501 Critical Reading Questions

d. The answer for choices a, b, c, and e are all the same, according
to Passage 2: 1.618. The ratio of head to floor divided by shoul-
der to floor (choice d) is not covered in the passage.
380.
a. Both passage refer to the fact that early or ancient scientists
perceived the Divine Proportion to be a magical number.
Choices d and e could be correct, but they are not supported by
the passage. Choices b and c are false.
381.
a. This statement, while true, refers to the pentagram, not the
pentagon. Choices b–e are all true statements about the 
pentagon.
382.
b. Discrete means distinct, and as used in the passage, it is paired
with specialized, a context clue. Choices a, c, d, and e are all syn-
onyms for the homophone, discreet.
383.
d. Choice b is not covered in the passage. Choices a, c, and e,
while mentioned, are too specific to be viable titles. Choice d is
broad-ranging enough to encompass the entire passage.
384.
c. Scrimshawed means carved, as in line 12. The word is often asso-
ciated with whaling and seafaring, so answer choices a, d, and e
are all distracters stemming from that confusion regarding con-
text. Because scrimshaw and enamel are wax-like substances, a
less careful reader may choose b.
385.
d. According to lines 21–22 of the passage, choices a, b, c, and e
are all parts of the physical structure of teeth. Choice d, tusk, is
not a component of teeth, but rather a type of tooth found in
some mammals.
386.
d. From the context in lines 13–17, it can be deduced that mastica-
tion means the act of chewing because tusks, evolved from teeth,
501