Practice Test 1

Passage 1:

A history of European Royalty by George Marcopoulos is a book that should be in everyone’s collection if they have the slightest interest in royalty and royal families. Professor Marcopoulos, who teaches at a local university, has produced a concise yet erudite book that details some of the most interesting and intimate details of Europe’s royal families. Focusing primarily on the royals of Western Europe, that is, England, France, and Spain, Marcopoulos regales his readers with a number of fascinating stories about some of the more eccentric individuals who have the reigns of many kings of England, especially with regard to England’s King George III. Fortunately, this book is not written in the hard-to-understand language that many historians love to engage in; rather, a History of European Royalty covers events in prose that is clear and easy to understand. The book checks in at 320 pages and has a large number of color photographs. Pick up the latest book by George Marcopoulos. You won’t be disappointed.
 

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Passage 2:

To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Re: your latest book
Date: August 3

Dear Professor Marcopoulos:

Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Michael Taylor, and I am a graduate student at a local university studying history. I am focusing primarily on European history and royal families in particular. In recently read a book review of A History of European Royalty, and I was very interested in checking out your book. I have already gone through the book twice, and I must say that it is a fascinating read.

If you have the time, I would love to get together with you to discuss various matters concerning European royals. I am particularly interested in the French and Spanish nobility of the sixteenth century. Both of our schools are in the same city, so, if it wouldn’t be a burden to you, would you mind if I came by your office sometime for a chat? I’m sure that you’re a busy man, but I would truly appreciate it if you could spare an hour or so of your time. I am working on my master’s thesis now, and I have some question that you might be able to clear up or at least lead me in the right direction.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please let me know if you are amenable to meeting. I can visit whenever it is convenient for you.

Sincerely,
Michael Taylor