AP English Language Practice Set 5

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

In sentence 8 (reproduced below), the writer is considering deleting the underlined text.

“The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies.“

Should the writer keep or delete the underlined text?

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

In sentence 16 (reproduced below), which version of the underlined text best emphasizes the geographical disparity in social mobility in the United States?

“While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth.”

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

In sentence 13 (reproduced below), the writer wants to revise the underlined text to more effectively emphasize the positive aspects of entrepreneurship.

“They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals.”

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

The writer aims to integrate the following statement into the discussion of income and wealth inequality to reinforce the main argument:

“Because income is a significant, well-documented determinant of health, the effects of low income and income inequality are reflected in population health.” (Income and Income Inequality Are a Matter of Life and Death. What Can Policymakers Do About It?, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8489635/)

Where would this statement be most effective?

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

The writer wants to add a word or phrase at the beginning of sentence 17 (reproduced below), adjusting the punctuation as needed, to more effectively connect the ideas in sentence 17 to the preceding sentences.

“Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.”

Which of the following words or phrases best accomplishes this goal?

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

The writer wants to make a comparison in the fifth paragraph (sentences 15–17) to strengthen the reader’s understanding of the main argument. Which comparison would most effectively achieve this goal?

Questions 39–45 refer to the passage below.

The passage below is a draft.

(1) Income and wealth inequality in the United States surpasses that of nearly all other developed nations and is experiencing a notable upward trajectory, leading to a heightened national discourse. (2) The 2008 global financial crisis, the sluggish and uneven recovery, and the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded these trends, presenting a formidable challenge for policymakers.

(3) Economists posit that the roots of deepening inequality are intricate, encompassing failures to adapt to globalization and technological shifts, shifts in tax policies, diminished bargaining power for workers, and longstanding discrimination based on race and gender. (4) The repercussions of this inequality are diverse, exacerbating crises like the pandemic and intensifying societal divisions. (5) Furthermore, inequality can undermine democracy and give rise to authoritarian movements. (6) President Joe Biden has committed to reducing economic inequality through increased social spending funded by higher taxes on the affluent and corporations, but faces opposition from those who believe his plans go too far.

(7) Experts contend that inequality acts as a drag on economic growth and contributes to political dysfunction. (8) The concentration of income and wealth diminishes demand in the economy, as affluent households tend to spend less than their less affluent counterparts, a phenomenon observed in various economic studies. (9) Limited opportunities for low-income households can also impede economic prosperity. (10) Economist Joseph Stiglitz notes, “When those at the bottom of the income distribution are at great risk of not living up to their potential, the economy pays a price not only with weaker demand today but also with lower growth in the future.”

(11) Nevertheless, some experts argue that the negative impacts of inequality are overstated. (12) Analysts at the libertarian Cato Institute assert that focusing on poverty makes more sense, as inequality is inconsequential as long as everyone is improving. (13) They also contend that entrepreneurship indeed benefits society overall, even if it results in wealth accumulation for some individuals. (14) While the overall poverty rate in the United States fell significantly between 1959 and 1969, it has since fluctuated around 12.5 percent.

(15) Harvard University economist Raj Chetty’s extensive research on social mobility reveals significant variations across the United States. (16) While some affluent cities exhibit high mobility comparable to countries like Denmark and Canada, children in certain lower-income areas have less than a 5 percent chance of reaching the top fifth of the income distribution when starting from the bottom fifth. (17) Economic mobility in the United States lags behind that of many other developed countries, which some experts argue hampers U.S. economic growth, as highlighted in a 2016 Stanford University study.

In the second paragraph (sentences 3–4), the writer aims to emphasize the complex roots of deepening inequality. Which of the following pieces of evidence would best achieve this goal?