One reason why mathematics enjoys special esteem, above all
other sciences, is that its laws are absolutely certain and
indisputable, while those of all other sciences are to some
extent debatable and in constant danger of being overthrown
by newly discovered facts. In spite of this, the investigator
in another department of science would not need to envy the
mathematician if the laws of mathematics referred to objects
of our mere imagination, and not to objects of reality. For
it cannot occasion surprise that different persons should arrive
at the same logical conclusions when they have already agreed
upon the fundamental laws (axioms), as well as the methods by
which other laws are to be deduced therefrom. But there is another
reason for the high repute of mathematics, in that it is mathematics
which affords the exact natural sciences a certain measure of
security, to which without mathematics they could not attain.
1) The main idea of the passage is that the author
(A) learned that the natural sciences are more reputable than
mathematics
(B) believes mathematics is based on theory just as most branches
of science are based on theory
(C) argues mathematics is constantly changing and thus
causes constant change in the natural sciences (D) believes mathematics provides an incontestable foundation
lends supports all of natural science (E) values mathematics even though there is no scientific
basis for doing so
2) The author's overall purpose is this passage is to
(A) refute a specfic theory
(B) acknowledge the importance of a field of study
(C) give examples to support a theory (D) confirm a mistaken understanding about a field of
study (E) dismiss a field of study as trivial
3) The author of the passage uses the phrase "apostle
of a clique" primarily to emphasize that prior to 1830
Wordsworth was
(A) unknown because he had not published his writing
(B) not taken seriously because he was a priest
(C) too conventional a writer to capture the attention of critics
(D) too friendly with the wrong people (E) exalted but only among a small group
Reading Answers :
1)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The author states that mathematics is based on indisputable laws (sentence 1), and also states the “security” mathematics provides the other natural sciences (last sentence).
2)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
3)
Correct Answer: E
Explanation: An apostle is a “leader or a pioneer of a movement.” A clique is “a small, exclusive group of friends or followers.” Wordsworth is thus depicted as an esteemed leader of a specific group of admirers.
