Question

9.4.3 test (cst): wrap-up: the influence of science and technology
was way above normal, had a little mental handicap radio
in his ear. he was required by law to wear it at all times. it
was tuned to a government transmitter. every twenty
seconds or so, the transmitter would send out some sharp
noise to keep people like george from taking unfair
advantage of their brains.
which two ideas does the passage most clearly develop?
a. the appreciation of freedom after it is taken away; understanding
the challenged by walking in their shoes
b. the inability to concentrate on difficult things; the governments
insistence that no one has an advantage over another
c. the intrusion of government in peoples lives; the differing
opinions of what makes everyone equal
d. the benefits of an authoritarian government; the idea that being
\average\ is unacceptable

Explanation:

The passage describes a government-mandated radio that emits sharp noises every twenty seconds to prevent people like George from using their above-normal brains unfairly. This directly shows the inability to concentrate (due to the frequent noise) and the government's goal of eliminating advantages to enforce equality. Other options lack direct support: Option A’s "appreciation of freedom" and "walking in their shoes" are not mentioned; Option C’s "differing opinions" are absent; Option D’s "benefits of authoritarianism" and "average is unacceptable" contradict the text (the radio enforces average, not rejects it). Thus, B is correct.

Answer:

B. The inability to concentrate on difficult things; the government's insistence that no one has an advantage over another