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The author uses several examples to illustrate the idea that many people who are considered “successful” are not actually fulfilled. One such example is the story of a man who won a large amount of money in the lottery, but who ended up feeling more isolated and unhappy than he did before. The author’s use of examples, along with the overall tone of the passage, suggests what about the author’s opinion of "success"?

SAT · English · previous-year question

  1. A.success can be achieved only with a great deal of effort and sacrifice.
  2. B.the pursuit of material wealth can lead to unhappiness and isolation.correct
  3. C.true success is measured by the amount of money that a person has.
  4. D.most people who are considered “successful” are actually quite happy and content.

Answer

B. the pursuit of material wealth can lead to unhappiness and isolation.

Explanation

The author uses the example of the lottery winner to suggest that success is not always as fulfilling as people believe. It is clear that the author does not believe that material wealth is the key to happiness and fulfillment. The author likely believes that the pursuit of wealth often leads to isolation and unhappiness, which can be interpreted from the examples given in the passage.

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