Reading Passage Question
In 1879, inventor Thomas A. Edison came up with a practical electric light bulb. Over the next 20 years, America began to wire up. At first, direct current (DC) was used, but DC didn’t work over distances of more than a few miles. Then a man named George Westinghouse began using alternating current (AC), which allowed high voltage to be sent long distances through transformers and then reduced to safer levels as it entered buildings. Switching from steam engines to electricity made factories safer and more efficient, too.

Solution and Explanation

1. Which of the following statements would most likely conclude the passage as presented?

(A) Thomas A. Edison went on to invent many other important things.
(B) Innovations in electrical safety continue to be developed by Americans.
(C) America is known for innovations in other fields as well.
(D) The rock band AC/DC took its name from the differing types of electricity.
(E) In conclusion, that is how Thomas A. Edison invented electricity.

2. According to the passage, what does the term DC stand for in electrical wiring?

(A) Direct Charge
(B) District of Columbia
(C) Distinct Current
(D) Distinct Charge
(E) Direct Current

3. Which of the following, if fully written, would present a logical structure similar to the passage?

(A) A paragraph that begins with the innovation of an Egyptian inventor and goes on to explain how she develops her ideas.
(B) A biographical sketch of an important Iranian architect.
(C) A passage exploring the history of containing nuclear power, beginning with a brief look at the first time it was safely processed.
(D) An editorial about the dangers of allowing children to play near live electrical wires.
(E) A review of notable achievements by American inventors in all fields

4. What can safely be inferred about steam engines from the passage?

(A) Steam engines were responsible for a significant portion of factory accidents before electrical engines were put into use.
(B) Steam engines were cheaper to produce than electrical engines, but less safe.
(C) Steam engines and electrical engines were developed simultaneously.
(D) Steam engines are more difficult to operate than electrical engines.
(E) It’s impossible to predict whether a steam engine will run safely or not.

5. Which of the following would be the best substitute for the word practical as used in the first sentence?

(A) Sensible
(B) Legal
(C) Reversible
(D) Unusual
(E) Serviceable

6. What is the connection between the two bolded sentences?

(A) The first puts forth an argument; the second refutes it.
(B) The first makes a general statement about events; the second offers evidence that proves that statement.
(C) The first is a metaphor for historical events; the second is the extension of that metaphor.
(D) The first is an ideological statement; the second is proof of that statement.
(E) The first is the evidence that an argument is needed; the second is the argument restated.

“In 1879, inventor Thomas A. Edison came up with a practical electric”- is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 6 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

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