Module I: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 9

In the Declaration of Independence, the list of grievances against King George III serves to underscore the colonists' assertion of tyranny. This litany of complaints forms a(n) ______ tapestry of accusations: He has refused to assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good; he has obstructed the administration of justice by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers; he has made judges dependent on his will alone. Each point articulates a specific form of oppression, weaving a complex narrative of unjust rule.

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

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ambiguous

insubstantial

superficial

damning

International courts play a crucial role in maintaining global peace and justice. They serve as a platform where disputes between nations are resolved in a _______ manner. These courts interpret and apply international laws, and their decisions are binding on the countries involved. They also contribute to the development of international law and promote cooperation among nations.

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

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  expeditious

  unilateral

  judicious

  preliminary

In the field of chemical engineering, the principle of mass balance is a fundamental concept. It states that the mass entering a system must equal the mass exiting the system, creating a _______ relationship between input and output. This principle is applied in various processes such as distillation, evaporation, and chemical reactions to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

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

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  random

  symmetrical

  disjointed

  ambiguous

Sustainable fisheries aim to maintain fish populations at a level where they can reproduce indefinitely without depleting the ecosystem. This is achieved by implementing fishing practices that minimize environmental impact, such as reducing bycatch and discarding of unwanted fish. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets the standards for sustainable fishing. Fisheries that meet these standards are certified by the MSC, providing a market-based incentive for sustainable fishing. The ultimate goal of sustainable fisheries is to ensure the long-term viability of marine ecosystems and the fishing industry.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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  To explain then concept and goals of sustainable fisheries

  To promote the Marine Stewardship Council

  To criticize unsustainable fishing practices

  To discuss the economic benefits of sustainable fishing

The following text is from Robert Frost's 1916 poem 'The Road Not Taken.'

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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Mark for Review

  To express regret for not being able to explore all paths in life

  To convey the significance of making choices and accepting their consequences

  To depict the beauty of nature and the joy of solitary walks

  To warn about the dangers of choosing the road less traveled

In the early 20th century, American inventor and engineer, Nikola Tesla, was experimenting with wireless transmission of energy. His ambitious project, the Wardenclyffe Tower, was intended to transmit messages, telephony and even facsimile images across the Atlantic to England and to ships at sea. However, due to financial difficulties and skepticism from potential investors, the project was never completed. Despite the failure of the Wardenclyffe Tower, Tesla's innovative ideas have had a lasting impact on the field of wireless technology.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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  To highlight the success of Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Tower

  To delve into the technical aspects of wireless technology

  To criticize the investors for their skepticism

  To discuss Tesla’s contribution to wireless technology

Text 1

Traditional understanding suggests that photography was primarily used as a tool for documentation and representation in the early 19th century. It was believed that cultures used photography to capture reality and preserve it for future generations.

Text 2

In a recent study, art historians John Berger and Susan Sontag argue that photography has always been a medium of artistic expression and cultural representation. They provide evidence that even in the early stages of its development, photography was used not just for documentation but also for creating visual narratives and expressing cultural identities.

Based on the texts, how would Berger and Sontag (Text 2) most likely respond to the “traditional understanding” presented in Text 1?

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  By accepting the importance of documentation but emphasizing the greater role of photography in artistic expression

  By challenging the notion that the use of photography has followed a linear progression from documentation to cultural representation

  By disputing the idea that photography was primarily used for documentation in its early stages

  By questioning the assumption that photography was initially used to capture and preserve reality

The Sydney Opera House, completed in 1973, is an architectural marvel and a symbol of Australia. Designed by Jørn Utzon, the building is celebrated for its unique use of geometric forms and its innovative construction techniques. The roof, shaped like sails or shells, is especially iconic, reflecting Utzon's desire to create a building that harmonized with its environment. The interior is equally impressive, with acoustically superior concert halls and theaters. Despite initial controversy over cost overruns and Utzon's eventual resignation, the Opera House has become a beloved cultural landmark. It represents a significant achievement in modern architecture, combining form, function, and context in a groundbreaking way. The Opera House not only hosts world-class performances but also attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to Sydney's cultural and economic landscape.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

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  The Sydney Opera House is primarily renowned for its advanced acoustic technology in its concert halls.

  The Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and a significant cultural symbol for Australia.

  The construction of the Sydney Opera House was marked by financial mismanagement and lack of planning.

  Jørn Utzon’s resignation was the most significant event in the history of the Sydney Opera House.

The following passage is from "Ode to a Nightingale," a profound and introspective poem written by John Keats in 1819. One of Keats' most celebrated works, this poem delves into the contrast between the idealized, eternal beauty of the nightingale's song and the harsh realities of human existence.

"Fade far away, dissolve, and quite forget what thou among the leaves hast never known, the weariness, the fever, and the fret here, where men sit and hear each other groan;"

Based on the text, what is true about the speaker’s desire?

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Mark for Review

  The speaker longs to escape the pain and troubles of the human condition.

  The speaker is content with the human experience and its inherent suffering.

  The speaker wishes to join the nightingale in its natural habitat.

  The speaker rejects the idea of escape and accepts reality as it is.

In 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, the character Elizabeth Bennet often demonstrates her wit and independence. Throughout the novel, she challenges societal norms and expresses her opinions freely. In one particular scene, she confronts Lady Catherine de Bourgh, refusing to promise that she will not marry Mr. Darcy. Her defiance in the face of aristocratic pressure is a testament to her character. Elizabeth's ability to stand her ground is evident when she _____

Which quotation from 'Pride and Prejudice' most effectively illustrates the claim?

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Mark for Review

  remarks to Jane, 'It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does.'

  asserts to Lady Catherine, 'I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, without reference to you, or to any person so wholly unconnected with me.'

  contemplates to herself, 'There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.'

  declares to Mr. Collins, 'You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course.'

William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is a play steeped in themes of ambition, power, and fate. In the play, the character Macbeth encounters three witches whose prophecies spur his desire for power and lead to his downfall. As Macbeth's ambition overtakes his moral compass, he expresses a profound sense of inevitability about his actions, as is evident when he ______

Which quotation from 'Macbeth' most effectively illustrates the claim?

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Mark for Review

  remarks to himself, 'Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires.'

  muses, 'I am in blood / Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er.'

  declares to Lady Macbeth, 'We will proceed no further in this business: / He hath honour'd me of late, and I have bought / Golden opinions from all sorts of people.'

  proclaims after a haunting vision, 'Thou canst not say I did it: never shake / Thy gory locks at me.'

In 'Little Women', Jo March grapples with her aspirations and the societal expectations placed upon her. She often finds herself at odds with the traditional roles that her gender prescribes, yearning for a life filled with literary success and independence. Her internal conflict is palpable when she ______

Which quotation from 'Little Women' most effectively illustrates the claim?

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  asserts with conviction, 'I could never love anyone as I love my sisters.'

  laments poignantly, 'I am so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for, but I’m so lonely.'

  proclaims defiantly, 'I wish I had no heart, it aches so.'

  declares with fervor, 'I’ll make a battering-ram of my head and make my way through this rough-and-tumble world.'

In an introspective passage from Kazuo Ishiguro's novel "Never Let Me Go," the protagonist Kathy H. dwells on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of loss in her unique world. She muses on the deep connections and heartbreaks of her life, contemplating the complex emotions tied to memory and identity. 'The problem, I see now, is that I had been looking for a way to keep things from changing. But there's no stopping time. We have to move forward, our faces constantly turned towards the future, but with the shadows of our past always there, reminding us,' she reflects. Kathy's journey is marked by a poignant blend of acceptance and melancholy, a theme that Ishiguro conveys with his signature subtlety and emotional depth. She ______.

Which choice most effectively uses a quotation from Kazuo Ishiguro's work to illustrate the claim?

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   embraces her memories, 'Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that.'

  acknowledges the inevitability of change, 'I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it’s just too much. The current's too strong.'

  reflects on lost opportunities, 'Sometimes I get so immersed in my own company, if I unexpectedly run into someone I know, it's a bit of a shock and takes me a while to adjust.'

  contemplates the importance of hope, 'I suppose it’s natural to think about those things as you get older. And to want to believe in some sort of rescue or escape.'

 Nutritionists have debated the effectiveness of various diets for weight loss. While some diets focus on reducing carbohydrate intake, others emphasize balanced nutrition or calorie restriction. The effectiveness of these diets can be influenced by their specific approach and individual adherence.

Which choice best describes data from the table that support the theory that the effectiveness of different diets varies based on the approach?

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  The Keto and Mediterranean diets are the most popular, indicating a preference for low carb and balanced approaches.

  Diets like Intermittent Fasting, which have varied effectiveness, might be harder to follow consistently compared to others.

  The varying levels of effectiveness and weight loss across different nutritional approaches support the theory that diet effectiveness varies based on approach.

  The higher weight loss in low carb diets like Keto suggests that reducing carbohydrate intake is the most effective method for weight loss

The advent of CRISPR gene-editing technology has allowed for precise alterations in the genetic makeup of organisms. In one study, a particular gene associated with drought resistance in crops was modified in a sample of wheat plants. These modified plants were then subjected to arid conditions and compared to a control group of unaltered wheat plants. The modified plants not only survived the arid conditions but also demonstrated a higher yield than the unaltered plants, which indicates that ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  the unaltered plants were more likely to survive under normal conditions than the modified plants.

  the modification of genes can lead to unintended consequences that may harm the environment.

  CRISPR technology could potentially be used to improve the nutritional value of crops.

  gene-editing has the potential to enhance crop resilience and productivity in challenging environmental conditions

The meticulous dissection of the U.S. Constitution by contemporary legal scholars reveals an intricate balance of power between the various branches of government. This balance is designed to prevent any single entity from usurping total control, a principle known as 'checks and balances.' The framers' intent to create a dynamic and adaptable governance structure is evident in the document's provision for amendments. Moreover, the Constitution's preamble sets forth broad goals such as justice, tranquility, and liberty, which suggest an aspiration towards an evolving, rather than static, societal order. The robust debate surrounding constitutional interpretation reflects its foundational role in American society and its adaptability to changing times. If both the flexibility and foundational nature of the Constitution are considered, that would imply that ______

        Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

  the U.S. Constitution is too vague to provide any concrete guidance for modern governance.

  the Constitution is designed to guide the nation's governance while allowing for growth and change over time.

  legal scholars agree on a single, unchanging interpretation of the Constitution.

  the framers of the Constitution anticipated every possible future scenario when drafting the document

When preparing a classic béchamel sauce, the roux is made before adding milk to achieve the desired thickness. However, as ______ can confirm, using the wrong type of flour can result in a sauce that is either too thick or too lumpy.

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

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Mark for Review

  chefs, Julia Child and Gordon Ramsay,

  chefs, Julia Child and Gordon Ramsay

  chefs Julia Child and Gordon Ramsay

  chefs Julia Child, and Gordon Ramsay

The stock market trend in 2023, as indicated by the performance of the S&P 500, showed remarkable resilience despite global economic uncertainties. Analysts have noted that ______ have played a pivotal role in this trend.

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

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  factors, including low interest rates and technological advancements,

  factors including low interest rates and technological advancements

  factors, including low interest rates and technological advancements

factors including, low interest rates and technological advancements

Standardized tests are employed across various educational systems to assess the academic aptitude, subject-specific knowledge, and problem-solving skills of students. Dr. Emily Thompson's recent analysis critiques the reliability of these tests in determining student potential, focusing on the relationship between ______, and student performance, suggesting that multiple factors influence test outcomes.

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

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Mark for Review

  socioeconomic status and parental involvement

  socioeconomic status parental involvement,

  socioeconomic status, parental involvement

  socioeconomic status, and parental involvement

The philosophical treatise on ethics delves into the complexities of moral decision-making. It posits that individual virtues are the cornerstone of ethical behavior. In academic circles, both the treatise and its foundational concepts ______ rigorously debated to discern their applicability in contemporary society

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

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  have

  has been

  has

  have been

The chef's new recipe was a hit among the critics, who praised its complexity and balance. The dish's flavors were enhanced by the ______ selection of spices.

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

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Mark for Review

  chefs’

  chef’s

  chefs

  chef

The landmark ruling in the Supreme Court case ______ the way for future legislation on environmental protection, setting a precedent that legal scholars continue to debate

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

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Mark for Review

  paved

  paving

  have paved

  will pave

In the realm of particle physics, researchers painstakingly track subatomic particles to understand their behavior. Despite the complexity and unpredictability of these particles, certain patterns emerge in their interactions. _____ the observations often challenge the established theories, pushing scientists to revise their understanding of fundamental principles.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Secondly,

  Consequently,

  Moreover,

  However,

The enigmatic nature of black holes in space has long fascinated scientists and laypeople alike. _____ the discovery of gravitational waves has provided new insights into these cosmic phenomena, offering evidence of black hole mergers that were previously theoretical. This groundbreaking discovery marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the universe.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Mark for Review

  Nevertheless,

  Next,

  For instance,

  In sum,

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The Greek hero Achilles was considered invulnerable except for his heel. - Achilles' mother, Thetis, dipped him in the River Styx to protect him, holding him by the heel. - During the Trojan War, Achilles was a formidable warrior whose might turned the tides of battle. - He was ultimately killed by an arrow to his heel, the only part of him not touched by the Styx's waters. - The term 'Achilles' heel' has since become a metaphor for a critical vulnerability.

       The student wants to emphasize the significance of Achilles' vulnerability. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  Achilles was a great warrior during the Trojan War, and his heel was his only weak point.

  The story of Achilles' heel illustrates a powerful hero's downfall due to a single, fatal vulnerability.

  Achilles' invulnerability except for his heel is a minor detail in the broader narrative of the Trojan War.

  Thetis' act of dipping Achilles in the River Styx is the main reason he was nearly invincible in battle.

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. - It involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct. - Photosynthesis is crucial for the survival of life on Earth as it provides the primary source of energy for all food chains. - It also plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. - The efficiency of photosynthesis can be affected by factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

 

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

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Mark for Review

  Photosynthesis is a process that plants use to make food from sunlight, involving chlorophyll and producing oxygen.

  Photosynthesis is fundamental to life on Earth, supplying energy for food chains and influencing global carbon dioxide levels, with its efficiency dependent on environmental conditions.

  The process of photosynthesis, which creates oxygen and is influenced by light and temperature, is important for green plants.

  Chlorophyll is involved in photosynthesis, a process that affects the survival of organisms by changing atmospheric carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - The Holi festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, is an important cultural and religious event in India. - Celebrated at the arrival of spring, Holi signifies the victory of good over evil. - Participants throw colored powders at each other, which symbolizes unity and the joy of life. - The festival includes the lighting of bonfires, representing the burning of the demoness Holika. - Holi is a time for forgiveness, repairing broken relationships, and is celebrated by people of various ages and backgrounds.

The student wants to present the significance of the Holi festival and its traditions. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

  The Holi festival is a vibrant celebration of spring, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, marked by communal activities like the throwing of colors.

  Holi is known for its colorful powders, which people throw at each other to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

  The lighting of bonfires during Holi symbolizes the burning away of the cold winter, welcoming the warmth of spring.

  Participants in the Holi festival forgive each other, which is a tradition not commonly found in other cultural celebrations.