosophers do not believe or do not want to believe that consciousness can be reduced to a set of materialistic functions. Important metaphysical and ethical issues seem to hinge on whether there can be p-zombies. Can machines be conscious? If we created a machine which was indistinguishable from a human person, would our artificial creation be a "person" with all the rights and duties of natural persons? To the p-zombie advocates, consciousness is more than brain processes and neurological functions. No adequate account of consciousness will ever be produced that is "reductionist," i.e., completely materialistic. I think it is possible to conceive of a machine which "perceives" without being aware of perceiving. In fact, they already exist: motion detectors, touch screens, tape recorders, smoke alarms, certain robots. An android which could process visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory and

gustatory input but which would lack self-consciousness, i.e., would not be aware of perceiving anything, is conceivable. We can even conceive of such machines resembling humans in the flesh. How would we distinguish such automata from persons? The same way we do now: by the imperfect and fallible methods of conversation and observation. But that is not what would make the two distinct; self-consciousness or the lack of it would distinguish the automata from persons. "Visual perception" by a motion detector is unlike visual perception by a person just because of the difference in awareness of perception, i.e., self-consciousness. A smoke detector might "smell" certain chemicals, but it does not process odors the way a person does. In my view, the only conceivable p-zombie would be a machine which perceives but has no awareness of perceiving, i.e., no self-consciousness. Such machines are essentially distinct from conscious persons. For what it's worth, I side with Dennett and those who think that the concept of the p-zombie is a logical absurdity. If the "zombie" exhibits all the symptoms of consciousness, then the "zombie" is not a zombie; for to exhibit all the symptoms of consciousness is to have consciousness, which the zombie is denied by definition.

1) A. B. C. D.

According to passage information, the main tenets of physicalism pre-suppose: A mind-body dualism A reduction to substance or matter X A logical leap between consciousness and perception A dualism between behavior and consciousness

Correct Answer: B In the answer (B) which is correct, we can infer that conforms (referenced below) represents a "reduction" The other options can be negated...physicalism which is opposed to dualism (A) (D), and (C) is buzz phrase - only sounding good, or not relevant to passage information: (1) physicalism the idea that the actual world and everything conforms to a certain condition, the condition of being physical or material

2) A. B. C. D.

Philosophical zombie advocates maintain that Behavior is conditioned and reducible to consciousness Consciousness is always Consciousness of Someone or Some Thing Behavior is always a sign of the inner workings of Consciousness Consciousness is not reducible to physical functions X

Correct Answer: D

(D) represents the best choice option, referenced in the assertion below: To the p-zombie advocates, consciousness is more than brain processes and neurological functions. No adequate account of consciousness will ever be produced that is "reductionist," i.e., completely materialistic.

3) In contemporary media and popular films, which of the following, BEST supports the idea that p-zombies exist? A. Zombies are represented by behavior which assumes consciousness B. Zombies are represented by movement which assumes a Self C. Zombies are represented by an Otherness which assumes Identity D. Zombies are represented by a motive which assumes consciousness X Correct Answer: D All answers (A) (B) & (C) do not necessarily follow --they require too much of a logical leap. Certain machines and Amoeba all possess "behavior" "movement" and Otherness" but not necessarily "consciousness Self" or "Identity" which are all to an extent a "human" construct. "Motive" or "Intention" would be a sign of consciousness, affirming (D) as the correct inference.

4) Of the following assertions, what can one infer the other minds problem, mentioned in Paragraph 1 to be? I Even though we can perceive the behavior of others; it does not logically follow that we can infer mentality. II We can only assert the existence of others through behavior, not internal states of others.

III Perceptions of Others is always subjective

A. B. C. D.

III only I & III I & II X II & III

Correct Answer: C This complex-sounding question and answer option . . .I & II are essentially the same answer, and can be inferred to be correct...making (C) the best choice option. How often do

we ask "how are you feeling?" or "are you doing ok? based on non-verbal cues of behavior...that is we can only judge a person by their behavior, not their internal state...III is too grand a statement, since our perception of Others, could also include behavior...therefore this answer can be deduced to be incorrect. 5) It can be inferred, from passage information that at the core of the argument, of paramount importance, is the notion of: A. Physicalism B. Dualism C. Perception D. Consciousness X Correct Answer: D This easy, detail-oriented question, is of course (D) which is at the heart of the debate, (A) and (B) are related but only to the extent that they are philosophical reflections on the debate. (C) is also partially correct, but secondary, to (D)

Passage 2 The history of man is a history of his modifying his environment to suit his own needs and desires for food, shelter, and the pleasures of his own leisure. Primitive man lived as an integral part of the living and non-living environment, but as his proficiency to further his own ends has advanced, he has progressively taken on a more dominant role in the chain of life. Because of his success and his awesome technology for modifying the world in achieving that success, man now faces the dilemma that if he proceeds as he has been he will destroy or greatly lessen the earth's capacity to sustain life, himself included. Among his technologies, some of which embody greater attacks on the biosphere, man has developed an "advanced" technology of pest control. This technology can only buy time while we find a solution to the main problem of human population growth and establish a redirection of all our technologies along more compatible ecological lines. Pest-control technology, through use of modern synthetic chemical pesticides, achieved a high degree of perfection in terms of control of insect pests for a time. It was, however, developed single-mindedly with no real regard for ecological consequences. It was based on the staggeringly false clich that "the only good bug is a dead bug," and on the incomprehensible premise that each pest problem is a separate one with no entangling feedback loops disturbing to crop-protection objectives. Thus, we have developed deadly, broad-spectrum, persistent pesticides and used them too indiscriminately and in ignorance of, and disregard for, ecological consequences of vital concern, often creating pest situations worse than the original ones, to say nothing of ancillary problems of much importance.

Among the adverse consequences of a single-objective pesticide technology are the following generalizations. Resistance has developed in many target species. The more rapid the resurgence, the more rapidly is resistance developed; and resistance to alternate materials then used often develops even faster. Most materials are nonselective, directly affecting the natural enemies of the target pest, often more so than the pest. Rapid resurgence of the pest species then occurs. Destruction of key natural enemies can be indirect, through too severe destruction of the target pest itself (the enemies starve out) and through destruction of some alternate prey species, perhaps of no economic importance. This can lead to resurgence. Data collected shows the number of resistant species has been increasing rapidly since the early 1950's and now stands at about 240. The changes in pest species that allow them to survive at higher and higher concentrations of insecticides are genetic and result from natural selection. Unfortunately, this tells the story only of known pests. Large numbers of insect species that have not been examined are subject to the same selection for resistance. When and if these unknown resistant insects erupt as agricultural pests, they will already possess a significant resistance to pesticides. Other important considerations: Previously secondary pests or entirely innocuous species are commonly unleashed; this has usually been due to disturbing effects on their natural enemies: Destruction of honey bees and other important pollinating insects and hazards to the applicators (many deaths and much sickness). Hazard to crop culture on the same ground (overload of persistent pesticides in the soil, etc.). Immediate hazards to man and wildlife that enter the treated areas. In addition there are hazards to non-target organisms in places well removed from the treated area. This includes significant influences on birds like pelicans, ospreys, and eagles that feed high on the food chains and especially on ones living around estuaries where DDT, for example, is concentrated; on important estuary anthropods; on grazing livestock and even man himself as a result of residues on crops or range or in fish, etc. DDT, for example, has moved widely in the biosphere it is found in sea life at the Antarctic. Drainage of pesticides into lakes and rivers has caused great kills of fish and much public alarm. The herbicide 2, 4, 5-T is apparently being withdrawn from the market for fear of adverse effects on man and livestock during pregnancy.

6) A. B. C. D.

What is the main idea of the passage? The development of pest control and various pesticides The ecological effects of pest control on other insects Pesticide use must be controlled more effectively The development of pest control and its adverse consequences

Correct Answer: D Only (D) is generalized and specific enough to warrant as the main idea or thesis. The other notions or too specific or too general. (C) though implied is never really stated outright as a statement of policy (should or should not). 7) Which of the following BEST represents the effects of resistance to pesticides from a target species? A. Destruction of non-target species B. Rapid resurgence of species quantitatively X C. Genetic mutation of non-target species D. Ineffectiveness of alternative pesticides Correct Answer: B All answers, except (C) are partially correct...such mutation is never discussed in relation to "non-target" species, (D) is significant as is (A) but not in terms of the effects of resistance from a target species, which clearly denotes (B) as the best choice option. 8) What can be inferred about the meaning of the term clich used in Paragraph 3, based on contextual passage information? A. The term equates to a general principle. B. The term expresses the notion a fabrication or falsehood. C. The term equates to a worn out phrase X D. The term expresses the notion of witty saying Correct Answer: C (C) can be inferred to be correct, even in one does not understand the meaning of the term "cliche'" by filling in the blank method, to get an idea of context and appropriateness. It was based on the staggeringly false ____________ that "the only good bug is a dead bug," A. "general principle" (not really....) B. "fabrication or falsehood" (redundant) like saying "false false" C. "worn out phrase" (correct) D "witty saying" (incorrect) 9) Which of the following assertions, from passage information, BEST represents speculation or conjecture? A. The herbicide 2, 4, 5-T is apparently being withdrawn from the market for fear of adverse effects on man and livestock during pregnancy. B. Previously secondary pests or entirely innocuous species are commonly unleashed; this has usually been due to disturbing effects on their natural enemies

C. Pest-control technology, through use of modern synthetic chemical pesticides, achieved a high degree of perfection in terms of control of insect pests for a time D. When and if these unknown resistant insects erupt as agricultural pests, they will already possess a significant resistance to pesticides. X Correct Answer: D All answers are statements of facts, that is they are true or false, based on the claim and evidence supporting the claim. Speculation and conjecture usually assumes the form of hypothetical examples or scenarios" marked by "Should this happen . . ." "Imagine the consequences . . ." and in the correct answer (D) which states "When and if these . . ." which qualifies it as the best choice option. 10) Which assertion below BEST represents the inferred line of reasoning in support of the authors thesis? A. Pest control and pesticide regulation is needed. X B. Control of technology is needed. C. Man is out of control with technological advances D. Technological advances are simultaneously a blessing and a curse Correct Answer: A Negate 3 out of 4 Deduction type of Question (B) (C) (D) can be deduced to be incorrect, on the basis that they are too general and unfocused in relation to passage information, despite the generalities concerning "technology" in the first and second paragraph, leaving the specific idea of (A) as the best choice option. 11) According to contextual passage information, in Paragraph 3, the phrase no entangling feedback loops assumes which of the following? I the environment is, actually, an open system II technological effects chain out to other species III environmental species are not interrelated A. B. C. D. I & II X II & III I & III III only

Correct Answer: A

An open system is based on the flow of mass and energy, as well as effects and information between all the constituents of the system, such as an ecosystem. From the passage information, we can deduce that III is incorrect, because genera and species are inter-related, (I) & (II) express this dynamism of a "feedback loop" -being the best choice answer: on the incomprehensible premise that each pest problem is a separate one with no entangling feedback loops disturbing to crop-protection objectives. 12) Which of the following WOULD NOT be an ancillary problem associated with the use of pesticides? A. Destruction of the target species X B. Drainage of pesticides into lakes and rivers C. Secondary pests being released D. Peripheral destruction of natural enemies Correct Answer: A We must understand that "ancillary" means "secondary" "accompanying" or "peripheral" not the "main" problem. Though significant in their own right, all (B) (C) & (D) would be considered "ancillary" problems in relation to the "main" problem of (A) Passage 3 For nearly two centuries (1066 -1272) after the Norman Conquest there is no history of the English people. There is history enough of England, but it is the history of a foreign government. We may now feel pride in the strength of our conqueror or pretend claims to descent from William's companions. We may boast of the empire of Henry II and the prowess of Richard I, and we may celebrate the organized law and justice, the scholarship and the architecture, of the early Plantagenet period; but these things were no more English than the government of India to day is Hindu. With Waltheof and Hereward English names disappear from English history, from the roll of sovereigns, ministers, bishops, earls, and sheriffs; and their place is taken by names beginning with "fitz" and distinguished by "de." No William, Thomas, Henry, Geoffrey, Gilbert, John, Stephen, Richard, or Robert had played any part in Anglo-Saxon affairs, but they fill the pages of England's history from the days of Harold to those of Edward I. The English language went underground, and became the patois of peasants; the thin trickle of Anglo-Saxon literature dried up, for there was no demand for Anglo- Saxon among an upper class which wrote Latin and spoke French. Foreigners ruled and owned the land, and "native" became synonymous with "serf." Their common lot, however, gave birth to a common feeling. The Norman was more alien to the Mercian than had been Northumbrian or West-Saxon, and rival tribes at last discovered a bond of unity in the impartial rigour of their masters. The Norman, coming from outside and exempt from local prejudice, applied the same methods of government and exploitation to all parts of England, just as Englishmen bring the same ideas to bear upon all parts of India; and in both cases the steady pressure of a superimposed civilization tended to obliterate local and class divisions. Unwittingly Norman and Angevin despotism made an English nation out of Anglo -

Saxon tribes, as English despotism has made a nation out of Irish septs, and will make another out of the hundred races and religions of our Indian empire. The more efficient a despotism, the sooner it makes itself impossible, and the greater the problems it stores up for the future, unless it can divest itself of its despotic attributes and make common cause with the nation it has created. The provision of this even-handed tyranny was the great contribution of the Normans to the making of England. They had no written law of their own, but to secure themselves they had to enforce order upon their schismatic subjects; and they were able to enforce it because, as military experts, they had no equals in that age. They could not have stood against a nation in arms; but the increasing cost of equipment and the growth of poor and landless classes among the AngloSaxons had transferred the military business of the nation into the hands of large landowning specialists; and the Anglo-Saxon warrior was no match for his Norman rival, either individually or collectively. His burh was inferior to the Norman castle, his shield and battle-axe to the weapons of the mailed and mounted knight; and he had none of the coherence that was forced upon the conquerors by the iron hand of William and by their situation amid a hostile people. The problem for William and his companions was how to organize this military superiority as a means of orderly government, and this problem wore a twofold aspect. William had to control his barons, and his barons had to control their vassals. Their methods have been summed up in the phrase, the "feudal system," which William is still popularly supposed to have introduced into England. On the other hand, it has been humorously suggested that the feudal system was really introduced into England by Sir Henry Spelman, a seventeenth-century scholar. Others have maintained that, so far from feudalism being introduced from Normandy into England, it would be truer to say that feudalism was introduced from England into Normandy, and thence spread throughout France. Adapted from The History of England: A Study in Political Evolution by A.F. Pollard

13) The BEST title for this passage could be inferred to be: A. The Dominance of the English before Establishment of a Political System B. Foreign Influences on the Development of English Culture C. The Developmental Origins of The Feudal System in England X D. Linguistic Influence in Pre-Monarchical England Correct Answer: C Since all answers are partially correct, we must find a unilateral distinction, or the answer which is encompassing of the others, while none of the others are as encompassing, of which (C) represents the best choice option. All discussions of (A) (B) and (C) culminate and are pointed towards the idea of a "feudal system" in the last paragraph.

14) The author makes continual and one could infer, a contemporaneous (at that time) comparison with the English involvement in: A. France B. Germany C. Ireland D. India X Correct Answer: D This detail-oriented question can be inferred to be (D) after a close reading or re-scan, which suggests that at the time of the writing, Great Britain was occupying India, in a political and/or militaristic fashion.

15) One can infer from passage information, that the Despotism of foreign occupation results in: I obliteration of class divisions II maintenance of the native language III imposition of religious dogma

A. B. C. D.

I only X I & II II & III I & III

Correct Answer: A Only I can be inferred from passage information, II does not make sense...the "English" language went underground, according to the passage, being equated with "serfs" and "peasants," while III seems a likely effect, its relevance or imposition on English subjects is never mentioned, making (A) I only the correct answer: The Norman, coming from outside and exempt from local prejudice, applied the same methods of government and exploitation to all parts of England, just as Englishmen bring the same ideas to bear upon all parts of India; and in both cases the steady pressure of a superimposed civilization tended to obliterate local and class divisions.

16) In the 3rd paragraph, what is the implication of the phrase schismatic subjects?

A. B. C. D.

Rival political systems were in place in England Barons and vassals needed to be coordinated in arms The tribes or classes of England at the time were split apart X Subjects were marked by dualistic religious and political ideas

Correct Answer: C The paragraph has to be viewed as the Norman imposition of power on the phrase in question. Only (C) can be inferred to be correct within this context - the Anglos and Saxons were essentially split by tribal cultures, notions, and could not bear arms or might against the advances of the Normans.

17) Which of the following assertions, according to passage information, is NOT true? Which is the exception? A. The Norman Conquest came from French invaders. B. The English language was associated with Serfdom during this period. C. The Anglos and Saxons were tribes from England D. The Feudal System started in Normandy X Correct Answer: D Only (D) can be considered fallacious, and this is the subject matter of the last paragraph. The other statements (of fact) are true.

Passage 4 Definitions of critical thinking vary in breadth or inclusiveness. Broad definitions equate critical thinking with the cognitive processes and strategies involved in decision making, problem solving, or inquiry. According to Robert H. Ennis "Critical thinking is reflective and reasonable thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do." Limited definitions focus on evaluation or appraisal; critical thinking is formulation and use of criteria to make warranted judgments about knowledge claims, normative statements, methods of inquiry, policy decisions, alternative positions on public issues, or any other object of concern. Critical thinking, defined narrowly, is an essential element of general cognitive processes, such as problem solving or decision making, but is not synonymous with them. Critical thinking, whether conceived broadly or narrowly, implies curiosity, skepticism, reflection, and rationality.

Critical thinkers have a propensity to raise and explore questions about beliefs, claims, evidence, definitions, conclusions, and actions. The list of core critical thinking skills includes observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and meta-cognition. There is a reasonable level of consensus among experts that an individual or group engaged in strong critical thinking gives due consideration to:

Evidence through observation Context setting or environment, historical background Relevant criteria for making the judgment well Applicable methods or techniques for forming the judgment Applicable theoretical constructs for understanding the problem and the question at hand

In addition to possessing strong critical-thinking skills, one must be disposed to engage problems and decisions using those skills. Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, significance, and fairness.

In one sense, critical thinking has been described as the correct assessing of statements. It has also been described popularly as "thinking about thinking." It has been described in a much more comprehensive sense as "the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action" More recently, critical thinking has been described as " the process of purposeful, self-regulatory judgment, which uses reasoned consideration to evidence, context, conceptualizations, methods, and criteria." Within the critical social theory philosophical frame, critical thinking is commonly understood to involve commitment to the social and political practice of participatory democracy, willingness to imagine or remain open to considering alternative perspectives, willingness to integrate new or revised perspectives into our ways of thinking and acting, and willingness to foster criticality in others.

In an article for The Center of Skeptical Inquiry James Lett listed six rules, or tests, that a critical thinker may utilize: Falsifiability has limited scope, is specific, not overgeneralized Logic proceeds from a deduction Comprehensiveness adequately covers what it purports to cover Honesty is ethically and morally sound Replicability can be repeated in a study, or observation Sufficiency is quantitatively sound, there is enough data

Many proponents of critical thinking stop short of evaluating the most basic criteria, or values, by which they make judgments. They understand the concept of critical thinking only within conventional frames of reference of a society. A more profound view encourages appraisal of frameworks or sets of criteria by which judgments are made. This deeper level of critical thinking counteracts egocentric, ethnocentric, or doctrinaire judgments, which result when thinkers fail to appraise fundamental assumptions or standards.

18) Within the passage, Critical Thinking has been defined a number of different ways. Which of the following CANNOT BE inferred to be a definition of Critical Thinking? A. The correct assessment of statements B. Thinking focused on what to believe, decide or do C. General cognitive process of problem-solving and decision-making D. Focusing on how we know what we know X Correct Answer: D Although (D) is related --it is more of a philosophical question, more suitable to the subdiscipline in philosophy known as "Epistemology" Notice that the other answers (A) (B) & (C) are directed towards assessments, evaluations, or problem-solving in general.

19) Critical Thinking, in a broader, more profound, sense focuses on: A. Criteria for evaluation or judgment X B. Reflections involving the applications of methodology C. Rationality in decision-making D. Focused efforts towards social consensus

Correct Answer: A (B) is a technical, theoretical issue involving proper methods of research, et.al. (C) rationality in decision-making, is usually viewed as critical thinking in the narrower sense, (D) focused efforts towards social consensus, concerns persuasion, support coalitions, campaigns, etc....the passage information makes it quite clear that (A) is considered critical thinking, in the broader sense of the term.

20) Based on passage information, which of the following is the BEST definition of metacognition? A. Thinking metaphysically B. Thinking metaphorically C. Thinking about thinking X D. Thinking beyond thinking Correct Answer: C (A) & (B) share the same Latin or Greek root (etymology) but neither of these terms can be inferred to be the definition of meta-cognition, leaving (C) which is what the passage is generally about & (D) thinking beyond thinking - which in a sense, is an impossibility, making (C) the best choice option answer.

21) The core critical thinking skills in the 3rd paragraph differ from Letts rules or observations in which of the following ways? I the first is a relatively macro approach (general appraisal), while the second is relatively a micro (focused and specific) approach. II both refer to context, setting, and/or environment III only Letts rules can be inferred to include the logic of deduction

A. B. C. D.

I, II, & III II & III I & III I only X

Correct Answer: D

Only (I) (D) can be inferred to be true based on passage information. As a detail-oriented question this can be deduced from a close reading or re-scan of both lists of skills or criterion. 22) The BEST title for this passage could be inferred to be: A. Meta Metacognition: Critical Thinking B. The Narrow and Broad Definitions of Critical Thinking C. Critical Thinking and Its Application D. An Overview of Critical Thinking Skills X Correct Answer: D (A) is too over the top....thinking about thinking about thinking? too much here to qualify as the Best title, (B) is too specific, and not inclusive of the other material within the passage,(C) is incorrect, there is really no application of the notions within the passage, leaving the most inclusive and correct answer (D). 23) How would a "deeper level of critical thinking (NOT) counteract egocentric, ethnocentric, or doctrinaire judgments?" Which is the exception? A. Uncritical judgments concerning a policy or statement may be self-serving B. Implicit assumptions or standards may be hasty or illogical C. Criteria for evaluating policies or judgments usually do not carry cultural biases X D. Unstated leaps between claims and evidence may carry fallacious claims Correct Answer: C Similar pair options type of question All(A),(B) & (D) would help identify any of the biased tendencies carried with the question, only (C) would NOT counteract such tendencies, because the assumption is already made that criteria for evaluation do not carry such tendencies.

Passage 5-New Passage Excerpts What is a musical note? This is one of the deceptively simple questions asked and answered by John Powell in his fascinating book, How Music Works. Its an easy question, you might think. A musical note, as created by a musical instrument or ones voice, is determined by the

frequency of the sound waves produced. Wrong, that would be the notes pitch. Well, one can surely form a note by simultaneously depressing several related piano keys. Nope, thats not a note; thats a chord. A note, the basic building block of all music, is a repeating pattern of sound waves (which distinguishes it from the chaotic sound waves of nonmusical noises). It consists, Powell says, of four things: a loudness, a duration, a timbre, and a pitch.

Starting with the four properties of a note, the author, who is both physicist and musician, uses easy-to-follow, conversational language to lead the reader into the science of music. He explains every common musical term, from key to bar to scale. He differentiates a concerto from a sonata and shows how composers use chords to create harmonies. He brings his explanations to life with a wide range of examples. For instance, a certain type of chord called an arpeggio is found in Hotel California by the Eagles, while a complex harmony called counterpoint was used by Bach in his concertos.

After explaining the meaning of musical terms, Powell then interprets those strange-looking symbols found in a piece of sheet music. It is amazing that after a few hours of Powells explanations, a musical novice (like me) can begin to read music, which is written in a language that is as foreign to most of us as Sanskrit. And for those who would like to use their newly acquired musical education to make their own music, Powell offers advice on how to choose an appropriate first instrument. Violins are too hard; pianos are easier.

For those who approach music more passively, Powell provides a chapter on how and where to listen to music. Instead of spending $75,000 on a special listening room, he advises us to install our equipment in a normal room, then move the speakers around to get the best sound. He also answers a question that is being passionately debated by audiophiles all over the world: Are vinyl records better than CDs? The answer, he says, is no. Those favoring vinyl are victims of technology nostalgia. Jeanne, I could expand on this another 100 words, or I have a passage on Avian Flu, H5N1 and fears of bio-warfare because of experiments in the Netherlands. This one is rough though, pulled from many different sources, and still needs to be pieced together in a coherent form. Let me know. 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) Passage 6

String Theory was proposed to try to reconcile quantum mechanics and particle theory. Relativistic quantum field theory has worked very well to describe the observed behaviors and properties of elementary particles. But the theory itself only works well when gravity is so weak that it can be neglected. Particle theory only works when we pretend gravity doesn't exist. General relativity has yielded a wealth of insight into the Universe, the orbits of planets, the evolution of stars and galaxies, the Big Bang and recently observed black holes and gravitational lenses. However, the theory itself only works when we pretend that the Universe is purely classical and that quantum mechanics is not needed in our description of Nature. Originally, string theory was proposed as an explanation for the observed relationship between mass and spin for certain particles called hadrons, which include the proton and neutron. Things didn't work out, though, and Quantum Chromodynamics eventually proved a better theory for hadrons. But particles in string theory arise as excitations of the string, and included in the excitations of a string in string theory is a particle with zero mass and two units of spin. If there were a good quantum theory of gravity, then the particle that would carry the gravitational force would have zero mass and two units of spin. This has been known by theoretical physicists for a long time. This theorized particle is called the graviton. One can add a graviton to quantum field theory by hand, but the calculations that are supposed to describe Nature become useless. This is because particle interactions occur at a single point of space time, at zero distance between the interacting particles. For gravitons, the mathematics behaves so badly at zero distance that the answers just don't make sense. In string theory, the strings collide over a small but finite distance, and the answers do make sense. This doesn't mean that string theory is not without its deficiencies. But the zero distance behavior is such that we can combine quantum mechanics and gravity, and we can talk sensibly about a string excitation that carries the gravitational force. Think of a guitar string that has been tuned by stretching the string under tension across the guitar. Depending on how the string is plucked and how much tension is in the string, different musical notes will be created by the string. These musical notes could be said to be excitation modes of that guitar string under tension. In a similar manner, in string theory, the elementary particles we observe in particle accelerators could be thought of as the "musical notes" or excitation modes of elementary strings. In string theory, as in guitar playing, the string must be stretched under tension in order to become excited. However, the strings in string theory are floating in space-time, they aren't tied down to a guitar. Nonetheless, they have tension. The string tension in string theory is denoted by the quantity 1/(2 p a'), where a' is pronounced "alpha prime" and is equal to the square of the string length scale. If string theory is to be a theory of quantum gravity, then the average size of a string should be somewhere near the length scale of quantum gravity, called the Planck length, which is about 1033 centimeters, or about a millionth of a billionth of a billionth of a billionth of a centimeter. Unfortunately, this means that strings are way too small to see by current or expected particle

physics technology and so string theorists must devise more clever methods to test the theory than just looking for little strings in particle experiments. The assessments must include whether or not the particle spectrum includes fermions. In order to include fermions in string theory, there must be a special kind of symmetry called supersymmetry, which means for every boson (particle that transmits a force) there is a corresponding fermion (particle that makes up matter). So supersymmetry relates the particles that transmit forces to the particles that make up matter, though never directly observable thus far.

29) The main idea or thesis of the passage is: A. String theory an augmentation of quantum mechanics B. Particle physics and an exploration of the implications of string theory C. A general overview of string theory in relation to theoretical physics X D. String theory from the graviton to supersymmetry Correct Answer: C Since both quantum mechanics and particle physics are considered to be theoretical physics (C) represents the best choice answer, because the passage focuses on how string theory provides a general overview and a connection between the two. (A) & (B) only reflect one of the two, while (D) is too specific on aspects of String theory in general.

30) According to passage information, which of the following describes the properties of a graviton? I have a corresponding fermion and boson II has zero mass and two units of spin III are mathematically verifiable

A. B. C. D.

I I & II II only X II & III

Correct Answer: C

Only II or (C) describes the properties of the graviton, which can be affirmed by a close reading or re-scan. String theory itself is unobservable, its main weakness, ruling out III, Fermions and bosons are associated with supersymmetry. 31) It can be inferred from passage information, that at the basic core of discussions of String theory is: A. The hadron, made up of a proton and neutron B. The properties and degree of gravity X C. Supersymmetry between boson and fermion D. Classical thermodynamic notions of energy and volume Correct Answer: B At the very basis of discussion, gravity must be considered primary; all the other notions are related, to a certain extent, but not at the core, as asked in the question.

32) Based on passage information, which of the following assertions, in relation to String Theory is false? Which is the exception? A. B. C. D. All types of strings are closed loops X String Theory attempts to philosophically verify gravitational spin All types of strings roughly correspond to the size of Planck length The string tension is equal to the square root of the string length

Correct Answer: A All are true except (A) it does not state this in the passage, but: String theories are classified according to whether or not the strings are required to be closed loops

33) What is the major theoretical drawback of the notions proposed by String Theory? A. The graviton lacks explanatory power for gravitational spin B. Supersymmetry is too specific, therefore considered a hasty generalization C. Strings cannot be empirically quantified, nor observed in experiment X D. Classical Physics and Quantum Mechanics really cannot be reconciled on a scientific basis Correct Answer: C

Clearly (C) is the best answer. Strings are only theoretical. They cannot be observed.

Passage 7

I believe that the use of noise to make music will continue and increase until we reach a music produced through the aid of electrical instruments which will make available for musical purposes any and all sounds that can be heard. John Cage The Future of Music: Credo

Noise music is a term used to describe varieties of avant-garde music and sound art that may use elements such as cacophony, dissonance, atonality, noise, indeterminacy, and repetition in their realization. Noise music can feature distortion, various types of acoustically or electronically generated noise, randomly produced electronic signals, and non-traditional musical instruments. Noise music may also incorporate manipulated recordings, static, hiss and hum, feedback, live machine sounds, custom noise software, circuit bent instruments, and non-musical vocal elements that push noise towards the ecstatic. The Futurist art movement was important for the development of the noise aesthetic, as was the Dada art movement (a prime example being the Antisymphony concert performed on April 30, 1919 in Berlin),and later the Surrealist and Fluxus art movements, specifically the Fluxus artists of the 60s and 70s which included noise experimenters such as Joe Jones and Yoko Ono Contemporary noise music is often associated with extreme volume and distortion, particularly in the popular music domain with examples such as Jimi Hendrix's use of feedback, Sonic Youth and Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music. However, many noise musicians are keenly aware of dynamics and build them into their pieces. Genres such as industrial, industrial techno, lo-fi music, black metal and glitch music employ noise-based materials. Various definitions of noise music shift over time. Ben Watson, in his article Noise as Permanent Revolution, points out that Ludwig van Beethovens Grosse Fuge (1825) sounded like noise to his audience at the time. Indeed, Beethovens publishers persuaded him to remove it from its original setting as the last movement of a string quartet. He did so, replacing it with a sparkling Allegro. They subsequently published it separately. In defining noise music and its value, Paul Hegarty (2007) cites the work of noted cultural critics Jean Baudrillard, Georges Bataille and Theodor Adorno and through their work traces the history of "noise". He defines noise at different times as "intrusive, unwanted," "lacking skill, not being appropriate" and "a threatening emptiness". He traces these trends starting with 18th century concert hall music. Hegarty contends that it is John Cage's composition 4'33", in which an audience sits through four and a half minutes of "silence" (Cage 1973), that represents the beginning of noise music proper. For Hegarty, "noise music", as with 4'33", is that music made up of incidental sounds that represent perfectly the tension between "desirable" sound (properly

played musical notes) and undesirable "noise" that make up all noise music from Erik Satie to NON to Glenn Branca. Writer Douglas Kahn, in his work Noise, Water, Meat: A History of Sound in the Arts (1999), discusses the use of noise as a medium and explores the ideas of Antonin Artaud, George Brecht, William Burroughs, Sergei Eisenstein, et. al. In Noise: The Political Economy of Music (1985), Jacques Attali explores the relationship between noise music and the future of society. He indicates that noise in music is a predictor of social change and demonstrates how noise acts as the subconscious of society validating and testing new social and political realities. In common use, the word noise means unwanted sound or noise pollution. In electronics noise can refer to the electronic signal corresponding to acoustic noise (in an audio system) or the electronic signal corresponding to the (visual) noise commonly seen as 'snow' on a degraded television or video image. In signal processing or computing it can be considered data without meaning; that is, data that is not being used to transmit a signal, but is simply produced as an unwanted by-product of other activities. Noise can block, distort, or change the meaning of a message in both human and electronic communication. White noise is a random signal (or process) with a flat power spectral density. In other words, the signal contains equal power within a fixed bandwidth at any center frequency. White noise is considered analogous to white light which contains all frequencies. Oddly enough, for Michel Serres (1982) The Parasite, noise factors in as the beginning of order or novelty. One can certainly view aesthetic movements as introductions of dissonance within established orders, from this perspective. Such as the introduction of noise and dissonance in rock and roll music, with the use of various gadgetry, such as stomp boxes, echoes, distortion pedals, and other variations of the noise motif. 34) It can be inferred from passage information that Noise at its basic level is: A. B. C. D. Fluctuation Disorder X Change Distortion

Correct Answer: B Unilateral Distinction type of question which term encompasses all the others, yet none of the others can encompass it. (B) is the obvious choice here it is pretty much inclusive of the other answers except (C) change, which can be deduced to be incorrect.

35) There are many critics discussed within the passage. Each has a particular view of noise. Which of the following is NOT representative of passage detail? A. Serres views noise as the beginning of order B. Attali explores noise as a predictor of social values

C. Kahn explores noise as a medium D. Watson views noise as intrusive, unwanted. X Correct Answer: D This detail-oriented question can be deduced to be (D) after close reading or a re-scan, All are representative except Watson who is considered in the passage in regard to "Beethoven's" noisy composition. 36) Hegartys claims of noise music starting with John Cages composition 4 33 (roughly 4 and half minutes of silence) could be criticized for: A. B. C. D. Being too general hasty and overarching Being telescopic fits his theory X Being too selective the example is obvious Being too specific not enough range or examples

Correct Answer: B (B) is the correct answer in this question, the example fits his theory, while others using noise in music at the same time, are excluded to the benefit of someone being a semi-famous "composer and pianist" --because of this - the example smacks of elitism....there were many popular examples way before Cage...

37) Implicit within the passage argument, is the idea that noise in music is: A. B. C. D. Subjectively Received X Objectively Recorded Intentionally Composed Randomly Distributed

Correct Answer: A While (C) and (D) are true, they are hardly implicit...they are mentioned explicitly in the passage information. (B) is kind a wrong sort of notion, "objectively" created, only to provide a juxtaposition - counter to (A) the correct choice. We can infer that implicitly what constitutes "noise" for one can be "harmony" for another. Electronic Music, Rock and Roll are all examples of this line of reasoning.

38) Following the same line of argument indicated in the above question, one could further infer that: A. B. C. D. The divisions between music and noise are measurable Music and Noise constitute a spectrum of meaning What constitutes the meaning of Music is socially constructed Musical tonality is entirely random

Correct Answer: C If the idea of music is subjectively received and meaning is attached, we must logically deduce that (C) what constitutes the meaning of music is socially constructed. The other answers are created distractions.

39) If one follows the argument one step further, from the question directly above, one could make the assertion that: A. B. C. D. The aesthetics of music is created symbolically X The aesthetics of music is non-referential The aesthetics of music is meaningless The aesthetics of music is entirely quantifiable

Correct Answer: A This line of reasoning extends one step further, yet arguable, contentious in its own right, would deduce that (A) the aesthetics of music is created symbolically....A social construction infers the use of symbol making and common usage. 40) Which artist or musician represented below transformed the noise of feedback into musical harmony inferred from passage information? A. B. C. D. Yoko Ono Jimi Hendrix Lou Reed Beethoven X

Correct Answer: B This detail-oriented question can be affirmed to be (B) Jimi Hendrix after a close reading or passage re-scan.