Module II: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 3

Vladimir Lenin, the architect of the Bolshevik Revolution, remains a ________ figure in modern history. His leadership, marked by radical ideas and unwavering persistence, led to the overthrow of the Russian Provisional Government in 1917, establishing a socialist state. Under his rule, Lenin redefined the economic and political landscape of Russia, implementing radical reforms and policies aimed at societal transformation. His influence extended beyond his country, inspiring revolutionary movements around the world. Despite the myriad controversies surrounding his leadership, Lenin's legacy continues to shape contemporary political discourse.

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

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Mark for Review

  passive

  prosaic

  pivotal

  fleeting

Researchers and nutritionists emphasize that nutrient deficiencies due to poor dietary habits are ______. For example, individuals can make simple changes such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their meals to ensure a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

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

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  reversible

  widespread

  complex

  inevitable

It is by no means ______ to observe the influence of classic science fiction on modern space exploration technology; indeed, many contemporary space engineers cite works like Arthur C. Clarke's novels as inspirational. However, some experts argue that practical scientific advancements, rather than science fiction, have played a more crucial role in shaping current space technologies.

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

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Mark for Review

  interesting

  irrelevant

  uncommon

  surprising

The following text is adapted from Ernest Hemingway's 1929 novel 'A Farewell to Arms.' The protagonist, Lieutenant Frederic Henry, is an American serving as an ambulance driver on the Italian front during World War I. I was always embarrassed by the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice and the expression in vain. We had heard them, sometimes standing in the rain almost out of earshot, so that only the shouted words came through, and had read them, on proclamations that were slapped up by billposters over other proclamations, only to be hated by the soldiers.

Which choice best states the main purpose of this passage?

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Mark for Review

  The protagonist expresses his discomfort with terms like sacred, glorious, and sacrifice, as well as the phrase in vain, as they were often used in the context of the war, both in shouted speeches and on overlapping proclamations.

  Lieutenant Frederic Henry fondly recalls the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice, and the expression in vain, as they brought a sense of pride and patriotism to the soldiers during the war.

  The protagonist, while serving on the Italian front, often used words like sacred, glorious, and sacrifice in his conversations with fellow soldiers to boost their morale.

  The passage depicts the protagonist’s admiration for the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice, and the phrase in vain, as they reminded him of the noble cause of the war.

The following text is adapted from Tennessee Williams's 1947 play 'A Streetcar Named Desire.' Blanche DuBois, a Southern belle with a tragic past, has come to New Orleans to live with her sister, Stella, and her husband, Stanley Kowalski. 

Blanche: I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action. I tell you, I'm very adaptable. I can be just what you want me to be. 

Stanley: You've got this all mapped out, haven't you? But you're not going to make a monkey out of me.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

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Mark for Review

  To underscore the conflict between Blanche's desire for refinement and Stanley's blunt pragmatism.

  To highlight Blanche's manipulative nature and her ability to adapt to different situations.

  To depict Stanley's frustration and his inability to understand Blanche's sophisticated demeanor.

  To show the deep-rooted friendship that exists between Blanche and Stanley despite their differences.

The following text is adapted from Murasaki Shikibu's 'The Tale of Genji.' Genji, the protagonist, is questioning his life choices. He was at a stage in life when he could not ignore the passing of time. The world was a dreary place, and he was beginning to see through its veneer. His many romantic endeavors, once so enchanting, now felt hollow. He found himself thinking of the Buddha's teachings, and of the impermanence of all things. 'What is the point of all these fleeting pleasures?' he wondered.

Which choice best captures the primary purpose of this passage from 'The Tale of Genji'?

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  To convey Genji's growing disillusionment with his worldly lifestyle and his increasing inclination towards spiritual contemplation.

  To illustrate Genji's dissatisfaction with his romantic relationships and his decision to sever all ties with his lovers.

  To depict Genji's regret over not having dedicated his life to religious pursuits earlier, and his anger towards his past indulgences.

  To showcase Genji's desire to renounce all worldly pleasures immediately and to become a Buddhist monk.

Text 1

Researcher Jordan Ellis conducted a study on the impact of urban green spaces on local temperature regulation. In his analysis of a mid-sized city, Ellis found that increasing the number of parks and green areas led to a modest decrease in average temperatures during summer months.

Text 2

Environmental scientists Lara Kim and Miguel Santos have emphasized that studies on urban green spaces often overlook long-term climate patterns. In their research on large metropolitan areas, they demonstrate that over several decades, urban green spaces significantly contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect, leading to more substantial temperature reductions.

Based on the texts, how would Kim and Santos (Text 2) most likely respond to Ellis’s findings (Text 1)?

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Mark for Review

  They would argue that Ellis’s study underestimates the eventual increase in temperature due to global warming despite urban green spaces.

  They would recommend that Ellis extend his study to include larger metropolitan areas to better understand the impact of green spaces.

  They would encourage Ellis to consider the long-term effects of urban green spaces on temperature regulation over several decades.

  They would claim that the impact of urban green spaces on temperature is more pronounced in mid-sized cities than in large metropolitan areas.

In Hermann Hesse's 'The Glass Bead Game', the protagonist, Joseph Knecht, dedicates himself to an intellectual game that synthesizes all fields of human knowledge. The game, played by elite scholars in the province of Castalia, is a symbol of the pursuit of intellectual enlightenment. Knecht's journey towards mastering the game, and his subsequent questioning of its ultimate value, forms the crux of the novel.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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Mark for Review

  To underscore the importance of games in facilitating a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines

  To highlight Knecht's intellectual journey and his introspective evaluation of the worthiness of the Glass Bead Game

  To emphasize the significance of the province of Castalia as an intellectual hub for elite scholars

  To critique the educational system and its focus on intellectual pursuits at the expense of practical knowledge

Jorge Luis Borges, a prominent Argentine author, is often recognized for his labyrinthine narratives and intricate storytelling. His works, such as 'The Library of Babel' and 'Ficciones', are characterized by their philosophical themes and the use of complex narrative structures. Borges' writing often explores abstract concepts and creates intricate puzzles for his readers to piece together. His unique approach to storytelling has significantly influenced magical realism, a genre he helped to define.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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Mark for Review

  To highlight the significant contributions of Jorge Luis Borges to literature, especially his influence on the genre of magical realism through his complex and philosophical narratives

  To present a detailed biography of Jorge Luis Borges, focusing on his personal life and the influences that shaped his literary style

  To analyze the common themes and narrative techniques in Borges' works, such as 'The Library of Babel' and 'Ficciones', and their impact on contemporary literature

  To argue that Jorge Luis Borges' works, including 'The Library of Babel' and 'Ficciones', are considered the epitome of the genre of magical realism

In Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, Santiago, a young shepherd, dreams of a treasure buried at the Pyramids of Egypt. He meets an old king who tells him about Personal Legend, one's destiny in life, and encourages Santiago to follow his dream. Santiago embarks on a journey across continents, during which he learns from an alchemist that the true treasure is not physical wealth, but self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. By the end of his journey, Santiago finds the treasure within himself, symbolizing that the journey is more important than the destination.

Which of the following, if true, would most strongly support the idea that Santiago's journey is more about self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment than about obtaining physical wealth?

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Mark for Review

  Santiago, despite reaching the Pyramids, does not find any physical treasure but instead realizes that his experiences and personal growth are his true treasures.

  Santiago, on his journey, encounters various difficulties and obstacles that hinder his progress towards the Pyramids, but gains greater wealth and enlightenment..

  Santiago, while in the desert, meets other travelers who are also in search of their own Personal Legends and gains great enlightenment.

  Santiago, before leaving his homeland, sells all his sheep to embark on his journey to the Pyramids and gains great physical wealth.

Edward Albee, a renowned American playwright, is best known for his play 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' This play, characterized by its raw emotional intensity and psychological realism, was a defining piece of the 20th-century American drama. Although Albee's work is often interpreted as a critique of the American Dream, some critics argue that his true intention was to highlight the inherent human struggle for connection and understanding. To support this, they point to the play's central conflict – the bitter, yet poignant, interactions between the couple, George and Martha, and their desperate attempts to connect with each other.

Which of the following, if true, would most effectively challenge the critics' interpretation of Albee's intention behind 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'

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Mark for Review

  Albee's other plays also feature characters who grapple with intense emotional conflicts and complex relationships.

  In a series of interviews, Albee explicitly stated that his primary intention was to critique the American Dream, and the interpersonal conflicts were secondary.

  Many of Albee's contemporaries in the American theatre scene also focused on the theme of human connection in their plays.

  George and Martha's relationship is often cited as a representation of the dysfunctional relationships in modern society.

 

Book Title

Year

Genre

Average Reader Rating

The Handmaid's Tale1985Dystopian4.2
Surfacing1972Literary Fiction3.6
Alias Grace1996Historical Fiction4.1
The Year of the Flood2009Science Fiction3.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret Atwood, the renowned author, has penned numerous works across various genres. Literary scholars, Angela Carter and Sandra Gilbert, suggest that the reception of Atwood's work is significantly influenced by the genre in which she is writing. They argue that different genres elicit different audience reactions.

Which choice best describes data from the table that support Carter and Gilbert’s suggestion?

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Mark for Review

  The dystopian novel 'The Handmaid's Tale' and the historical fiction 'Alias Grace' received high reader ratings, while the literary fiction 'Surfacing' and the science fiction 'The Year of the Flood' received lower ratings.

  The dystopian novel 'The Handmaid's Tale' received the highest average reader rating, while the literary fiction 'Surfacing' received the lowest average reader rating.

  The books 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'Alias Grace' received similar reader ratings, while 'Surfacing' received a substantially lower rating.

  The book 'The Year of the Flood' received a higher reader rating than 'Surfacing', even though both books belong to different genres.

Noam Chomsky is renowned for his contributions to linguistics and political philosophy. His theory of generative grammar asserts that language is a structured set of symbolic representations within the human mind, making it an inherent faculty of humans. Chomsky's political philosophy is rooted in anarchism and libertarian socialism, emphasizing the importance of individual liberty and social cooperation. He criticizes capitalist systems, arguing they perpetuate inequality and undermine democracy. However, critics of Chomsky argue that his linguistic theories lack empirical support and his political philosophy overlooks the practical challenges of implementing such systems. Despite this criticism, Chomsky's ideas have significantly influenced academic discourse and political thought. His work continues to spark debates, demonstrating the enduring impact of _______.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  his unique perspectives on language and politics.

  his controversial stance on capitalism and democracy.

  his theoretical approach to the study of human language.

  his criticism of existing political and economic structures.

Zadie Smith, a renowned British author admired for her unique literary style, has produced a number of critically acclaimed novels. Her works are celebrated for their insightful depiction of multiculturalism, identity, and the vibrant city life of London. Smith's ability to blend humor, pathos, and wit has established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. One notable aspect of her writing is the use of colloquial language and dialects, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of her characters. However, some critics argue that her use of vernacular can be a double-edged sword. While it contributes to the authenticity of her characters, it can also lead to _______.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  a potential barrier for readers unfamiliar with the specific dialects used, thus limiting the accessibility of her works.

  a decline in the literary quality of her works, as colloquial language is often seen as less sophisticated.

  an overemphasis on the cultural backgrounds of her characters, overshadowing other aspects of their characterization.

  the portrayal of her characters as caricatures, thereby diluting the depth and complexity of her narratives.

Mining engineering is a branch of engineering that involves the practice, theory, technology, and science of extracting and processing minerals from a naturally occurring environment. Mining engineering is associated with many other disciplines, such as geology, mineral processing and metallurgy, geotechnical engineering and surveying. A mining engineer may manage any phase of mining operations, from exploration and discovery of the mineral resource, through feasibility _____ design, development of plans, production and operations to mine closure.

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

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Mark for Review

  study; mine

  study: mine

  study, mine

  study. mine

The Treaty of Tilsit, signed in 1807, had a significant impact on Asia. This treaty, between Napoleon's France and Alexander's Russia, led to a shift in power dynamics. Specifically, it indirectly influenced the British East India Company's control over India. The treaty's terms, including Russia's withdrawal from the region, allowed Britain to consolidate its _____ this led to the British Raj, a period of British rule in India, which lasted until 1947.

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

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Mark for Review

  power, Consequently

  power; Consequently

  power: Consequently

  power. Consequently

Roman literature had a profound influence on medieval works. The Romans' sophisticated use of language, narrative structure, and themes were often emulated by medieval authors. For instance, Virgil's Aeneid, a Roman epic, was a significant source of inspiration for Dante's Divine _____ influence of Roman literature is evident in the complex characters, intricate plots, and moral dilemmas presented in medieval literature.

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

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Mark for Review

  Comedy; The

  Comedy: The

  Comedy, the

  Comedy. The

The Old Man and the Sea is a short novel written by Ernest Hemingway. Published in 1952, it tells the story of Santiago, an old Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. _____ the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for this work, which he said was his best. The novel is a testament to the human spirit and the unrelenting struggle against the odds.

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

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Mark for Review

  Hemingway being awarded

  Hemingway was awarded

  Hemingway awarded

  Hemingway awards

Thomas Eakins, a prominent 19th-century American painter, had a profound impact on American Realism. His meticulous attention to detail and insistence on capturing life as it is, not as it should be, set a new standard for realism. _____ everyday people in ordinary settings, challenged the idealized images often portrayed in art of the time. His influence continues to be felt in the art world today.

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

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Mark for Review

  Eakins' works, often featuring

  Eakins' works, often features

  Eakins' works, often feature

  Eakins' works, often featured

The Fall of the Soviet Union was a significant event in world history. In 1991, the Soviet Union, once a global superpower, was dissolved. The dissolution was not sudden, but rather a result of various factors. The economy was struggling, and the people were dissatisfied. _____ to reform the system, but instead they accelerated its downfall.

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

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Mark for Review

  Mikhail Gorbachev's policies is intended

  Mikhail Gorbachev's policies were intend

  Mikhail Gorbachev's policies were intended

  Mikhail Gorbachev's policies was intended

Many believe that Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope, but historical evidence suggests this is a myth. ________ actual draft was likely composed well in advance of the famous speech.

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

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Mark for Review

  They’re

  It's

  Their

  Its

Overfishing is a significant threat to the balance of marine ecosystems. When fish populations are depleted due to high fishing rates, the abundance of their predators and prey can fluctuate dramatically. _______ various marine species rely on these fish for food, and their survival can be threatened when food sources become scarce.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  In contrast,

  For example,

  In addition,

  However,

Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher, has had an immense influence on modern philosophical thought. His method of questioning, known as Socratic questioning, is still used today as a way of uncovering assumptions and challenging accepted beliefs. _________ Socrates' beliefs about ethics and morality have also had a significant impact on the development of moral philosophy.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Furthermore,

  However,

  On the other hand,

  Alternatively,

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel following Charlie, an introverted high school freshman. Charlie experiences sadness and anxiety, which are attributed to repressed memories of his aunt's death. ________ the novel also explores the themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Alternatively,

  In contrast,

  However,

  Moreover,

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: • Seahorses are peculiar creatures that inhabit the world's tropical and temperate coastal waters. • They play a significant role in maintaining the health of seagrass and coral reef ecosystems. • Seahorses feed on small crustaceans and plankton, controlling their population. • They are a source of food for larger marine animals, thus maintaining a balance in the food chain. • Seahorses provide habitat for small marine organisms by attracting them to the seagrass beds where they live. • Their disappearance could therefore have disastrous consequences for these ecosystems.

The student wants to emphasize the importance of seahorses in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Seahorses maintain marine ecosystem health by feeding on small crustaceans and plankton, serving as food for larger animals, and providing habitats in seagrass beds, crucial for coral reefs.

  Seahorses inhabit tropical and temperate waters, fascinating many with their unique appearance and highlighting marine conservation issues through their popularity in underwater photography.

  While feeding on plankton and crustaceans, seahorses are notable for unique mating rituals and male pregnancy, intriguing many and drawing significant attention to various marine life aspects.

  Adapting in color and size to their environments, seahorses camouflage to evade predators, an ability that contributes significantly to their survival and prevalence in marine ecosystems.

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

• Scientists have recently discovered a new exoplanet, named Kepler-442b.

• Kepler-442b is located about 1,206 light-years away from Earth.

• It is in the habitable zone of its star, meaning it could potentially support life.

• The planet is 2.34 times Earth's size and is likely to be rocky.

• Its orbit around its star is 112.3 Earth days.

The student wants to present the discovery of Kepler-442b and its characteristics. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

26
Mark for Review

   Scientists discovered Kepler-442b, a new exoplanet 1,206 light-years away, potentially supporting life in its star’s habitable zone.

  Kepler-442b, 2.34 times the size of Earth and likely rocky, orbits its star every 112.3 days and is in the habitable zone.

  The new exoplanet Kepler-442b, found in the habitable zone, takes 112.3 days to orbit its star and could support life.

   Located 1,206 light-years from Earth, Kepler-442b is a newly discovered exoplanet in the habitable zone and is larger than Earth.

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

• The Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799 by French soldiers.

• It was found in a small village in the Delta region of Egypt called Rosetta.

• The stone is inscribed with a decree in three scripts: Greek, Demotic, and Egyptian hieroglyphs.

• The decree is dated to 196 BC.

• The Rosetta Stone was key in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.

The student wants to present the historical significance of the Rosetta Stone. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Discovered in 1799 in Rosetta, Egypt, the Rosetta Stone features a decree in three scripts and was crucial in deciphering hieroglyphs.

  The Rosetta Stone, found by French soldiers and dating back to 196 BC, helped historians understand Greek and Demotic scripts.

  In Egypt, the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1799, inscribed with a decree from 196 BC in Egyptian hieroglyphs.

  The Rosetta Stone, discovered in Rosetta in 1799, has a decree in three scripts and dates back to 196 BC, aiding in historical research.