Question

close read
the reading sections of college admissions tests require you to apply close reading skills to answer questions about the details and deeper meanings of texts. practice with these questions, which are based on paragraphs 1-4 of \harrison bergeron.\

practice select an answer for each item

1. in paragraph 1, the word \vigilance\ means

a) alertness
b) indifference
c) discussion
d) pretense.

1. read paragraphs 2 and 4. which answer choice best describes why there are tears on hazel’s cheeks?

a) hazel is tearful because she dislikes the month of april.
b) hazel is tearful because the h-g men took her son away.
c) hazel is tearful because she was watching a sad tv show.
d) hazel is tearful because george had been unkind to her.

inquiry and research
using advanced searches research kurt vonnegut’s theory about the \shapes of stories,\ including how this idea was received, both when he first presented it and later in his career. then, write an explanation of your findings. use advanced searches to locate two reliable sources, one print and one digital.

some internet browsers and many academic databases offer specialized search engines that allow you to track down specific material. when employing these tools, use precise terms (for example, \ancient greek ships\ rather than \old boats\). you may also use boolean operators—and, or, not—to get better search results:

• the and operator locates texts that include all of your search terms. example: chocolate and health
• the or operator locates texts that include one of your search terms. example: narwhal or swordfish
• the not operator omits texts that contain terms you do not want. example: energy not solar

practice research your topic using advanced searches, including boolean operators. then, organize your findings and write your explanation.

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine the meaning of "vigilance", we analyze the options. "Alertness" means being watchful and aware, which fits the context of vigilance (being vigilant). "Indifference" is the opposite (lack of care), "discussion" is about talking, and "pretense" is faking. So "alertness" is correct.

From "Harrison Bergeron", Hazel's tears are because the H - G men took her son (Harrison) away. Option A is illogical (disliking April doesn't cause tears), C is wrong (no sad TV show context), D is wrong (George is kind to her). So B is correct.

Answer:

A. alertness

Question 2