Practice Reading Comprehension Verbal questions with worked explanations and timing guidance for Verbal Reasoning.
According to the passage, which of the following is true about the idea mentioned in the first sentence?
Correct answer: A
The analysis of the time-use surveys is said to be done by Vanek in order to disprove (undermine) the idea (prevailing belief) mentioned in the first sentence.
The passage is primarily concerned with
Correct answer: C
This question asks about the primary purpose of the passage. To determine the main concern, consider the overall structure and progression of ideas. The passage first establishes a prevailing view or assumption and then describes how the work of certain scholars challenged or countered that view. This structure—presenting an established position and then showing how research undermines it—indicates that the passage is primarily concerned with describing how scholars' work countered a prevailing view. The passage does not present a debate between opposing scholars, challenge evidence, present research supporting a traditional theory, or evaluate methodology.
The passage suggests that Vanek and Cowan would agree that modernizing household technology did not
Correct answer: D
Vanek and Cowan agree that modern household technology did not reduce the total time full-time home workers spent on housework. Vanek found that weekly housework stayed at about 52 to 54 hours despite technological advances. Cowan likewise found that modernization could eliminate some tasks while creating additional work. Therefore, option D is correct.
According to the passage, the advice referred to in the second sentence was a response to which of the following?
The author mentions "the success of a certain well-known Japanese automaker" most probably in order to