Free Practice Question
RC · Reading Comprehension
555-605
Short Passage - Humanities
Reading Passage
In recent years, teachers of introductory courses in Asian American studies have been facing a dilemma nonexistent a few decades ago, when hardly any texts in that field were available. Today, excellent anthologies and other introductory texts exist, and books on individual Asian American nationality groups and on general issues important for Asian Americans are published almost weekly. Even professors who are experts in the field find it difficult to decide which of these to assign to students; nonexperts who teach in related areas and are looking for writings for and by Asian American to include in survey courses are in an even worse position.
A complicating factor has been the continuing lack of specialized one-volume reference works on Asian Americans, such as biographical dictionaries or desktop encyclopedias.Such works would enable students taking Asian American studies courses (and professors in related fields) to look up basic information on Asian American individuals, institutions, history, and culture without having to wade through mountains of primary source material. In addition, given such works, Asian American studies professors might feel more free to include more challenging Asian American material in their introductory reading lists, since good reference works allow students to acquire on their own the background information necessary to interpret difficult or unfamiliar material.
A complicating factor has been the continuing lack of specialized one-volume reference works on Asian Americans, such as biographical dictionaries or desktop encyclopedias.Such works would enable students taking Asian American studies courses (and professors in related fields) to look up basic information on Asian American individuals, institutions, history, and culture without having to wade through mountains of primary source material. In addition, given such works, Asian American studies professors might feel more free to include more challenging Asian American material in their introductory reading lists, since good reference works allow students to acquire on their own the background information necessary to interpret difficult or unfamiliar material.
According to the passage, the existence of good one-volume reference works about Asian Americans could result in
Answer Choices
Correct answer marked belowA
increased agreement among professors of Asian American studies regarding the quality of the sources available in their field
B
an increase in the number of students signing up for introductory courses in Asian American studies
C
increased accuracy in writings that concern Asian American history and culture
D
the use of introductory texts about Asian American history and culture in courses outside the field of Asian American studies
the inclusion of a wider range of Asian American material in introductory reading lists in Asian American studies
Correct
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What it tests
Your ability to understand a passage, its structure, and what the author is really saying. At the 555-605 level, accuracy and speed both matter.
Common trap
Answering from memory or outside knowledge instead of strictly from the passage.
Details
Difficulty
555-605
Type
RC
Category