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EST December 2020 | Literacy I | Passage 3 Explanation
EST Literacy I Explanation | December 2020 Test | Passage 3
EST December Resources:
Practice the full test + Report HERE
Passage 1 Explanation HERE
Passage 2 Explanation HERE
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Questions 23–33 are based on the following passage.
Dream Psychology: Psychoanalysis for Beginners
by Sigmund Freud
23. Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at the underlined portion?
A. NO CHANGE
B. dream work, and to add we must
C. dream work in as much as we must
D. dream work, although we must
A is the right answer because it uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses that are related in meaning. A semicolon shows a clear break between the two clauses, but also indicates a close connection. The word “we” after the semicolon is also correct because it refers to the same subject as the previous clause.
B is wrong because it uses a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and) to join two independent clauses, which creates a comma splice. A comma splice is a punctuation error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma. To fix a comma splice, one can use a semicolon, a period, or a subordinating conjunction.
C is wrong because it uses an archaic expression (“in as much as”) that is not appropriate for modern writing. The expression also changes the meaning of the sentence by implying that the dream work is only special in some cases, rather than in general.
D is wrong because it uses a contrasting conjunction (although) to join two independent clauses that are not opposite or contradictory. The word “although” suggests that there is a contrast or an exception between the two clauses, but there is none. The sentence does not make logical sense with this conjunction.
24. A. NO CHANGE
B. it’s
C. its
D. their
C is the right answer because it uses the correct possessive form of the pronoun “it”. The word “its” shows that the product belongs to or is associated with the dream work. The word “its” does not have an apostrophe because it is not a contraction.
A is wrong because it uses the wrong form of the pronoun “it”. The word “its’” is not a standard word in English. It looks like a possessive form, but it has an extra apostrophe that is unnecessary and confusing.
B is wrong because it uses the wrong form of the pronoun “it”. The word “it’s” is a contraction of “it is” or “it has”, not a possessive form. The word “it’s” does not make sense in this sentence because it does not match the verb tense or the meaning.
D is wrong because it uses the wrong number and person of the pronoun. The word “their” is a plural possessive pronoun that refers to more than one thing or person. The word “their” does not agree with the singular noun “product” or the singular subject “the dream work”.
25.A. NO CHANGE
B. dreadness, obsessive, and illusion
C. dread, obsession and illusion
D. dread, obsession, and illusion
D is the right answer because it uses the correct form and punctuation of the nouns in the list. The words “dread”, “obsession”, and “illusion” are all singular nouns that end with a consonant sound. The word “and” is a coordinating conjunction that joins the last two items in the list. The comma before “and” is called an Oxford comma or a serial comma, and it is used to avoid confusion or ambiguity in a list of three or more items.
A is wrong because it uses the wrong form of the noun “dread”. The word “dread” is already a noun that means fear or anxiety. The suffix “-ness” is used to turn adjectives into nouns, but it is not needed here. The word “dreadness” is not a standard word in English.
B is wrong because it uses the wrong form of the nouns “obsessive” and “illusion”. The word “obsessive” is an adjective that means having or showing an obsession. The noun form of this word is “obsession”. The word “illusion” is a noun that means a false or misleading perception of reality. The suffix “-ion” is used to turn verbs into nouns, but it is not needed here. The word “illusion” does not change its form.
C is wrong because it uses the wrong punctuation of the list. It does not use an Oxford comma before “and”, which can create confusion or ambiguity in some cases. For example, without the Oxford comma, the sentence could imply that obsession and illusion are one thing, rather than two separate items in the list.
26. The writer wants to express a feature specific to the dream work. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Appearance, on the other hand, is often found in the dream work.
C. When looking closely at the dream work, appearance plays the role of
one shared feature.
D. Though appearance appears elsewhere, it remains an important
feature in the dream work
A is the right answer because it uses the phrase “peculiar to” to express that appearance is a feature that is specific or unique to the dream work. The word “peculiar” means strange or unusual, but it can also mean belonging exclusively or distinctively to something. The phrase “on the other hand” also shows a contrast between appearance and the other features that are common to the dream work and other psychical processes.
B is wrong because it uses the word “often” to express that appearance is a feature that is frequent or common in the dream work. The word “often” does not imply that appearance is specific or unique to the dream work, but rather that it occurs regularly or usually. The word “often” weakens the contrast between appearance and the other features.
C is wrong because it uses the phrase “plays the role of one shared feature” to express that appearance is a feature that is common or similar to the dream work and other psychical processes. The word “shared” means having or using something in common with others. The word “shared” does not imply that appearance is specific or unique to the dream work, but rather that it is part of a group or a category.
D is wrong because it uses the word “appears” to express that appearance is a feature that is visible or noticeable in the dream work. The word “appears” does not imply that appearance is specific or unique to the dream work, but rather that it can be seen or observed. The word “appears” also creates confusion or redundancy with the word “appearance”, which has a similar meaning.
27. A. NO CHANGE
B. persons—forgetfulness, slips in speaking and in holding things, together with a certain class of mistakes
C. persons—forgetfulness, slips in speaking and in holding things,
together with a certain class of mistakes
D. persons, forgetfulness, slips in speaking and in holding things,
together with a certain class of mistakes—
B is the right answer because it uses a dash to introduce a list of examples that explain or illustrate the phrase “a whole number of phenomena”. A dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to show a sudden change in tone, meaning, or direction in a sentence. A dash can also be used to emphasize or highlight a word or a phrase that follows it. The dash in this sentence shows that the list of examples is important or relevant to the main idea of the sentence.
A is wrong because it uses a comma instead of a dash to introduce the list of examples. A comma is a punctuation mark that can be used to separate items in a list, to join independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, or to set off nonessential or parenthetical information in a sentence. A comma in this sentence creates confusion or ambiguity because it is not clear if the list of examples is part of the main clause or a separate clause. A comma also does not show the same emphasis or importance as a dash.
C is wrong because it uses a dash and a comma to introduce the list of examples. This creates redundancy or inconsistency in the punctuation. The dash and the comma have different functions and meanings, and they should not be used together in this sentence. The dash is enough to show the change in direction and the emphasis of the list.
D is wrong because it uses a comma and a dash to introduce and end the list of examples. This creates imbalance or asymmetry in the punctuation. The comma and the dash do not match each other, and they create confusion or ambiguity about where the list begins and ends. The dash should be used both before and after the list to show that it is separate from the rest of the sentence.
28. The writer suggests that a complete investigation of the subject has shown specific results. Which choice best reveals that meaning?
A. NO CHANGE
B. underlying
C. satisfactory
D. excellent
A is the right answer because it uses the word “thorough” to describe the investigation of the subject. The word “thorough” means complete, careful, or detailed. The word “thorough” implies that the investigation has covered all aspects of the subject and has shown specific results.
B is wrong because it uses the word “underlying” to describe the investigation of the subject. The word “underlying” means basic, fundamental, or hidden. The word “underlying” implies that the investigation has focused on the deeper or more essential aspects of the subject, but not necessarily on the specific results.
C is wrong because it uses the word “satisfactory” to describe the investigation of the subject. The word “satisfactory” means acceptable, adequate, or sufficient. The word “satisfactory” implies that the investigation has met some standards or expectations, but not necessarily that it has shown specific results.
D is wrong because it uses the word “excellent” to describe the investigation of the subject. The word “excellent” means outstanding, superior, or exceptional. The word “excellent” implies that the investigation has been done very well or with high quality, but not necessarily that it has shown specific results.
29. A. NO CHANGE
B. will find
C. founded
D. found
D is the right answer because it uses the past tense form of the verb “find”. The word “found” means to discover or to come across something. The past tense is appropriate in this sentence because the writer is describing an action that happened in the past, when he analyzed his dream.
A is wrong because it uses the present tense form of the verb “find”. The word “find” means to discover or to come across something. The present tense is not appropriate in this sentence because the writer is not describing an action that happens in the present, but in the past.
B is wrong because it uses the future tense form of the verb “find”. The word “will find” means to discover or to come across something in the future. The future tense is not appropriate in this sentence because the writer is not describing an action that will happen in the future, but in the past.
C is wrong because it uses the wrong verb altogether. The word “founded” means to establish or to create something. The word “founded” does not make sense in this sentence because the writer is not describing an action of creating something, but of discovering something.
30. A. NO CHANGE
B. I should upon secrecy hit upon dream thoughts.
C. should I hit upon dream thoughts which call for secrecy.
D. I should hit which call for secrecy upon the dream thoughts.
A is the right answer because it uses the correct word order and punctuation for the sentence. The word order is subject-verb-object, which is the standard word order in English. The comma before “where” is also correct because it introduces a dependent clause that modifies the noun “dream”. The dependent clause provides additional information about the dream, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
B is wrong because it uses the wrong word order and punctuation for the sentence. The word order is subject-object-verb, which is not a standard word order in English. The comma before “upon” is also wrong because it separates the verb from its object, which creates confusion or ambiguity. The verb “hit upon” means to find or to encounter something, and it needs an object to complete its meaning.
C is wrong because it uses the wrong word order and punctuation for the sentence. The word order is verb-subject-object, which is not a standard word order in English. The comma before “should” is also wrong because it separates the subject from its verb, which creates confusion or ambiguity. The subject “I” needs to be placed before the verb “should” to show who is performing the action.
D is wrong because it uses the wrong word order and punctuation for the sentence. The word order is subject-verb-object-object, which is not a standard word order in English. The comma before “I” is also wrong because it creates a run-on sentence, which is a punctuation error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined without a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon. The clause “I should hit which call for secrecy upon the dream thoughts” does not make logical sense as an independent clause, and it needs to be connected to the previous clause with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun.
31. A. NO CHANGE
B. since
C. if
D. because
C is the right answer because it uses the word “if” to introduce a conditional clause that expresses a possible or hypothetical situation. The word “if” shows that the writer is imagining what would happen if he continued the analysis for himself, without regard to those others. The word “if” also indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses, where the first clause is the cause and the second clause is the effect.
A is wrong because it uses the word “while” to introduce a contrastive clause that expresses a difference or an opposition between two situations. The word “while” shows that the writer is comparing or contrasting what happens when he continues the analysis for himself, with what happens when he does not. The word “while” does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between the two clauses, but rather a simultaneous or alternative relationship.
B is wrong because it uses the word “since” to introduce a causal clause that expresses a reason or an explanation for something. The word “since” shows that the writer is providing a justification or a rationale for why he continues the analysis for himself, without regard to those others. The word “since” does not indicate a possible or hypothetical situation, but rather a factual or logical one.
D is wrong because it uses the word “because” to introduce a causal clause that expresses a reason or an explanation for something. The word “because” shows that the writer is providing a justification or a rationale for why he continues the analysis for himself, without regard to those others. The word “because” does not indicate a possible or hypothetical situation, but rather a factual or logical one.
32. The writer wants to emphasize two main points using italics. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
A. NO CHANGE
B. which not only appear foreign to me, but which are unpleasant,
C. which not only appear foreign to me, but which are unpleasant,
D. which not only appear foreign to me, but which are unpleasant,
C is the right answer because it uses italics to emphasize the words “foreign” and “unpleasant”. These words are the main points that the writer wants to highlight, as they describe how he feels about the ideas that he discovers in his analysis. Italics are a type of formatting that can be used to show emphasis or importance of a word or a phrase in a sentence. Italics can also be used to show contrast or difference between two words or phrases.
A is wrong because it does not use any italics to emphasize any words. This makes the sentence less clear or impactful, as the reader might not notice or understand the main points that the writer wants to convey.
B is wrong because it uses italics to emphasize the words “not only” and “but”. These words are not the main points that the writer wants to highlight, but rather the connectors that show the relationship between the two main points. Emphasizing these words makes the sentence less clear or impactful, as the reader might focus on the wrong words or phrases.
D is wrong because it uses italics to emphasize the whole phrase “which not only appear foreign to me, but which are unpleasant”. This makes the sentence too broad or vague, as the reader might not notice or understand the specific words that describe how the writer feels about the ideas. Emphasizing the whole phrase also makes the sentence less clear or impactful, as it does not show any contrast or difference between the two main points.
33. Which choice best fits the writer’s main idea stated in the previous sentence?
A. NO CHANGE
B. revealing
C. observing
D. submitting
A is the right answer because it uses the word “admitting” to fit the writer’s main idea stated in the previous sentence. The word “admitting” means to accept or to acknowledge something as true or valid. The writer’s main idea is that he is surprised by the ideas that he discovers in his analysis, and that he does not like them or agree with them. The word “admitting” shows that the writer is reluctantly or reluctantly accepting that these ideas are part of his psychical life, even though they are foreign and unpleasant to him.
B is wrong because it uses the word “revealing” to fit the writer’s main idea stated in the previous sentence. The word “revealing” means to make known or to disclose something that was hidden or secret. The writer’s main idea is not about revealing something to others, but about accepting something for himself. The word “revealing” does not show the writer’s surprise or dislike of the ideas, but rather his willingness or intention to share them.
C is wrong because it uses the word “observing” to fit the writer’s main idea stated in the previous sentence. The word “observing” means to watch or to notice something carefully or attentively. The writer’s main idea is not about observing something objectively, but about acknowledging something subjectively. The word “observing” does not show the writer’s surprise or dislike of the ideas, but rather his detachment or neutrality towards them.
D is wrong because it uses the word “submitting” to fit the writer’s main idea stated in the previous sentence. The word “submitting” means to yield or to agree to something that is imposed or demanded by someone else. The writer’s main idea is not about submitting to something externally, but about admitting something internally. The word “submitting” does not show the writer’s surprise or dislike of the ideas, but rather his compliance or resignation to them.
June 2022 Resources:
Writing, Literacy I:
Take the Full Mock Test for June 2022 + Report HERE
Passage 1 Explanation HERE
Passage 2 Explanation HERE
Passage 3 Explanation HERE
Passage 4 Explanation HERE
Reading, Literacy II:
Passage 1 Explanation HERE
Passage 2 Explanation HERE
Passage 3 Explanation HERE
Passage 4 Explanation HERE
Passage 5 Explanation HERE
More Resources to Boost your Skills:
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- Practice Real EST Reading Passages with Explanations HERE
- Improve your EST Reading Skills with Passages from Level 1