44. What textual evidence hints at the author’s viewpoint regarding the initiation ritual?
(A) The passage portrays the initiation ritual as arduous and distressing.
(B) The passage suggests that the initiation ritual is unnecessary and cruel.
(C) The passage does not provide any evidence of the author’s viewpoint.
(D) The passage portrays the initiation ritual in a positive and celebratory light.

40. (A) Curiously, something inside me was intrigued by the idea of traveling and exploring—it might be exciting too. (B) I closed the door behind me, my mind buzzing with doubts and confusion. (C) I often ask myself what might have happened had I declined that invitation. (D) Every path has both advantages and limitations.

41. Which phrase from the passage best illustrates the author’s use of imagery to describe the bullet ant stings? (A) “paralysis and terrible pain” (B) “a grueling initiation” (C) “the moan of the horns” (D) “swollen, simmering, paralyzed stumps”

42. How does the author build credibility in this passage? (A) The author cites historical documents and artifacts related to the Satere-Mawe tribe. (B) The author includes vivid scientific descriptions of bullet ants to build trust. (C) The author uses personal anecdotes and experiences to make him credible. (D) The author relies mainly on his own opinions and beliefs to make his argument.

43. Which detail from the passage holds the LEAST significance in the unfolding of the main theme? (A) The role of the medicine man in leading the initiates in a dance during the ritual. (B) The description of the bullet ants as giant tropical carnivores with a painful sting. (C) The mention of Ted’s promise to wear the gloves 19 more times. (D) The fact that the initiation ritual takes place in the remote Amazonian village of Inhube.

45. How does the author’s intent influence the way facts or opinions are framed in the passage? (A) The author presents facts objectively without any influence from their intent. (B) The author includes a variety of opinions to present a balanced view of the initiation ritual. (C) The author selectively presents facts to support their intended message about the initiation ritual. (D) The author’s intent has little impact on the framing of facts or opinions in the passage.

46. In what ways does the author leverage data to fortify their stance on introversion in the passage? (A) By using anecdotal evidence instead of providing statistical data. (B) By providing specific numbers and percentages to support their claims. (C) By dismissing statistical data and relying solely on personal observations. (D) By manipulating statistical data to fit their argument.

47. According to the interview, what is suggested about the leadership qualities of introverts? (A) Introverts are hardly considered for leadership positions due to their anti-social personalities. (B) Introverts make better leaders than extroverts in circumstances where there are fewer stimulations. (C) Introverts tend to be more dominant and assertive as leaders, according to recent studies. (D) Introverts may be better leaders when dealing with enthusiastic and diligent employees.

48. How does the connotation of the word “introvert” influence its meaning within the context of the passage? (A) The connotation of “introvert” is negative, suggesting that introverts tend to be anti-social. (B) The connotation of “introvert” is positive, highlighting the unique qualities of introverted individuals. (C) The connotation of “introvert” is neutral, mainly describing a preference for quiet environments. (D) The connotation of “introvert” is contradictory, making it difficult to determine its meaning.

49. What underlying assumption is made in the passage, and how does it influence the overall argument? (A) The assumption that introverts are inherently better than extroverts and deserve attention. (B) The assumption that introverts should change their behavior to fit societal expectations. (C) The assumption that bias against introverts may lead to a waste of talent and happiness. (D) The assumption that extroverts are more dominant and assertive as leaders than introverts.

50. How is credibility established within the argument presented in the passage? (A) Through dismissing opposing viewpoints on introverts as invalid and irrelevant. (B) Through using a parellel to gender and citing study findings about introvert people. (C) Through emphasizing the negative consequences of bias against introverted individuals. (D) Through suggesting that extroverts are sociable but not capable of being good leaders.