Module I: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 2

In examining the impact of The Treaty of Tientsin on Chinese foreign relations, Sullivan and his team observed that the treaty, while easing some tensions, also imposed conditions that were _______ for China. These conditions included the opening of additional ports for trade and the legalization of the opium trade, which had long-term negative implications for China's sovereignty and economic stability.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

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Mark for Review

  advantageous

  onerous

  transformative

  negligible

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, ended the Spanish-American War and marked a turning point in global dynamics. This crucial agreement not only handed over Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines to the United States, but also significantly altered the political landscape of Asia. The shift in control of these territories fostered a new era of American imperialism, which inadvertently led to a substantial increase in Asia's geopolitical ________. The ripple effects of this treaty were far-reaching, instigating a series of political and social transformations and conflicts in the region that would ultimately shape the course of history.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

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Mark for Review

  harmony

  turmoil

  stability

  disparity

In analyzing the writing style of Jack Kerouac in his novel 'On the Road', Thompson and associates noted that Kerouac's approach was marked by _______ use of spontaneous prose. This method, reflecting a complex stream of consciousness and a disregard for traditional narrative structure, significantly influenced the Beat Generation and later literary movements.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

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Mark for Review

  methodical

  orthodox

  unorthodox

  simplistic

In Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights, a fleeting glance exchanged between Catherine Earnshaw and Edgar Linton sparks an undercurrent of tension. This subtle interaction not only reveals Edgar's hidden feelings of jealousy but also suggests that Catherine is aware of Edgar's emotional state and is perhaps manipulating it. This moment—reflecting what literary scholars often term "subtextual communication"—highlights a technique Brontë uses to explore the complex interpersonal dynamics that drive much of the novel's dramatic tension.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

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Mark for Review

  It provides a brief summary of the plot that is further detailed in the novel.

  It illustrates a theme of manipulation and emotional complexity that Brontë explores throughout the novel.

  It introduces a comparison between characters that is further analyzed in the subsequent sentences.

  It offers an example of a literary technique that underscores the novel’s psychological depth, as discussed in the following sentence.

The following text is adapted from Charles Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol.' Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Present. "Spirit," said Scrooge submissively, "conduct me where you will. I went forth last night on compulsion and I learnt a lesson which is working now. Tonight, if you have anything to teach me, let me profit by it." The Ghost then smiled and, with a wave of his great hand, all the hideous and appalling things had vanished. As Scrooge looked around, he found himself in a bustling and joyous Christmas market.

Which choice best states the main purpose of this passage from 'A Christmas Carol'?

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Mark for Review

  To portray Scrooge's fear and hesitation in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Present

  To illustrate Scrooge's change in mindset, accepting the lessons the spirits are teaching and his willingness to change

  To depict the Ghost of Christmas Present's power to control and manipulate Scrooge's surroundings

  To emphasize the stark contrast between Scrooge's solitary existence and the cheerful Christmas market scene

The following text is adapted from Murasaki Shikibu's 11th century novel The Tale of Genji. A courtier named Genji is reflecting on his romantic relationships. Genji, the Shining Prince, was not a man to find satisfaction in the love of just one woman. His heart was always on the move, seeking out new experiences and emotions. It was this passionate curiosity that had led him to such a wide range of women, from high-ranking court ladies to humble village maidens. His love was like a river, flowing freely, sometimes calm, and at other times, wild and turbulent.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

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Mark for Review

  The text aims to highlight Genji's dissatisfaction with his romantic relationships.

  The text describes Genji's relentless pursuit of love and his attraction to a variety of women.

  The text portrays Genji's regret over his romantic involvements with women of different social statuses.

  The passage focuses on the negative consequences of Genji's infidelities and his inconsistent behavior.

The following text is adapted from Truman Capote's 1958 novella 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Holly Golightly, a young woman in New York, is speaking with the narrator about her life and dreams.

“I’ve got the most terrifying news. I’m going to be absolutely broke for the next month. It’s really put me in a terrible spot. I don’t know what on earth I’m going to do,” she fretted. “I don’t suppose you’d know anyone who’d like to buy a slightly used mink coat?”

Which choice best articulates the central idea of this passage?

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Mark for Review

  To depict Holly Golightly's immediate financial distress and her frantic search for solutions.

  To demonstrate the lavish lifestyle that Holly Golightly leads, evidenced by her ownership of a mink coat.

  To show Holly Golightly's tendency to exaggerate her problems, as seen in her reaction to being broke and selling her mink coat.

  To emphasize the narrator's role as a confidant to Holly Golightly, as she shares her financial worries with him.

Text 1

The Treaty of Sistova, signed in 1791, ended the Ottoman-Habsburg wars and marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Asia. The treaty led to the Habsburg Empire gaining significant territories in the Balkans, while the Ottoman Empire lost significant ground. This redistribution of power had far-reaching implications on the political landscape of Asia, leading to a period of Habsburg dominance in the region.

Text 2

Historian John K. Smith argues that the Treaty of Sistova caused more than just a territorial shift. He suggests that the treaty significantly changed the socio-political dynamics of Asia. According to Smith, the Habsburg dominance led to cultural and political shifts in the region, with the influence of Western ideologies becoming more prominent. The impact of the treaty, Smith argues, extends beyond mere geographical boundaries.

Based on the texts, how would John K. Smith (Text 2) most likely respond to the perspective on the “impact of the Treaty of Sistova” discussed in Text 1?

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Mark for Review

  By stating that it overemphasizes the significance of territorial gains and losses in determining the impact of historical events

  By suggesting that it doesn’t fully capture the socio-political changes brought about in Asia as a result of the Treaty of Sistova

  By arguing that it downplays the role of the Ottoman Empire in shaping the political landscape of Asia post-treaty

  By affirming its view but adding that the Treaty also led to significant economic changes in the region

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection. With an eye for detail, he had a knack for connecting technology with aesthetics. His approach was often unconventional, rejecting market research in favor of his own intuition. He believed that customers don't know what they want until you show it to them. This belief led him to create products that transformed entire industries, from music and movies to smartphones and tablet computing.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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Mark for Review

  To illustrate how Steve Jobs' perfectionism often led to conflicts with his co-workers

  To argue that unconventional methods in business, like rejecting market research, are the key to success

  To portray Steve Jobs' unique approach to product development, marked by intuition and a drive for perfection

  To demonstrate that Steve Jobs' success was primarily due to his ability to predict future trends though the transformation of industries

Estate tax, often criticized as a “death tax,” is imposed on the transfer of the estate of a deceased person. Critics argue that it discourages savings and investment, while proponents assert that it prevents the concentration of wealth. An economic study by Prof. Elaine Maag suggests a different perspective. She found that in countries with high estate taxes, there is a higher level of wealth dispersion, contrary to the critics’ claim. Maag attributes this to the fact that high estate taxes encourage charitable donations and lifetime gifts, which distribute wealth more broadly.

In light of Prof. Elaine Maag’s study on estate taxes—which indicates that high estate taxes foster wealth dispersion through increased charitable donations and lifetime gifts—which of the following scenarios would most strongly support her theory?

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Mark for Review

  A country with high estate taxes reports a significant increase in wealth concentration among the top 1% of its population over the past decade.

  A country with high estate taxes shows a notable increase in charitable donations and lifetime gifts, but wealth concentration remains unchanged.

  A country with high estate taxes experiences a steady growth in investment and savings, with no significant change in wealth distribution.

  A country with high estate taxes shows a notable increase in charitable donations and lifetime gifts, along with a decrease in wealth concentration.

In Toni Morrison's 'Beloved', Sethe's house at 124 Bluestone Road is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. The hauntings are disruptive, causing emotional distress to the inhabitants. However, when Paul D arrives and forces the spirit out, the house becomes quiet. Critics argue that the quieting of the house symbolizes Sethe's suppression of her traumatic past. Yet, when Beloved appears, the house becomes chaotic again. Some scholars suggest this indicates that confronting one's past, however painful, is necessary for healing.

Which of the following, if true, would most directly challenge the scholars' interpretation?

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Mark for Review

  Many readers interpret the character Beloved as a symbol of Sethe's guilt and remorse, not a representation of her past.

  In other instances in the novel, characters confront their pasts without experiencing the same level of chaos as in 124 Bluestone Road.

  The house at 124 Bluestone Road was built on an ancient burial ground, which could explain the supernatural phenomena.

  Paul D's arrival at 124 Bluestone Road coincides with a decrease in supernatural events in the surrounding neighborhood.

Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes experience and evidence. However, the method of collecting and interpreting this empirical data can significantly impact the resulting conclusions.

Which choice best describes data from the table that support the concept of empiricism being dependent on the method of data collection and interpretation?

Philosopher

Year

Method of Empirical Data Collection

Key Conclusion

John Locke1690Sensory perceptionTabula Rasa - humans are born without innate ideas
George Berkeley1710ImmaterialismObjects only exist as a perception of the mind
David Hume1739SkepticismKnowledge is ultimately based on causality
Immanuel Kant1781Transcendental idealismKnowledge begins with experiences but not all knowledge arises from experience

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark for Review

  John Locke and George Berkeley both used different methods of empirical data collection, yet they arrived at remarkably similar conclusions.

  David Hume's method of skepticism led him to the conclusion that knowledge is ultimately based on causality.

  The conclusions of Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant, all vary significantly, although they all collected empirical data, indicating that the method of data interpretation can shape the conclusion.

  Immanuel Kant's method of transcendental idealism led him to the conclusion that not all knowledge arises from experience, contradicting the fundamental principle of empiricism.

The Elizabethan era, spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth I from 1558 to 1603, is celebrated as a golden age of English history, particularly renowned for its monumental contributions to literature. This period marked an extensive flourishing of the arts, with English exploration and colonization also seeing notable advancements. The era's literary landscape was profoundly shaped by the emergence of iconic playwrights like William Shakespeare, whose works left an indelible mark on both English literature and the global stage. A less-discussed aspect of this era is the rise of ____.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  a new form of government that sought to redistribute wealth and power more equitably among the populace.

  a scientific revolution that led to the discovery of new laws of physics, chemistry, and biology.

  English prose literature, with authors such as Thomas Nashe and John Lyly enriching the literary scene with their innovative styles and themes.

  a movement that sought to abolish the monarchy and establish a democratic form of government.

Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing mission, was launched from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida via the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) developed Saturn V launch vehicle on July 16, 1969, and safely returned to Earth on July 24, 1969. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the MSFC by a large team at NASA. Neil Armstrong, commander, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) 'Eagle' to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, while Michael Collins, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) 'Columbia' in lunar orbit. Upon their return, the astronauts were hailed as heroes; however, it is worth noting that _______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  the Apollo 11 mission was primarily seen as a triumph of human ingenuity and a symbol of international peace.

  the success of the Apollo 11 mission was also due to the hard work of thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians behind the scenes.

  the Apollo 11 mission was criticized for its enormous cost and was seen as an unnecessary expenditure by some.

  the Apollo 11 mission marked the beginning of an era of commercial space exploration and tourism.

For years, Albert Einstein's contributions to science have been celebrated worldwide. When it comes to his theories, Einstein is remarkably _______ his theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time, making him one of the most influential physicists in history.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  innovative and

  innovative,

  innovative:

  innovative

Porpoises play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They are predators, feeding on fish and squid. This helps to maintain the balance of species in the ocean. _____ are also prey for larger marine animals, such as sharks and killer whales. This predator-prey relationship is vital for the health of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, porpoises are known to help in nutrient cycling, as they excrete waste that provides nutrients for plankton and other marine life.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  However; they

  However, they

  However: they

  However - they

A research paper published by Harvard University biologist Jane Smith in 2020 provides a new theory for the evolution of bird _____ features called crests, prominent structures that develop when certain genes are activated during the bird's growth, leading to the formation of unique feathers on the bird's head. These crests are often used in mating displays and can vary greatly in size and shape between different species. The study suggests that the development of crests may be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This new theory could help scientists better understand the complex processes involved in bird evolution.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  species' distinctive

  species: distinctive

  species; distinctive

  species. Distinctive

In today's interconnected world, where the boundaries between virtual and physical realities are increasingly blurred, personal and professional activities heavily depend on digital platforms. From online shopping and social networking to remote work and virtual meetings, the scope of our digital footprints is expanding, leaving vast amounts of sensitive data exposed. As such, in the digital age, online security measures are vital for protecting personal information. For internet users, _____

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  these measures provide essential safeguards, often preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

  this measure provides essential safeguards, often preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

  these measures provides essentials safeguards, often preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

  these measures provide essential safeguard, often preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Chrysippus, a Greek philosopher, significantly influenced modern thought. His philosophy, Stoicism, emphasized the importance of virtue and ethics. He believed that everything happens for a reason and that we should accept life's challenges with equanimity. This philosophy _____ by many modern thinkers and has shaped our understanding of resilience and acceptance. Chrysippus' teachings continue to inspire and guide us in our daily lives.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  has been adopted

  is being adopted

  had been adopted

  will have been adopted

Celebrated painter Claude Monet's impressionist works have had a lasting impact on the art world. However, many of the ______ of French landscapes were originally created as studies; Monet often painted the same scene multiple times to observe changes in light.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  painters early painting’s

  painter’s early paintings

  painters’ early paintings

  painter’s early painting’s

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, a unique species of tree frog exhibits a fascinating behavior: during the rainy season, the frogs' vibrant colors become even more pronounced, helping them to stand out amidst the _______ foliage.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Mark for Review

  rainforests’ dense and lush

  rainforests dense and lush

  rainforest’s dense and lush

  rainforest dense and lush

John Singer Sargent, an American artist, was renowned for his significant contributions to the realm of portraiture. His portraits were praised not just for their realistic depiction of the subjects, but also for the way they captured the character and personality of each individual. ________ Sargent also brought a personal touch to his work, adding details and elements that were unique to each person he painted.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Moreover,

  Nonetheless,

  On the other hand,

  Instead,

Advancements in technology have revolutionized communication methods. With the invention of smartphones, people can now easily stay connected with each other no matter the distance. ______ long-distance communication has become more convenient and efficient than ever before.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Similarly,

  For instance,

  Nevertheless,

  As a result,

The internal combustion engine revolutionized transportation in the late 19th century, enabling the mass production of automobiles. This technology harnesses the explosive energy created by igniting a mixture of fuel and air to create movement. _______ the process converts chemical energy into mechanical energy, powering the vehicle forward.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Regardless,

  Admittedly,

  In other words,

  Meanwhile,

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

 • Metaphors were prevalent in Ancient Greek literature, used to add depth and understanding to their works.

• Homer, the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, used metaphors extensively for vivid descriptions.

• Aristotle, in his work 'Poetics', explicitly discussed the use of metaphors and their artistic importance. • Metaphors were used to convey abstract ideas and emotions, bridging the gap between the physical and the abstract.

• The Greek tragedy 'Oedipus Rex' employed metaphors to portray the tragic fall of the protagonist.

The student wants to illustrate the importance of metaphors in Ancient Greek literature. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Aristotle discussed the artistic importance of metaphors in his work 'Poetics', but it was Homer who used them extensively in his works.

  In 'Oedipus Rex', metaphors were used to depict the tragic downfall of the main character, a common technique in Greek tragedies.

  Metaphors in Ancient Greek literature, as discussed by Aristotle and demonstrated by Homer and in 'Oedipus Rex', were used to convey abstract ideas and emotions, bridging the gap between the physical and the abstract.

  The extensive use of metaphors in the works of Homer and in 'Oedipus Rex' added depth and understanding to Ancient Greek literature.

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

• Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to increase fuel efficiency.

• Electric vehicles run purely on electricity and produce zero tailpipe emissions.

• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not require oil changes and have fewer moving parts, leading to potentially less maintenance.

• However, electric vehicles require high-capacity battery packs that can be expensive to replace.

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer a compromise between hybrid and electric vehicles, allowing for electric-only operation for short trips and gasoline operation for longer trips.

The student wants to explain the advantages of Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Electric vehicles, including PHEVs, produce zero tailpipe emissions and require potentially less maintenance due to fewer moving parts.

  Hybrid vehicles, which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, are noted for their increased fuel efficiency.

  Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while requiring high-capacity battery packs, avoid the need for oil changes and have fewer moving parts.

  PHEVs offer a balance, allowing for electric operation for short trips and gas for long trips, reducing overall maintenance.

While researching a topic for a history project, a student has taken the following detailed notes about Leonardo da Vinci:

• Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance period.

• He is renowned for his contributions to art, science, and engineering.

• Among his famous works are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

• Da Vinci's notebooks reveal extensive studies in anatomy, optics, and hydraulics.

• His conceptual designs included a precursor to the modern helicopter and a tank.

• Despite many unfinished projects, da Vinci's influence on various fields remains profound.

The student's project aims to illustrate how Leonardo da Vinci exemplified the spirit of the Renaissance

through his diverse achievements. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Leonardo da Vinci, famous for the Mona Lisa, also made contributions to science with his studies in anatomy and optics.

  Da Vinci, an Italian polymath, not only painted renowned artworks but also explored advanced concepts in engineering and science.

  Renowned primarily for his artwork like The Last Supper, da Vinci's influence in engineering and science was comparatively limited.

  While Leonardo da Vinci's artistic achievements, such as the Mona Lisa, are well-known, his unfinished projects in science detracted from his overall legacy.