EST Guide for October 2020 | Egyptian Scholastic Test (EST) Reading Section: Humanities Passage 3 of 5

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By Mr. Osama Ahmad | July 23, 2023

EST Guide for October 2020 | Egyptian Scholastic Test (EST) Reading Section: Humanities Passage 3 of 5

EST Reading | October 2020 | Literacy II | Passage 3 Explanation

EST Reading | October 2020 | Literacy II | Passage 3 Explanation

Introduction

Hey there, EST students! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Himalayan birds? I know, I know, reading comprehension passages can be tough sometimes, but don't worry! We've got an awesome teacher on our side: Mr. Osama A. Ibrahim. He's put together some helpful notes and explanations for Passage 3, and we're going to walk through them together.

First off, let's talk about what this passage is all about. In a nutshell, it's describing the habitat of birds that live in the Himalayas. The Himalayas are a huge region filled with mountains and valleys, and they're home to all sorts of cool birds.

Now, one thing that writers love to do when they talk about the Himalayas is to use this old quote from a Sanskrit poet. It's basically saying that even if you had a hundred lifetimes, you still couldn't describe how awesome the Himalayas are. Some people might make fun of this quote, but our author thinks it's spot on.

In fact, the author thinks that the Himalayas are even more beautiful than the Alps! That's because the Himalayas have a lot more variety in their landscape and everything is just bigger and grander. This is really important to remember when you're answering questions about the author's opinion.

Another cool thing the author does is compare the Himalayas to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You know, the story about the guy with two different personalities? Well, the author says that the Himalayas are kind of like that. In May, they're all dry and grumpy, but in September, after the rainy season, they're like a whole new place - all green and happy.

Lastly, the author points out that the Himalayas rise up really suddenly from the flat plains. It's like they just pop up out of nowhere, which makes them even more impressive.

So, those are the main things you need to know about Passage 3. Just remember: the Himalayas are a big, beautiful region with lots of variety, they're like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with their different personalities, and they rise up really suddenly from the plains.

With these key points in mind, and with Mr. Osama's helpful notes, you'll be acing those reading comprehension questions in no time. Just take your time, read carefully, and think about how the details connect to the main ideas. You've got this!

Passage 3 - Paired Passage

Summary:

Passage 1 is about the Himalayan birds and their habitat, which is a mountainous country with diverse and splendid scenery. The author praises the beauty and variety of the Himalayas, especially in September, when they are covered with greenery and water. The author also contrasts the Himalayas with the Andes and the Alps, and mentions a Sanskrit quotation that expresses the glories of Himachal.

Passage 2 is about the bird life in England, which is rich but threatened by human persecution. The author laments the loss of some of the finer species, which are hunted for their beauty or rarity, and warns that this will lead to their extinction. The author also explains that as some species decline, others multiply, because they compete for the same food and habitat. The author implies that this is unfortunate, because the less interesting species benefit from the destruction of the more attractive ones.

Questions and Answers

22. The tone of the author in Passage 1 is one of
A. mild interest and openness.
B. awe and subjectivity.
C. disdain and judgement.

We need to look at the words and phrases that the author uses to express his attitude towards the Himalayas. The tone of the author is the way he conveys his feelings and opinions about the subject.

Choice A is incorrect because the author does not show mild interest and openness. He shows a strong admiration and enthusiasm for the Himalayas. He uses words like "wonderful", "glories", "exciting", "perfection", and "fairyland" to describe them.

Choice C is incorrect because the author does not show disdain and judgement. He does not criticize or condemn the Himalayas or anyone who has a different opinion about them. He acknowledges that some people may mock or disagree with him, but he does not respond with hostility or contempt.

Choice D is incorrect because the author does not show scientific objectivity. He does not present facts and evidence in a neutral and detached way. He expresses his personal views and preferences, and uses emotional and subjective language.

Choice B is correct because the author shows awe and subjectivity. He shows a sense of wonder and admiration for the Himalayas, and he admits that he finds it difficult to imagine anything finer or more beautiful than their scenery. He also reveals his own perspective and bias, and uses words like "I", "me", "my", and "mine" to indicate that he is speaking from his own experience and opinion.

23. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Highlighted In grey)
A. Lines 14-16 ("This" ..."composition")
B. Lines 21-22 ("There"..."him")
C. Lines 22-28 ("Such"... "Alps")
D. Lines 28-32 ("Not"... "scenery")

The evidence should show the author's feelings and opinions about the Himalayas.

Choice A is incorrect because lines 14-16 do not show the tone of the author. They only introduce the quotation from the ancient Sanskrit poet, which is not the author's own words or views.

Choice B is incorrect because lines 21-22 do not show the tone of the author. They only mention that some writers use the quotation in different ways, which is not relevant to the author's attitude towards the Himalayas.

Choice C is incorrect because lines 22-28 do not show the tone of the author. They only report what some people assert about the Himalayas, which is not the author's own perspective or preference.

Choice D is correct because lines 28-32 show the tone of the author. They show the author's sense of wonder and admiration for the Himalayas, and his difficulty in imagining anything finer or more beautiful than their scenery. They also show the author's subjectivity and bias, as he uses words like "I", "me", "my", and "mine" to indicate that he is speaking from his own experience and opinion.

24. The author of Passage 1 most likely uses a saying from an ancient Sanskrit poet to
A. outline the Himalaya's beauty.
B. draw attention to the author's erudite nature.
C. enlighten the reader on little known literature.
D. emphasize how the Himalayas are perceived from a certain perspective.

We need to consider why the author chose to include this quotation and what it conveys about the Himalayas.

Choice B is incorrect because the author does not use the saying to draw attention to his erudite nature. He does not boast or brag about his knowledge or education. He does not imply that he is superior or more informed than other writers or readers.

Choice C is incorrect because the author does not use the saying to enlighten the reader on little known literature. He does not explain or analyze the quotation or its source. He does not provide any context or background information about the ancient Sanskrit poet or his work.

Choice D is incorrect because the author does not use the saying to emphasize how the Himalayas are perceived from a certain perspective. He does not indicate that the quotation reflects a specific point of view or a cultural or historical context. He does not contrast or compare the quotation with other perspectives or sources.

Choice A is correct because the author uses the saying to outline the Himalaya's beauty. He uses the quotation as a way of introducing and summarizing his main topic, which is the Himalayas. He uses the quotation as a way of capturing and expressing his admiration and awe for the Himalayas. He uses the quotation as a way of suggesting and implying that the Himalayas are so glorious and wonderful that they cannot be fully described or explained by human words.

25. When the author mentions Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, he most likely expects the readers to
A. recognize key literary characters in order to understand the analogy.
B. research the two mentioned name to become more cultured.
C. cause discordance between the science of the mountains and literary characters.
D. test to what extent readers are familiar with classical literature.

We need to look at the reason and the effect of mentioning Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We need to consider why the author chose to use this reference and what it conveys about the Himalayas.

Choice B is incorrect because the author does not mention Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to make the readers research the two names. He does not provide any information or guidance on how or where to research them. He does not imply that the readers are ignorant or uncultured if they do not know them.

Choice C is incorrect because the author does not mention Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to cause discordance between the science of the mountains and literary characters. He does not create or suggest any conflict or contradiction between the two domains. He does not contrast or compare the scientific and literary aspects of the Himalayas.

Choice D is incorrect because the author does not mention Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to test the readers' familiarity with classical literature. He does not ask or expect any response or feedback from the readers. He does not indicate or imply that he is judging or evaluating the readers based on their knowledge or appreciation of literature.

Choice A is correct because the author mentions Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to make the readers recognize key literary characters in order to understand the analogy. He uses this reference as a way of illustrating and explaining his point, which is that the Himalayas have two faces, the fair and the plain. He uses this reference as a way of invoking and appealing to the readers' prior knowledge and familiarity with literature. He uses this reference as a way of enhancing and enriching his description of the Himalayas by using a well-known and vivid example of a dual personality.

26. All of the following are mentioned about the Himalayas EXCEPT that
A. the Himalayas are a mountain range.
B. a poet has written about its beauty.
C. the Himalayas can be both arid and fertile.
D. the mountains mostly consist of low foothills.

We need to look for the statement that is not mentioned or supported by the passage. We need to check each statement against the passage and see if it is true or false.

Choice A is false because the Himalayas are mentioned as a mountain range in the passage. The author says that the Himalayas are "not so much a chain of mountains as a mountainous country" in lines 2-3.

Choice B is false because a poet has written about its beauty in the passage. The author quotes an ancient Sanskrit poet who says that he could not tell the glories of the Himalayas in lines 13-14.

Choice C is false because the Himalayas can be both arid and fertile in the passage. The author says that the hillsides are "brown, arid, and desolate" in May, but "the eye is refreshed by the bright emerald garment which the hills have newly donned" in September in lines 34-39.

Choice D is true because the mountains mostly consist of low foothills is not mentioned or supported by the passage. The author says that "in some parts there are low foothills; but speaking generally the mountains that rise from the plain attain a height of 4000 or 5000 feet" in lines 44-46. This implies that the low foothills are not the main or typical feature of the Himalayas, and that most of the mountains are much higher than that.

27. As used in line 19, "terminate" most nearly means
A. cut.
B. downsize.
C. end.
D. stop.

We need to look at the meaning and the context of the word "terminate" in line 19. We need to find the word that best matches the definition and the usage of "terminate" in the passage.

Choice A is incorrect because "cut" does not match the meaning or the context of "terminate". "Cut" means to make a hole or an opening in something, or to reduce or remove something. "Terminate" means to bring something to an end or a conclusion. The author is not talking about making a hole or an opening in an essay, or reducing or removing something from it.

Choice B is incorrect because "downsize" does not match the meaning or the context of "terminate". "Downsize" means to reduce the size, amount, or number of something, especially a business or a workforce. "Terminate" means to bring something to an end or a conclusion. The author is not talking about reducing the size, amount, or number of an essay, especially not a business or a workforce.

Choice D is incorrect because "stop" does not match the meaning or the context of "terminate". "Stop" means to cease moving or doing something, or to prevent something from happening or continuing. "Terminate" means to bring something to an end or a conclusion. The author is not talking about ceasing moving or doing something in an essay, or preventing something from happening or continuing in it.

Choice C is correct because "end" matches the meaning and the context of "terminate". "End" means to bring something to a final point or stage, or to reach a final point or stage. "Terminate" means to bring something to an end or a conclusion. The author is talking about bringing an essay to a final point or stage, or reaching a final point or stage in it. He says that stylists assure him that every essay should terminate with an epigram, which means that every essay should end with a witty or clever remark.

28. The main idea of Passage 2 is to
A. discuss the presence of rare birds in England and the reason for their diminishing numbers.
B. convince the reader that despite England's bad climate, rare birds still live there.
C. persuade the reader of the existence of rare species that persist year round.
D. explain to the reader that it is often difficult to sight rare bird species in England.

We need to look at the main idea or the central point of Passage 2. We need to find the statement that best summarizes and captures what the author is trying to convey in the passage.

Choice B is incorrect because the author does not try to convince the reader that despite England's bad climate, rare birds still live there. He does not mention or compare England's climate with other countries. He does not argue or provide evidence that the climate is not a factor in the presence of rare birds.

Choice C is incorrect because the author does not try to persuade the reader of the existence of rare species that persist year round. He does not claim or demonstrate that rare species are always present or visible in England. He does not address or counter any doubts or objections that the reader may have about their existence.

Choice D is incorrect because the author does not try to explain to the reader that it is often difficult to sight rare bird species in England. He does not describe or analyze the reasons or challenges for sighting rare bird species. He does not offer or suggest any solutions or tips for overcoming these difficulties.

Choice A is correct because the author tries to discuss the presence of rare birds in England and the reason for their diminishing numbers. He states and supports his main idea in the first paragraph, where he says that "England is not poor; the species are not few in number, and some are extremely abundant" but "many of the finer kinds have been too much sought after" and "such persecution must eventually cause their extinction". He develops and illustrates his main idea in the rest of the passage, where he gives examples of how some species benefit from the extermination of others, and how some species are more abundant and varied in places where humans do not interfere with them.

29. How does the style of Passage 1 differ from Passage 2?
A. Passage 1 is more narrative while Passage 2 is expository.
B. Passage 1 seeks to judge set codes while Passage 2 is more argumentative.
C. Passage 1 is rhetorical while Passage 2 is based on assertions.
D. Passage 1 is based on abstract ideas while Passage 2 focuses on the concrete.

We need to look at the style or the manner of expression of Passage 1 and Passage 2. We need to find the statement that best describes and distinguishes how the authors write and communicate their ideas in the passages.

Choice B is incorrect because Passage 1 does not seek to judge set codes while Passage 2 is more argumentative. Passage 1 does not evaluate or criticize any established rules or standards in writing or describing the Himalayas. Passage 2 is not more argumentative than Passage 1, as both passages present and support their opinions and perspectives on their subjects.

Choice C is incorrect because Passage 1 is not rhetorical while Passage 2 is based on assertions. Passage 1 is not rhetorical, as it does not use any figures of speech or devices to persuade or impress the reader. Passage 2 is not based on assertions, as it does not make any claims or statements without evidence or reasoning.

Choice D is incorrect because Passage 1 is not based on abstract ideas while Passage 2 focuses on the concrete. Passage 1 is not based on abstract ideas, as it uses specific and sensory details to describe the Himalayas and their scenery. Passage 2 does not focus on the concrete, as it uses general and conceptual terms to discuss the bird life and its conditions in England.

Choice A is correct because Passage 1 is more narrative while Passage 2 is expository. Passage 1 is more narrative, as it tells a story or an account of the author's personal experience and observation of the Himalayas. It uses a first-person point of view, a chronological order, and a descriptive language. Passage 2 is expository, as it explains or informs about a topic or an issue related to the bird life in England. It uses a third-person point of view, a logical structure, and an analytical language.

30. Which of the following statements best describes the author of Passage 2's perception of the human population's effect on birds?
A. With growing cities, birds will always be in sight.
B. The rapid growing population in cities is causing bird species to die out.
C. Humans benefit species with their growing presence.
D. Humans share many habitats with birds.

We need to look at the statement that best reflects the author of Passage 2's perception or view of the human population's effect on birds. We need to find the statement that is consistent and compatible with the author's tone and purpose in the passage.

Choice A is incorrect because the author does not perceive that with growing cities, birds will always be in sight. He does not imply or suggest that urbanization or development will increase or improve the visibility or diversity of bird life. He does not express or show any positive or optimistic attitude towards the human population's effect on birds.

Choice C is incorrect because the author does not perceive that humans benefit species with their growing presence. He does not state or indicate that human activities or interventions will enhance or support the survival or well-being of bird species. He does not convey or demonstrate any appreciation or gratitude for the human population's effect on birds.

Choice D is incorrect because the author does not perceive that humans share many habitats with birds. He does not acknowledge or recognize that human and bird life coexist or cooperate in many places or environments. He does not display or exhibit any respect or regard for the human population's effect on birds.

Choice B is correct because the author perceives that the rapid growing population in cities is causing bird species to die out. He states and supports his perception in the first paragraph, where he says that "many of the finer kinds have been too much sought after" and "such persecution must eventually cause their extinction". He develops and illustrates his perception in the rest of the passage, where he gives examples of how some species are more abundant and varied in places where humans do not interfere with them. He expresses and shows his concern and regret for the human population's effect on birds.

31. Which choice best provides evidence for the answer to the previous question? (Highlighted In Blue)
A. Lines 65-67 ("Nevertheless" ..."abundant")
B. Lines 75-79("and"..."extinction")
C. Lines 89-93 ("It"... "all")
D. Lines 99-105 ("When"..."delight")

We need to look for the part of the passage that best supports the author's perception of the human population's effect on birds. The evidence should show the author's view and reasoning on how the rapid growing population in cities is causing bird species to die out.

Choice A is incorrect because lines 65-67 do not provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. They only introduce the main idea of the passage, which is that England is not poor in bird life, but some species are extremely abundant while others are diminishing. They do not mention or explain the human population's effect on birds.

Choice C is incorrect because lines 89-93 do not provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. They only describe a general principle of nature, which is that there are always two or more species competing for the same resources and habitats. They do not mention or explain the human population's effect on birds.

Choice D is incorrect because lines 99-105 do not provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. They only contrast the bird life in places where humans do not interfere with them with the bird life in England. They do not mention or explain the human population's effect on birds.

Choice B is correct because lines 75-79 provide evidence for the answer to the previous question. They show the author's perception and reasoning on how the rapid growing population in cities is causing bird species to die out. They state that as some species become unobtainable, others are persecuted in their turn, and that such persecution must eventually cause their extinction. They imply that the human population is responsible for this persecution and extinction.

32. As used in line 98, "fitted" most nearly means
A. provided.
B. positioned.
C. matched.
D. qualified.

- The word "fitted" in line 98 means "having the necessary skill or ability to give us". It is part of the phrase "fitted to give us", which means "capable or competent to give us".

- To find the best synonym for "fitted" in this context, we can try to substitute each of the answer choices in the phrase and see which one makes sense and preserves the meaning of the original sentence.

- Choice A, provided, does not make sense because it changes the meaning of the sentence. It implies that bird life gives us pleasure by supplying something, rather than by having a skill or ability.

- Choice B, positioned, does not make sense either because it implies that bird life gives us pleasure by being in a certain place or arrangement, rather than by having a skill or ability.

- Choice C, matched, does not make sense because it implies that bird life gives us pleasure by being compatible or equivalent to something, rather than by having a skill or ability.

- Choice D, qualified, makes sense and preserves the meaning of the sentence. It implies that bird life gives us pleasure by having a certain level of competence or expertise, which is similar to having a skill or ability.

EST October 2020 Resources

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October 2020 Reading Passage 1 October 2020 Reading Passage 2 Take the full October 2020 Mock Test and Receive a Free Report Practice EST Vocabulary Practice EST Reading Skills Practice Real EST Reading Passages with Explanations Improve your EST Reading Skills with Passages from Level 1

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