Reading Comprehension Exam 2

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Questions and Answers

Which term from the first list does not contain the sound [c:]?

interwoven

laws

audience (correct)

chronological

What is a possible synonym for 'antagonism' as used in the passage?

cooperation

sympathy

opposition (correct)

agreement

In the second list, which term does not contain the sound [y]?

freedom (correct)

hunger

wisdom

much

What does the term 'penniless' suggest in the context of the action described?

broke Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary thematic concern of the passage regarding McCandless?

His critique of capitalism Signup and view all the answers

How is the action described characterized in relation to the character?

Radical Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of 'mêlée à' in the translated passage?

linked with Signup and view all the answers

Which word best encapsulates the nature of critique suggested in the passage?

sustained Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason Chris McCandless donates $24,000 to Oxfam?

To sever ties with consumer culture and his previous life. Signup and view all the answers

How does the title 'My own birth' function within the film’s narrative?

It represents a transition into a new phase of life. Signup and view all the answers

What does McCandless's decision to abandon his car signify about his attitude towards society?

He rejects the comforts of modern life for vulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

What does McCandless's act of cutting financial ties suggest about his view on capitalism?

He critiques it for breeding financial greed and unfairness. Signup and view all the answers

What does being 'utterly destitute' imply about McCandless while on his journey?

He willingly places his safety in jeopardy for freedom. Signup and view all the answers

To what extent can McCandless's actions be considered extreme?

They place him in a high-risk situation of vulnerability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'break away from' imply regarding McCandless's journey?

To reject familial obligations and expectations. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphorical significance does McCandless’s road trip hold?

A symbolic journey toward self-discovery and rebirth. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'climax' refer to in the context of storytelling?

The peak of tension or suspense Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'anticlimax'?

A sudden drop in tension after a peak Signup and view all the answers

In the context of essay writing, what is the primary function of the introduction?

To introduce the topic and present a thesis statement Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element in the development of a short essay, particularly between 200-250 words?

A single paragraph for each point Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ubiquity' imply, based on its usage in the content?

Widespread existence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the conclusion in an essay?

To summarize findings and suggest further discussion Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the action of 'bringing something out'?

Highlighting or emphasizing it Signup and view all the answers

What does the action of 'bearing out' something imply?

To validate or confirm it Signup and view all the answers

What does the bird's eye view shot symbolize in Chris's life story?

The ephemeral nature of freedom followed by a downfall Signup and view all the answers

How do Shapsal and Wagschal interpret the military airplane display in relation to Chris's journey?

As evidence of the inescapable presence of societal structures Signup and view all the answers

What dual nature does the eagle soaring represent in Chris's narrative?

Hope and despair intertwined with freedom and confinement Signup and view all the answers

What does Chris's journey suggest about the search for absolute freedom?

It reveals the self-deceptive nature of escaping societal ties Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the 'apex' relate to the idea of freedom in Chris's story?

It denotes the moment right before a significant downfall Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issues do cinematic tragedies attempt to explore according to the discussion?

The reflections on existential dilemmas and moral conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What critique is implicit in Chris's disdain for societal structures?

Society limits personal growth and achievement Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between freedom and downfall in the narrative of Chris's life?

The pursuit of freedom creates a path to self-destruction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reading Comprehension and Written Expression Exam 2

Passage: The passage is an excerpt from an article titled "Contemporary cinematic tragedy and the Silver-Lining Genre" by Sandra Shapsay and Steven Wagschal.
Date: April 2014
Focus: Discusses tragedy in contemporary cinema.

Phonology (Optional)

Sound [ɔ:]: A list of words containing this sound, including examples from the text: interwoven, antagonism, chronological, audience, awkward, mores, laws, shot, toward, draws out, moments, soaring, fortune, remotest, portrayed.
Sound [ʌ]: List of words containing this sound: rules, obstruct, figure, upscale, suburban, constructs, much, fund, consumption, junk, hunger, burns, freedom, plot, wisdom, flood, bonfire, money, avuncular, adopt, journeys, splendour, untouched, recurrent, puffy.
Instructions: Identify words from a list that do not contain the specified sound.

Translation

English Phrase: "A sustained critique (...) freedom" (p.10, lines 18-20)
French Translation: Une critique soutenue du matérialisme et du gaspillage capitalistes apparaît, intriquée avec l'opposition croissante de McCandless aux règles et aux lois sociales qui font obstacle à la liberté individuelle.

Comprehension Questions (Pages 10-11, Lines 28-32)

Question a: Chris McCandless sends a printed bank draft for $24,000 to Oxfam to break free from consumer society, sever ties with family and social expectations, and condemn financial greed inherent in American capitalism.
Question b: The title of the first chapter, "My own birth," symbolizes a significant stage in Chris's journey – symbolically representing a death and rebirth signifying his newfound temporary freedom.
Question c: McCandless's actions are extreme because he abandons possessions, social structures, and his former life. He deliberately puts himself in a vulnerable position by relying on the natural environment.

Additional Questions and Answers (pages 11)

Question d-Apex: The "camera shot from above" or "eagle soaring" represents the peak of Chris's freedom, as it symbolizes a momentous moment of utmost freedom.
Question e-Military Display: The military airplane display is intended by the authors of the article as an example of the presence of society's social structures, that are found in remotest locations. This serves as an illustration to highlight that there is no escape from social structures even in remote locations.

Statement Discussion (200-250 words)

Topic: The statement that cinematic tragedies are rare, and melodramas are plentiful, is troubling. Tragic films prompt examination of complex ethical, existential, and political problems in society. This contrasts with melodramatic films, which often offer simpler, easier-to-understand solutions to problems.
Example 1 (Film): [Possible example from film]
Example 2 (Film): [Possible example from another film]
Analysis: Cinematic tragedies provoke greater understanding of human challenges, forcing viewers to confront complex societal issues.

Essay Writing Guidelines

Introduction: Introduce the topic and issue in one sentence, then formulate a thesis statement or an arguable claim/opinion on the topic.
Development: Divide into 2-3 paragraphs, each with a controlling idea, supporting points, and concluding sentences that link to the next paragraph.
Conclusion: Summarize arguments and state conclusions with conclusive remarks.

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Description

This quiz focuses on reading comprehension based on an excerpt from the article 'Contemporary cinematic tragedy and the Silver-Lining Genre' by Sandra Shapsay and Steven Wagschal. It also includes phonology exercises related to specific vowel sounds for deeper understanding.