1.      (B)     

To answer this word-in-context question, you should first go back to the specified line and read the sentence in which the word is contained and the surrounding sentences. In this case, the sentence refers to “cultural ferment and religious divisions,” and the following sentences go on to describe a Europe in the midst of religious and political strife. The word “ferment,” therefore, must describe this division and strife. Turmoil is the only word to come close to filling this need. Try substituting the answer choices into the passage if you are unsure.

2.      (C)     

This specific information question is a little tricky, since it asks you which of the answer choices did not cause Martin Luther’s attack. If you missed that not, then you very well might have looked at the first answer choice, seen that it caused Martin Luther’s attack on the Catholic Church, and chosen that as the correct answer. So be careful when reading the question.

To answer this question correctly, you must simply go back to the indicated area and read. Since this is a not question, all of the wrong answers must be stated as reasons for Martin Luther’s hatred of the church in the text. So the best way to go about answering this question is to eliminate answers until you’re left with one. The indicated lines clearly state that Luther hated what he saw as the church’s worldliness and corruption. That throws out answer choice (D). It also throws out answer choices (B) and (E), since those are both aspects of the Church’s corruption and worldliness. The text also clearly states that Luther felt the Church was incorporating pagan instruments, so you can throw out answer (B). That leaves you with (C), the right answer.

3.      (E)     

This question tests whether you can follow the flow of argument within the text. More specifically, it tests your ability to differentiate between the causes and effects of the Counter-Reformation. Answers (A), (B), and (C) refer to effects of the Counter-Reformation. Answer (D) has absolutely no basis in the text. Only answer choice (E) refers to the cause of the Counter-Reformation as defined by the passage.

4.      (E)     

Most of the answers to this words in context question can be eliminated by carefully rereading the section of the passage that contains the word “conservative.” This section explains that “conservative” astronomers were technologically limited (they worked without telescopes), relied on ancient authorities, and did not challenge common beliefs—this lets us eliminate answers (A), (B), (C), and (D). The passage does not, however, suggest that these individuals were of limited intelligence, so (E) is the best answer to this question.

5.      (A)     

This question tests your general understanding of the passage. You shouldn’t have to go back to the passage to answer the question. This question gives you a good gauge of whether you understood enough during your read-through. This question also teaches an important lesson. The right answer on reading comprehension questions will almost never be absolute or all-encompassing answers such as “Science can only be proven mathematically.” If you see an answer choice that includes the words always, only, never, or any other word that implies a definitive statement lasting through all eternity, beware. For this question, you can throw out all the absolute answers: (B), (D), and (E). Answer (C) is not mentioned anywhere in the text, so (A) is the right answer.

6.      (B)     

This question also tests your general understanding of the passage. Once again, you’ll see some absolute statements within the answer choices (“science always conflicts with religion”) that should immediately make you suspicious. With some thought you should be able to eliminate answers (A) and (E). Also, nowhere does the passage espouse the idea that science should only reinforce religion, so you can knock out (C). Answer (D) is proven wrong by the example of Galileo, so you can throw that out also, leaving you with the right answer, (B).