Part 3
Therefore (8), the ding of the microwave announcing (9) the end of the first part of the ritual and the beginning of the next. I pull out the teabag, wring out the last few drops, toss it into the wastebasket with a wet thwop, spoon in the sugar, stir in the milk, in the rehearsed motions of a familiar choreography. Finally, satisfied (10) with the bright orange-brown color that the well-made cup of tea must have, I took (11) the mug to my couch and set it down on a marble coaster.
Now I am ready for the third and best part (12)of my ritual: sipping the tea while I reflect (13) on whatever takes my fancy. It is the best and most perfect (14) way to end my day.
8.
F. NO CHANGE
G. However,
H. Then,
J. Nevertheless,
9.
A. NO CHANGE
B. was announced
C. announces
D. is announced
10.
F. NO CHANGE
G. Finally satisfied;
H. Finally satisfied,
J. Finally, satisfied,
11.
A. NO CHANGE
B. had taken
C. am taking
D. take
12.
F. NO CHANGE
G. third, and best part
H. third, and, best part
J. third, and best part,
13.
Which of the following alternatives to the underlined
portion would NOT be acceptable?
A. while reflecting
B. while I’m reflecting
C. as I reflect
D. as one reflects
14.
F. NO CHANGE
G. perfectly best
H. best and perfect
J. perfect
15.
Question 15 asks about the preceding passage as a whole.
The writer is considering inserting the following sentence at the beginning of Paragraph 3:
The first part of my ritual includes several steps.
The writer should add this sentence because it will:
A. provide an effective transition and serve to distin- guish one part of the ritual from the others.
B. reinforce the idea that the writer’s solitary microwave tea is a special ritual.
C. introduce the idea that there is more than one part to the ritual.
D. further support the idea of the writer’s taking pleasure in the familiar, mentioned in Paragraph 2.