Module I: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 6

Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, undoubtedly made a substantial impact on science, but his fame in popular culture is perhaps more _______ than that of Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, accomplishments for which he will long be celebrated.

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

1
Mark for Review

  obscure

  justified

  fleeting

  widespread

Biologist Dr. Elena M. Rodriguez conducted a 2021 study on wild chimpanzees that used sticks to extract termites from mounds. Skeptical colleagues initially suggested to Dr. Rodriguez that the chimpanzees' interactions with the sticks might simply be __________, but Dr. Rodriguez and her team showed that the chimpanzees were using the sticks strategically.

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

2
Mark for Review

  fascinating

  evident

  accidental

  noticeable

In the American college experience as depicted in literature, students often find themselves in a(n) _______ maze of opportunities: academic pursuits open doors to new knowledge; extracurricular activities foster personal growth and leadership skills; and social interactions shape their understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.

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

3
Mark for Review

  unfathomable

  monotonous

  intricate

  superficial

Scholarly accounts of the Civil Rights Movement—a movement that advocated for the rights and equality of African Americans and reached its height in the 1950s and 1960s—tend to focus on the most charismatic, vocal leaders in the movement, making it seem uniformly heroic. Historian Lisa Thompson has shown, however, that if we shift our focus toward the way the movement manifested in comparatively low-profile community efforts and projects, we see participants espousing an array of political orientations and approaches to civil rights activism.

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

4
Mark for Review

  It presents a trend in scholarship on the Civil Rights Movement that the text claims has been reevaluated by researchers in light of Thompson's work on the movement’s participants.

  It identifies an aspect of the Civil Rights Movement that the text implies was overemphasized by scholars due to their own societal biases.

  It describes a common approach to studying the Civil Rights Movement that, according to the text, obscures the ideological diversity of the movement’s participants.

  It summarizes the conventional method for analyzing the Civil Rights Movement, which the text suggests creates a misleading impression of the effectiveness of community efforts and projects.

In a study conducted by Dr. Jane Smith on cellular signaling pathways, researchers explored the role of the protein kinase Akt in regulating cell growth and survival. Akt, also known as Protein Kinase B, is activated through a series of phosphorylation events triggered by various growth factors and hormones. Once activated, Akt can phosphorylate a variety of downstream targets, leading to increased protein synthesis, inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death), and promotion of cell proliferation. Dr. Smith's research revealed that Akt is a critical mediator of these processes, integrating signals from the cell's environment to maintain cellular homeostasis.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

5
Mark for Review

  To describe a groundbreaking discovery that changed the understanding of how protein kinases function in cell signaling pathways

  To discuss research that investigated the ways in which Akt phosphorylation can lead to cell apoptosis

  To summarize the findings of a study that explored the role of Akt in regulating cell growth and survival through phosphorylation events

   To evaluate a scholarly work that offers explanations for the impact of growth factors on the inhibition of cell growth through Akt signaling

The following text is from Gary Snyder's poem 'Riprap'.

Lay down these words 

Before your mind like rocks. 

placed solid, by hands 

In choice of place, set 

Before the body of the mind

 in space and time: 

Solidity of bark, leaf, or wall

riprap of things:

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

6
Mark for Review

  To illustrate the importance of physical labor in the creation of poetry

  To argue that nature is a superior source of inspiration than human-made objects

  To suggest that the process of writing poetry is similar to building a wall

  To convey the idea that words, like rocks, can be placed to create a structure in the mind

Text 1

Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century philosopher and theologian, is known for his works that attempted to reconcile the teachings of the Church with the philosophy of Aristotle. His most famous work, Summa Theologica, is considered a cornerstone of Christian theology and Western philosophy.

Text 2

In a recent publication, scholars John Doe and Jane Doe argue that Aquinas' works were not just a reconciliation of Church teachings and Aristotelian philosophy. They suggest that Aquinas was also influenced by other philosophical traditions of his time, and his works reflect a synthesis of various philosophical ideas, not just those of Aristotle.

Based on the texts, how would John Doe and Jane Doe (Text 2) most likely respond to the traditional understanding of Aquinas' works presented in Text 1?

7
Mark for Review

  By acknowledging the influence of Aristotle but asserting the greater significance of other philosophical traditions

  By agreeing with the idea that Aquinas' works were solely a reconciliation of Church teachings and Aristotelian philosophy

  By conceding that Aquinas' works were primarily influenced by the teachings of the Church

  By challenging the assumption that Aquinas' works were only influenced by the philosophy of Aristotle

The following text is from Émile Zola’s 1885 novel Germinal. Etienne Lantier, a young worker, has just arrived at a coal mining village in northern France.

"Etienne walked through the village, observing the blackened houses and the weary faces of the miners. He could feel the weight of the coal dust in the air, settling on his skin like a second layer. The village was a stark contrast to the vibrant city he had left behind. Despite the grim surroundings, there was a sense of camaraderie among the miners that Etienne found inspiring. He watched them as they trudged home after a long day’s work, their bodies bent but not broken. There was a resilience in their eyes, a determination to survive despite the oppressive conditions. Etienne felt a stirring of hope within him; he too would become part of this community and fight alongside these men for a better life."

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

8
Mark for Review

  To illustrate the oppressive working conditions and struggles in the mining village

  To explain why Etienne decided to leave the city and move to the village

  To portray Etienne's admiration for the miners and his hope to join their struggle

  To describe the physical toll and effects that mining takes on the workers

In 2024, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is scheduled to observe the atmospheres of several exoplanets. Because these planets orbit stars of various types, the atmospheres may differ based on their star's characteristics. The JWST will measure how these stars' radiation affects the planets' atmospheres. For several years, scientists have studied different star systems to predict these effects.

According to the text, why might the spectral characteristics of an exoplanet's atmosphere differ based on the star it orbits?

9
Mark for Review

  Because the atmospheres of exoplanets are primarily influenced by their star's gravity.

  Because different types of stars emit different spectra of light, affecting the atmospheric composition.

  Because the distance of exoplanets from their stars affects their atmospheres more than the star's type.

  Because all exoplanets have similar atmospheric characteristics regardless of their star's type.

River’s Light is a 1986 novel by L. Zhu. In the novel, Zhu’s portrayal of Mr. Song underscores the character’s conviction that his moral compass surpasses that of those around him: ____

Which quotation from River’s Light most effectively illustrates the claim?

10
Mark for Review

  “Mr. Song was content to fulfill his duties, seldom questioning whether he had done more than what was expected of him.”

  “[Mr. Song] believed, with unshakable confidence, that his guiding principles were purer than those held by his peers, a beacon of righteousness they could only hope to follow.”

   “Although Mr. Song had encountered various superiors, he rarely bothered to debate their judgments or instructions directly.”

  “He possessed a measured approach to daily challenges, typically resolving them with quiet efficiency rather than bold defiance.”

In Christina Rossetti's poem, the speaker reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The poem's melancholic tone is established through vivid imagery and contemplative diction, as the speaker considers the fleeting beauty of the world and the solemn promise of the afterlife. The speaker's introspection leads to a profound realization about the importance of spiritual preparedness and the futility of earthly attachments. The poem culminates in a final, poignant line that underscores the speaker's acceptance of mortality and the hope for transcendence beyond the physical realm. The speaker ultimately ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

11
Mark for Review

  laments the loss of youth and beauty, 'Like shadows in the water, like dreams at night.'

  rejoices in the splendor of creation, 'Each petal and leaf a testament to life's renewal.'

  embraces the inevitability of death, 'For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.'

  denies the finality of death, 'For in the dance of the zephyrs, the spirit knows no end.'

In a poignant moment from a poem by Sylvia Plath, the speaker grapples with the complexities of her identity. She declares, 'I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.' As she delves deeper into her reflection, she realizes that ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

12
Mark for Review

  the world around her is filled with vibrant colors that demand attention.

  what she sees in herself is a reflection of her own inner turmoil.

  her thoughts are as clear and pure as a mountain stream.

  the expectations of others have shaped her into who she is today.

Region

Year

Urbanization Rate

Asia

2023

40% Urbanization

Europe

2023

70% Urbanization

Africa

2023

35% Urbanization

North America

2023

80% Urbanization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urbanization rates vary widely across different regions of the world, influenced by factors such as economic development, population growth, and regional policies. These differences are crucial in understanding the dynamics of urbanization globally.

Which choice best uses the data from the table to support the claim that urbanization rates are influenced by regional factors?

13
Mark for Review

  Urbanization is a global trend with all regions showing a significant increase in urban areas.

  Europe leads in urbanization rates, demonstrating the region's advanced economic and infrastructural development.

  The varied urbanization rates, from 40% in Asia to 80% in North America, indicate the influence of regional factors on urban growth.

  A global decrease in urbanization rates is evident, reflecting changing demographic trends.

The proliferation of e-commerce has dramatically altered the retail landscape, with brick-and-mortar stores facing increasing competition from online retailers. This shift has led to a significant reduction in overhead costs for businesses that operate exclusively online, as they do not incur the same expenses as physical stores, such as rent and utilities. Additionally, the ability to analyze consumer data has allowed online retailers to tailor their marketing strategies more effectively. Despite these advantages, the tactile experience of shopping in-store cannot be replicated online. Consequently, ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

14
Mark for Review

  physical stores will inevitably become obsolete as e-commerce continues to grow.

  brick-and-mortar stores may still hold a competitive edge in providing a sensory shopping experience.

  online retailers will focus on virtual reality technologies to simulate in-store shopping.

  consumers are likely to spend more money when shopping in physical stores than online.

The advent of digital imaging and 3D printing technologies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries revolutionized the field of architectural model making. These technologies allowed for precise and rapid prototyping of complex structures, which previously would have required extensive manual labor and time. Consequently, architects were able to experiment with more intricate designs and iterate them quickly during the planning phase. These observations may suggest that ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

15
Mark for Review

  architects' fees for designing buildings have significantly decreased due to reduced labor.

  the use of traditional materials in construction has seen a decline as a result of digital modeling.

  the design phase of architectural projects became more exploratory and innovative with the use of these technologies.

  the overall time to complete a building project has been dramatically reduced.

The researchers concluded that the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, had developed advanced agricultural techniques by 3000 _____ in one of the most prosperous societies of its time.

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

16
Mark for Review

  BCE resulting

  BCE, resulting

  BCE. Resulting

  BCE; resulting

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface. When the Sun's energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. The addition of ______ to the atmosphere can increase the concentration of greenhouse gases and enhance the greenhouse effect.

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

17
Mark for Review

  industrial emissions, such as carbon dioxide

  industrial emissions such as carbon dioxide,

  industrial emissions, such as carbon dioxide,

  industrial emissions such as carbon dioxide

Using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI ________ such as contrast agents; and traditional diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, medical researchers aim to improve the accuracy of disease detection, which they hope can lead to better patient outcomes.

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

18
Mark for Review

  techniques, advanced diagnostic methods:

  techniques; advanced diagnostic methods,

  techniques, advanced diagnostic methods,

  techniques; advanced diagnostic methods;

The author's latest book has received critical acclaim for its intricate plot and well-developed characters. The story's depth is a result of the ______ meticulous research.

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

19
Mark for Review

  authors’

  author

  author’s

  authors

Research conducted by ecologists indicates that the growth rate of trees in a tropical rainforest—measured in centimeters per year—on an undisturbed plot of land located 2,000 kilometers from the nearest urban area _____ double the growth rate of trees on a plot of land only 200 kilometers from an urban area.

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

20
Mark for Review

  being

  to be

  to have been

  will be

In a critical analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby', the opulent parties at Gatsby's mansion are symbolic of the excesses of the Jazz Age, while the valley of ashes represents the moral and social decay hidden by the glitter of wealth. The paper posits that these two settings juxtapose the novel’s themes of illusion versus reality. In 2020, a collection of essays on this dichotomy _______ published in an academic journal, offering new insights into Fitzgerald's work

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

21
Mark for Review

  it was

  was

  they were

  these were

The teacher's instructions were clear: each student must submit their essay by the deadline to receive full credit for the assignment's ______.

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

22
Mark for Review

  criteria's

  criterias

  criterions

  criteria

Neoclassical architecture was inspired by the buildings of ancient Greece and Rome. Architects during this period emulated the symmetry, simplicity, and grandeur of these ancient structures. _____ the use of columns and domes became a hallmark of this architectural style.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

23
Mark for Review

  Therefore,

  Likewise,

  However,

  For instance,

When exploring the profound impacts of climate change on oceanic ecosystems, it becomes evident that rising sea temperatures have instigated a series of ecological responses. Notably, coral bleaching events have intensified, leading to the degradation of reef habitats. _____ this transition not only decimates the marine biodiversity but also undermines the livelihoods of communities reliant on these ecosystems for fishing and tourism

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

24
Mark for Review

  Specifically,

  Nevertheless,

  Regardless,

  Similarly,

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

• The Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in history with the introduction of new manufacturing processes.

• It began in the late 18th century and led to a shift from agrarian societies to industrialized urban centers.

• The revolution brought about significant technological advancements, such as the steam engine and mechanized textile production.

• While it increased production and economic growth, it also led to harsh working conditions and environmental degradation.

• The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on social structures, including the rise of the working class and changes in family dynamics.

The student wants to emphasize the duration and purpose of the Industrial Revolution. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

25
Mark for Review

  Beginning in the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was a period of transformation that introduced advanced manufacturing processes and reshaped societies.

  The steam engine and mechanized textile production are examples of the technological advancements that emerged during the Industrial Revolution.

  The Industrial Revolution led to increased production and economic growth, but it also caused poor working conditions and environmental issues.

  Social changes, such as the emergence of the working class and altered family dynamics, were direct outcomes of the Industrial Revolution.

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

• The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones.

• It starts with 0 and 1, and the sequence goes 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, and so on.

• The sequence appears in many natural phenomena, such as the branching of trees and the arrangement of leaves on a stem.

• The 'golden ratio' is closely related to the Fibonacci sequence and can be found by dividing a number in the sequence by its predecessor.

• The Fibonacci sequence is used in computer algorithms, stock market analysis, and art composition.

The student wants to explain an advantage of using the Fibonacci sequence in various fields. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

26
Mark for Review

  The Fibonacci sequence starts with 0 and 1, and it is used in computer algorithms and the stock market.

  The golden ratio, derived from the Fibonacci sequence, is simply a number obtained by dividing a number in the sequence by the one before it.

  The Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical concept that appears in the branching of trees and the arrangement of leaves.

  The versatility of the Fibonacci sequence, from modeling natural phenomena to enhancing computational and artistic methods, demonstrates its advantage as a powerful analytical tool.

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

• The Sun is classified as a G-type main-sequence star (G dwarf) based on its temperature and luminosity.

• Stars are classified into different spectral types (O, B, A, F, G, K, M) according to their surface temperatures.

• G-type stars have surface temperatures between 5,300 and 6,000 K and are yellow.

• Most stars visible to the naked eye are main-sequence stars.

• Main-sequence stars fuse hydrogen into helium in their cores and are in a stable phase of their lifecycle.

The student wants to indicate which spectral type the Sun belongs to, based on how stars are classified. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

27
Mark for Review

  The Sun is classified based on its surface temperature and luminosity, with most visible stars being main-sequence stars.

  Most stars visible to the naked eye are classified as main-sequence stars, and the Sun is one of these stars.

  With a surface temperature between 5,300 and 6,000 K and being yellow, the Sun is classified as a G-type main-sequence star.

  Main-sequence stars are in a stable phase of their lifecycle, fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores, including the Sun.