The best answer is C. All four answer choices are mentioned directly or indirectly throughout the passage. However, you must decide between which answer choices are supporting details and which answer choice is the main idea of the passage. Answer choice C best encompasses the whole of the passage by including both past myths and present times, both of which are discussed throughout the passage. Answer choices A, B, and D are all true, but are not the main focus of the passage.

The best answer is F. Following this statement, the passage reads “This is simplified to such a great degree by following the Gregorian calendar.” Therefore, the phrase mentioning ease of finding out the date is referring to the Gregorian calendar. The passage goes on to state that “This has not always been the case, however,” referring to the ancient Chinese Zodiac calendar. These facts best support answer choice F.

The best answer is D. “Vanity” is an “extreme interest in one’s own appearance and achievements.” Thus, the dog was more interested in how he looked than in his performance in the race, causing him to stop and bathe in the river. Answer choice D best summarizes this, in saying that the dog prioritized his selfish whims over his wish to reach the Emperor’s Palace in time. Although answer choice B may appear to be correct, vanity refers to self-interest, not the interests of others. Therefore, the dog was taking a bath for his own benefit and not that of the Emperor.

The best answer is F. Both the rat and the snake are described as “cunning” when participating in the race. Both animals used their cleverness and creativity to make it to the finish line before other animals; the rat climbed atop the ox to cross the river and jumped ahead of him to reach the finish line and the snake coiled itself around the horses leg and jumped ahead at the last moment to beat the horse. This best suggests that “cunning” refers to the “ingenuity,” or the “cleverness and creativity,” of the rat and the snake – answer choice F. These animals were certainly not “dependable,” in reference to the cat and rat incidence. They also did not appear to be “apprehensive” or “nervous and worried” about making it to the finish line on time. Likewise, it does not make sense within the context of the passage that the rat and the snake were “tolerant” or “understanding and patient.”

The best answer is D. As stated in the passage, “Even numbered years are considered Yang, and odd numbered years are considered Yin.” The only answer choice that does not correctly pair even numbered year with Yang and odd numbered year with Yin is answer choice D, stating that 3030 would be a year of Yin.

The best answer is G. The passage states that the cat “was a victim of the rat’s cunning.” This once again implies the craftiness of the rat in assuring himself and himself alone a place among those animals that received the Emperor’s great distinction. This best corresponds with answer choice G. The passage does not indicate what or how many other animals in all strove to earn the Emperor’s great distinction; therefore, answer choice F is incorrect. Answer choice H is incorrect because although the cat slept through the race, there is no evidence that he was “indolent,” or lazy. Answer choice J is beyond the scope of the passage; no reference is made to which animal’s companionship the ox preferred.

The best answer is C. The dragon was delayed in crossing the finish line because he needed to make rain for the people and “His kindness earned him the fifth place in the cycle.” The sheep, monkey, and rooster all worked together to cross the river and “For this show of teamwork they were rewarded in the order that they stepped off the raft.” These are the only animals who are described as being “rewarded” with a place in the cycle, thus it can be concluded that the emperor most values “generosity,” or “kindness,” and “unanimity,” or “unity and teamwork.” Answer choice B may appear to be correct because “goodwill” is a synonym for “kindness”; however, “narcissism” is a symbol for vanity; the vain dog was not rewarded with his place among the 12 animals but merely earned it by reaching the finish line in time.

The best answer is H. As stated in the passage, “Suddenly, hidden coiled around the leg of the horse, appeared the snake.” The snake was coiled around the leg or the horse, not the leg of the dragon. Therefore, answer choice H is correct. All of the other answer choices can be found within the passage.

The best answer is D. The passage states that the “origin of the 12 animals is mythological, with the story being passed down from generation to generation.” The story of the 12 animals is clearly not based on actual fact, so answer choices A and B can immediately be eliminated. “Legitimate” and “bona fide” are both synonyms for “genuine” and “true.” Answer choice C is incorrect because the word has “ludicrous” has negative connotations, meaning “ridiculously absurd.” Answer choice D, “legendary,” makes the most sense within the context of the passage. If something is “legendary,” such as the tale of the 12 animals, it is “an ancient or traditional story lacking actual historical basis.”

The best answer is G. The last sentence of the paragraph is referring to the second-to-last sentence of the paragraph, which states “Primary among the great astrological purposes to the Zodiac is the common belief that the animal that governs the time of a person’s birth will influence that person’s personality for life.” The author is indecisive as to whether this statement is true or not, leading the reader to believe that the author has not taken a side in the debate over the accuracy of the Chinese Zodiac and its influence on personality. This best corresponds with answer choice G. Answer choice J may appear to be correct; however, the last sentence is referring to the Zodiac’s influence over people’s personalities, not the calendar year.