Part II: Reading Comprehension

Questions 5–10 are based on the following passage.

To set down such choice experiences that my own writings may inspire me and at last I may make wholes of
parts. Certainly it is a distinct profession to rescue from oblivion and to fix the sentiments and thoughts which visit
all men more or less generally, that the contemplation of the unfinished picture may suggest its harmonious comple-
tion. Associate reverently and as much as you can with your loftiest thoughts. Each thought that is welcomed and
(5) recorded is a nest egg, by the side of which more will be laid. Thoughts accidentally thrown together become a frame
in which more may be developed and exhibited. Perhaps this is the main value of a habit of writing, of keeping a
journal—that so we remember our best hours and stimulate ourselves. My thoughts are my company. They have a
certain individuality and separate existence, aye, personality. Having by chance recorded a few disconnected
thoughts and then brought them into juxtaposition, they suggest a whole new field in which it was possible to labor
(10) and to think. Thought begat thought.

5. The purpose of this passage is 8. The term “nest egg” in line (5), is a metaphor for
A. to provide a rationale for the thought A. a surprise heretofore not discovered.
process. B. a thought that will manifest itself as yet
B. to establish a reason for thinking and the another thought.
self-service thinking provides. C. a journal entry to be treasured and joined
C. to evidence that thinking is a reward unto with other entries.
itself. D. a reserved treasure one can rely upon as
D. to herald the writing of thoughts. needed.
E. to instruct on how to capture thoughts on E. a memory that will stimulate thought and
paper. solicit a recording in a journal.

6. During the course of the passage, the author 9. The author suggests that the main reason to
journal is
A. provides a rationale for his writing as
stimulating thought. A. to enable us to recall our finest moments and
B. suggests that all men should keep a journal cause us to rejuvenate.
to aide them in thinking. B. so we can remember the untoward sides of
C. admonishes thinkers to write in order to humanity and reverse course.
become inspired. C. because in no other way can the measure of a
D. praises random thoughts as a beginning of man be determined following life.
writing. D. that journaling is the pastime that renews
E. informs that the only way to develop thought thoughts to modify behavior.
is to think. E. it is necessary for man to understand his
reason for being.
7. In line (2), to what does the author wish to “rescue
from oblivion?” 10. Line (10), “Thought begat thought” means
A. the experiences of sitting and relaxing to A. that when someone doesn’t think for a long
think about historical thoughts time, thought will be stimulated to rescue
B. the opportunity to write thoughts which may itself.
finalize the completion of thought B. that a thought has the power to reason and by
C. the time to labor at thinking about life and so doing, has the ability to procreate abilities.
planning future movements C. that reasoning as a component of thought
D. the time to remember lofty accomplishments must be the primary focus for forward
and think upon improving them development of the mind.
E. the reasoning of time as it passes and to D. that the process of thinking initiates other
remember to complete unfinished plans thoughts, which in return will foster still
other thoughts.
E. that the practice of thinking will lead to
stimulation that will lead to journal writing
and harmony.

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