SAT Reading Question (501 Critical Reading Questions)

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1

<p>Here is the passage:</p>

<p>Although it is called Central Park, New York City’s great green space has no "center"—no formal walkway down the middle of the park, no central monument or body of water, no single orienting feature. The paths wind, the landscape constantly shifts and changes, the sections spill into one another in a seemingly random manner. But this “decentering” was precisely the intent of the park’s innovative design. Made to look as natural as possible, Frederick Law Olmsted’s 1858 plan for Central Park had as its main goal the creation of a democratic playground—a place with many centers to reflect the multiplicity of its uses and users. Olmsted designed the park to allow interaction among the various members of society, without giving preference to one group or class. Thus, Olmsted’s ideal of a “commonplace civilization” could be realized.</p>

<p>Question:</p>

<p>The word “commonplace” as used in line 12 most nearly means:</p>

<p>(a) inclusive
(b) ordinary
(c) mediocre
(d) normal
(e) trite</p>

<p>And the answer is (a) inclusive with an explanation: </p>

<p>Olmsted’s goal of creating a democratic park with many centers that would allow interaction among everyone “without giving preference to one group or class” shows his philosophy of “inclusion”</p>

<p>I don’t understand why they choose (a), even with their explanation. Can anybody explain why? I think “commonplace” means “mediocre” or “trite”.</p>

2

<p>You can eliminate (B) and (D) because they mean nearly the same thing. Choice (C) is wrong because the author does not find the park mediocre. It’s pretty clear he is writing with a respectful tone, and the architect of the park was not out to design a mediocre park. Choice (E) is similar, since ‘trite’ means ‘lacking originality.’ The park is original.</p>

<p>The key to the answer is is “Olmstead designed the park to allow interaction among the various members of society, without giving preference to one group or class.” In other words, it was designed for everyone, not excluding anyone. It was INCLUSIVE of all types and groups of people.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much!</p>