501 Critical Reading Questions

b. This is the best choice as it explains the overall point of the pas-
sage, which is a step-by-step process covering the scientific
method. Choice e is close, but the entire passage is not about
evaluating data. Choice a is incorrect because the theory of rel-
ativity is only cited as an example, not as a general topic. Like-
wise, choice c only considers a small part of the passage. Choice
d is too specific.
397.
c. Operational definition is defined as a clear definition of a meas-
urement in lines 26–29 in the passage.
398.
a. Choice a is supported by the passage. Choice c is not supported
anywhere in the passage. Choices b, d, and e are all incorrect
interpretations of information contained in the passage and are
careless choices.
399.
b. All the other choices are indicated in the passage to be steps of
the process of scientific method.
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501
Critical Reading Questions

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Questions 400–402 are based on the following passage.
In the following passage, the author attempts to define what separates a
sport from a leisure activity.
The seemingly simple question of “what defines a sport?” has been
the fodder for argument and conversation for years, among profes-
sional and armchair athletes alike. There seems to be no doubt that
vigorous and highly competitive activities such as baseball, football,
and soccer are truly “sports,” but when the subject of other activi-
ties such as darts, chess, and shuffleboard is broached we find our-
selves at the heart of a controversy.
If say, billiards, is not a sport, then what exactly is it? Those who
would dispute it to be a sport would respond that it is a simple leisure
activity. They would go on to claim a true sport first and foremost
requires some form of physical exertion. More to the point, if a player
does not break a sweat, what he or she plays is not a sport. Beyond
that, more important criteria would be the need for decent hand-eye
coordination, and the ever-present possibility of sustaining injury. Bil-
liards only fits one of those specifications (hand-eye coordination), so
according to the doubters, it is not a real sport.
To help resolve this dispute, the first text to consult would have to
be the dictionary. According to one dictionary, a sport is defined as “a
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Sports and Leisure
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(5)
(10)
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diversion” or a “recreation.” Assuming one strictly adheres to the sim-
ple guidelines laid out in that definition, it would seem that almost any
activity that provides enjoyment could be classified as a sport. And if,
according to the dictionary, watching a sport on television is a sport
itself, I guess that would make a couch potato an athlete. Play ball!
400.
The author’s tone in this passage could be described as