SAT閱讀:Reading Comprehension Test9 參考答案

　　1.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　The first sentence informs us that Dr. Johnson wrote many biographies. It is stated indirectly in the phrase ‘ embalmed so many persons’, which is why you are asked to ‘infer’ the answer.

　　2.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Boswell (in lines 22-35) flatters himself that he has recollected well, and collected many materials, which seems closest to thoroughness in obtaining biographical materials.

　　3.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Since this is an ‘except question’, four of the choices will be things he believes and the fifth, the right answer, something not true. In this case it is clear from line 37 onwards, that the author thinks the chronological approach is the best. We can see that the answer stating that a chronological approach is not necessary, does not fit in with his beliefs, and hence this is the right answer.

　　4.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　The same sentence tells us that panegyric ‘must be all praise’. The word eulogy mans strong praise, and is the correct answer.

　　5.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　Dr. Johnson is concerned that biographers over-praise their subjects. He believes that they are reluctant to ‘speak ill of the dead’, hence answer E. Note that in ‘except’ questions you are looking for a wrong statement.

　　6.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　The word bull is coupled with the expression ‘the very dullness would be interesting. This is an apparently contradictory statement, or paradox. (One of the definitions of ‘bull’ in the dictionary is an ‘illogical statment’.)

　　7.Correct Answer: B

　　Explanation:

　　The phantom is ‘the man’s own shadow cast upon the colored and distorting mists of memory.’ From this statement we infer that people distort their memories in autobiographies. Answer B.

　　8.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　The author states, ‘I have I have frequently thought with the admirable Benvenuto Cellini that it should be considered as a duty by all eminent men’ - here ‘it’ refers to the writing of an autobiography. Hence answer D.

　　9.Correct Answer: E

　　Explanation:

　　The author apparently believes that people distort or misrepresent when writing their autobiography. He seems to think this is to be expected (line 87 - a special felicity of autobiography), interesting (line 98), and revealing (line 94 - we are ‘admitted behind the scenes). So all are correct.

　　10.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Earlier he has stated that everyone should write an autobiography, and now he is stating that people should not be compelled to do so. He is, therefore, modifying, or qualifying, his position. (Note this usage of ‘qualify’; it is common on SAT)

　　11.Correct Answer: A

　　Explanation:

　　Sentence 1 passage one, and passage two lines 86-87 both indicate that the autobiographer is the best authority on his own life. Point II is not correct because the word ‘always’ is too strong. Point III is not true of both because passage two is talking about autobiography not biography.

　　12.Correct Answer: C

　　Explanation:

　　Boswell is particularly concerned with eminent men (line 6), and wishes to record what will be of greatest interest to readers. It would be difficult to imagine that he would believe that a dull man would be interesting. (Note that the tone of passage 2 is ironical, and so the writer is writing for effect - hence most people would not agree with him that dull people are interesting, but they would be entertained by his ideas.)

　　13.Correct Answer: D

　　Explanation:

　　Boswell seems pompous because he praises himself, and is proud of his work. Stephen is writing for effect (his tone is ironical) and does not always expect to be taken seriously, especially when he talks about the value of misrepresentation, and the interest in dullness.