As of the late 1980’s. neither theorists nor large-
scale computer climate models could accurately predict
whether cloud systems would help or hurt a warming
globe. Some studies suggested that a four percent
(5)increase in stratocumulus clouds over the ocean could
compensate for a doubling in atmospheric carbon diox-
ide, preventing a potentially disastrous planetwide temp-
erature increase. On the other hand, an increase in cirrus
clouds could increase global warming.
(10) That clouds represented the weakest element in cli-
mate models was illustrated by a study of fourteen such
models. Comparing climate forecasts for a world with
double the current amount of carbon dioxide, researchers
found that the models agreed quite well if clouds were
(15)not included. But when clouds were incorporated, a wide
range of forecasts was produced. With such discrepancies
plaguing the models, scientists could not easily predict
how quickly the world’s climate would change, nor could
they tell which regions would face dustier droughts or
deadlier monsoons.
24.The author of the passage is primarily concerned
with
(A) confirming a theory
(B) supporting a statement
(C) presenting new information
(D) predicting future discoveries
(E) reconciling discrepant findings
25. It can be inferred that one reason the fourteen models
described in the passage failed to agree was that
(A) they failed to incorporate the most up-to-date
information about the effect of clouds on
climate
(B) they were based on faulty information about
factors other than clouds that affect climate.
(C) they were based on different assumptions about
the overall effects of clouds on climate
(D) their originators disagreed about the kinds of
forecasts the models should provide
(E) their originators disagreed about the factors
other than clouds that should be included in
the models
26. It can be inferred that the primary purpose of the
models included in the study discussed in the second
paragraph of the passage was to
(A) predict future changes in the world’s climate
(B) predict the effects of cloud systems on the
world’s climate
(C) find a way to prevent a disastrous planetwide
temperature increase
(D) assess the percentage of the Earth’s surface
covered by cloud systems
(E) estimate by how much the amount of carbon
dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere will
increase
27. The information in the passage suggests that sci-
entists would have to answer which of the following
questions in order to predict the effect of clouds on
the warming of the globe?
(A) What kinds of cloud systems will form over the
Earth?
(B) How can cloud systems be encouraged to form
over the ocean?
(C) What are the causes of the projected planetwide
temperature increase?
(D) What proportion of cloud systems are currently
composed of cirrus of clouds?
(E) What proportion of the clouds in the atmosphere
form over land masses?
28. SUSPEND:
(A) force
(B) split
(C) tilt
(D) slide down
(E) let fall
29. CREDULITY:
(A) originality
(B) skepticism
(C) diligence
(D) animation
(E) stoicism
30. MILD:
(A) toxic
(B) uniform
(C) maximal
(D) asymptomatic
(E) acute
31. IMPLEMENT:
(A) distort
(B) foil
(C) overlook
(D) aggravate
(E) misinterpret
32. DIFFIDENCE::
(A) trustworthiness
(B) assertiveness
(C) lack of preparation
(D) resistance to change
(E) willingness to blame
33. BYZANTINE:
(A) symmetrical
(B) variegated
(C) discordant
(D) straightforward
(E) unblemished
34. PROCLIVITY:
(A) confusion
(B) deprivation
(C) obstruction
(D) aversion
(E) hardship
35. PROTRACT:
(A) treat fairly
(B) request hesitantly
(C) take back
(D) cut short
(E) make accurate
36. VAUNTING:
(A) plucky
(B) meek
(C) chaste
(D) cowardly
(E) ardent
37. HALE:
(A) unenthusiastic
(B) staid
(C) odious
(D) infirm
(E) uncharacteristic
38. SEMINAL:
(A) derivative
(B) substantiated
(C) reductive
(D) ambiguous
(E) extremist
