PrepTest 123, Section 4, Question 4
For decades, there has been a deep rift(452 more words not shown)
The author's attitude toward the(17 more words not shown)
- Aperplexity as to(11 more words not shown)
- Bastonishment that academics(7 more words not shown)
- Cambivalence toward the(8 more words not shown)
- Dpessimism regarding the(7 more words not shown)
- Edisapproval of attitudes(5 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
Does the writer like this divide? Start with the clearest signal: “Fortunately” introduces the news that the bias against crossing genres is diminishing. If its decline is good news, the writer disapproves of the bias keeping the genres apart. That's the attitude to match, regardless of whether we personally think specialization has benefits.
Working the answers
- A
The writer does ask why the rift developed, but then offers a possible cause: suspicion of generalists. The rhetorical question leads into an explanation, not a continuing state of perplexity.
- B
Academics' failure to notice the rift is never alleged. The opening instead shows it operating openly in graduate training.
- C
Ambivalence means mixed or conflicting feelings. Here, the writer clearly welcomes the weakening of the rigid divide; no competing approval of that divide is expressed.
- D
Pessimism would mean doubting that change is possible. Dove and other respected writers are already crossing the boundary, which the writer welcomes.
- ECorrect
The underlying attitude is that accomplishment in another field somehow compromises a writer's ability. Calling its decline fortunate shows disapproval of that presumption and the restrictive division it supports.
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