Module II: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 5

Seismologists have developed new methods to analyze the vibrations caused by earthquakes. Geologist Taylor Greene believes that these techniques will have ______ effect on our ability to predict seismic events, potentially saving lives.

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

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a negligible

an adverse

a substantial

an intermittent

The architect's innovative design for the new library incorporates numerous green spaces, which she believes will ______ the well-being of its visitors. Her vision aligns with recent studies that suggest nature can significantly improve mental health.

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

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undermine

enhance

overlook

disregard

Investigative journalist Ronan Farrow’s reporting has often aimed to ______ the abuse of power by influential figures. His reports have brought to light serious allegations of misconduct, leading to public scrutiny and legal consequences for those involved.

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

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conceal

exacerbate

expose

commend

When cybersecurity specialists reported a significant rise in phishing attacks during the holiday season, many online retailers ______ their security protocols, prompting a wave of updates to safeguard customer data. Despite initial skepticism, the urgency of the threat led to widespread implementation of more stringent security measures.

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

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Relaxed

Bolstered

Disregarded

outsourced

Native American filmmaker Chris Eyre ______ Hollywood's tendency to stereotype indigenous characters: this rejection is evident in his film Smoke Signals, which features modern, complex Native American characters dealing with contemporary issues.

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

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repudiates

professes

predicts

recants

Often considered the most important meal of the day, breakfast serves multiple functions for our well-being. Not only does it replenish the body with essential nutrients necessary for both mental and physical activities, but it also plays a crucial role in ______ metabolism, a factor that is vital for overall health and wellness.

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

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impeding

dampening

negating

stimulating

The following text is adapted from Starry Nights by author Lorraine Thompson. In the excerpt, Amelia, an astronomer, speaks to a group of students about her upcoming project.

We are on the verge of launching a groundbreaking mission to Mars, one that will take us closer than ever to solving the mysteries of the red planet. This isn't about fame or setting a new record. It's about discovery, expanding our horizons, and answering questions that have puzzled humankind for centuries. I can promise you that this mission will be remembered for its contributions to science, not its flashiness.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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To announce that Amelia is about to break a new record with her Mars mission

To emphasize the educational aspects of Amelia's upcoming mission

To clarify that Amelia's mission to Mars is centered on scientific discovery, not publicity

To inform that the Mars mission will be particularly flashy and attention-grabbing

Text 1

The traditional view suggests that the evolution of linguistic systems in human societies followed a clear sequence, beginning with rudimentary forms of communication such as basic gestures and vocal sounds used in early human societies. This was then followed by the development of complex spoken languages and ultimately, with the advancements in knowledge systems, transitioning to intricate systems of written languages.

Text 2

In a recent publication, linguists Claire Thompson and Daniel Hastings argue that linguistic systems in human societies have always displayed a level of complexity and adaptability. They present evidence showing that even 60,000 years ago, early human societies demonstrated significant variability in their communication methods, incorporating gestures, vocal sounds, and possibly even early forms of written symbols based on context and need.

Based on the texts, how would Thompson and Hastings (Text 2) most likely respond to the "traditional view" presented in Text 1?

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By acknowledging that written languages likely were not part of communication systems in early human societies.

By arguing that vocal sounds and gestures have always been an integral part of communication, irrespective of the development of spoken and written languages.

By challenging the idea that human communication systems have followed a linear progression through distinct stages.

By disputing the notion that basic gestures and vocal sounds were among the earliest forms of human communication.

The following text is from Emily Dickinson's 1863 poem, Hope is the Thing with Feathers. The poem is a lyrical meditation on the nature of hope.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -

What is the main idea of the text?

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The speaker is identifying hope as a delicate and fleeting emotion.

The speaker is illustrating the power and resilience of hope.

The speaker is depicting hope as a noisy and irritating presence.

The speaker is suggesting that hope is exclusive to the innocent and pure.

Scientific Contribution Output of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Marie Curie

Individual

Years active

Number of known major contributions

Isaac Newton

1665-1726

3

Albert Einstein

1905-1955

4

Niels Bohr

1913-1962

2

Marie Curie

1897-1934

2

Researchers studying significant scientific contributors often revisit the works of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Marie Curie. However, these numbers represent the minimum count of their known major contributions, considering the myriad of their less-known studies, theories, and experiments. For instance, ______

 Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the example?

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Albert Einstein possibly developed more than four major theories.

Marie Curie has fewer major contributions than Isaac Newton.

Niels Bohr was active for a shorter period than Albert Einstein.

Isaac Newton's contributions were all made after 1726.

Whispers of the Heart is an 1856 novel by Penelope Atwood. In the novel, Thomas, known for his usually impassive demeanor, encounters a woman who seems beyond his reach. This experience triggers unexpected emotions within him and brings forth a new side of his personality, as is evident when he confesses, ______

Which quotation from Whispers of the Heart most effectively illustrates the claim?

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"Even the strongest will may falter in the face of true adversity."

"The sparkle in her eyes reminded me of stars on a clear night."

"I wear a facade of indifference, yet my heart aches with a passion unseen."

"Her laughter, it is a melody that resonates within the chambers of my heart."

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a grain crop that is rich in protein and essential amino acids. However, its outer layer contains saponins, which can impart a bitter taste and are known to inhibit nutrient absorption in the digestive tract. Alice Thompson and Robert Lee from Stanford University propose that rinsing quinoa multiple times in a water-vinegar solution can effectively remove most of the saponins while preserving the nutrient content.

 Which finding from Thompson and Lee's research, if true, would most directly support their claim?

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Quinoa rinsed in the water-vinegar solution demonstrated a significant reduction in saponins and retained nearly all of its original levels of protein and essential amino acids.

The quinoa rinsed in water-vinegar solution showed a moderate increase in essential amino acids but also had significantly higher levels of saponins compared to unrinsed quinoa.

An analysis of the rinsed quinoa revealed the presence of beneficial microbes, such as Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus fermentum, which are believed to aid in nutrient absorption.

Both rinsed and unrinsed quinoa displayed a similar and significant decrease in saponins when subjected to prolonged cooking.

Voter Turnout in General Elections in Country X and Country Y

Social and political scholars have been observing and analyzing the pattern of voter turnout in general elections over the past few decades in different parts of the world. As part of a recent study, they closely examined the trends in Country X and Country Y, two nations that have undergone significant political and social transformations since the turn of the millennium. The researchers found evidence suggesting that the efforts by the governments of both nations to simplify the voting process and make it more accessible to their citizens have had a positive impact. They hypothesized that these changes have led to an overall increase in voter turnout in general elections over the last 20 years.

Which choice best describes data from the graph that support the researchers' hypothesis?

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Country Y consistently had a higher voter turnout than Country X in the years observed.

The voter turnout in Country X saw a more significant increase than that in Country Y from 2000 to 2020.

Both Country X and Country Y have seen an increase in voter turnout from 2000 to 2020.

The voter turnout in Country Y in 2020 was the highest recorded among all the years and countries mentioned .

The Power of Art is a 1903 essay by Chris Bolton, an American architect and humanitarian. In the essay, Bolton examines the transformative impact of art on individuals and society, contending that the arts are instrumental in nurturing the moral and emotional growth of a community: ______

Which quotation from a translation of The Power of Art most effectively illustrates the claim?

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“The greatest civilizations are often remembered not for their conquests or wealth, but for the legacy of their art, which continues to inspire and move people across ages.”

“It is through the strokes of a painter’s brush and the notes of a musician’s score that the heart of a community shows its rhythm.”

“Art is the mirror of a society's soul, reflecting its virtues and vices with equal clarity, compelling us to introspect and aspire towards our better selves.”

“While the structures I build may reach towards the heavens, it is the art that I create that truly elevates my spirits to the divine.”

Researchers Olivia Harrison, Mark Stevens, and their colleagues investigated the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive functions. They found that regular physical activity has a positive impact on the brain's neural pathways, enhancing connections in areas responsible for memory, focus, and problem-solving. Specifically, the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus was shown to be stimulated by exercise. As a result, maintaining a consistent exercise routine might ______

 Which choice most logically completes the text?

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lead to a decrease in overall cognitive functions due to overexertion.

hinder the ability to perform basic motor functions by overstimulating certain neurons.

improve an individual's memory and cognitive abilities by enhancing brain connectivity.

reduce the individual's ability to adapt to new physical challenges by focusing solely on mental aspects.

One hypothesis regarding human's sophisticated vocal communication suggests that it originated with an ancestor that used simple vocalizations, much like modern-day monkeys. However, recently, researchers observed gibbons, another relative of humans, producing complex vocalizations with a wide pitch range to communicate across large distances. These observations may suggest that ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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sophisticated vocal communication might have evolved because it offered advantages in long-distance communication.

sophisticated vocal communication must have evolved simultaneously with simple vocalizations.

the development of complex vocal communication was a chance evolutionary development.

an ancestor using simple vocalizations could have easily started producing complex vocalizations.

In the depths of the ocean, bioluminescent creatures emit light through a chemical reaction, a phenomenon in which luciferin reacts with oxygen ______ a visible glow, aiding in communication and defense mechanisms among marine species.

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

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produces

produced

producing

to produce

In his series Shadows and Enlightenment, artist Luca Martinez examined themes ______ duality, enlightenment, and perception by juxtaposing stark lighting with deep shadows and inserting symbolic items, such as aged books, into his installations.

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

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around

around,

around—

around:

Editors work closely with authors to refine their manuscripts. Their collaboration is essential for ensuring that the narrative's flow is smooth and that the ______ are accurately conveyed to engage the reader.

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

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characters' emotions

characters emotions

characters' emotion's

characters emotion's

During a recent sustainability conference, Dr. Omar Ali presented his findings on urban gardening. He mentioned that when city dwellers have access to communal garden spaces, ______ tend to develop a stronger sense of responsibility towards their environment.

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

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you

one

they

it

The art of storytelling is as old as human civilization itself, evolving over centuries from cave paintings to modern novels. Oral storytelling was the primary method of passing on histories, myths, and legends from one generation to the ______ the invention of writing systems allowed these stories to be recorded and preserved more accurately.

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

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next, but

next,

next

next but

First published in 1876, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer remains a staple in American literature. In the novel, American author Mark Twain incorporates local color and vibrant dialect ______ the complex society of the mid-19th century American South.

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

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depicts

depicted

is depicting

to depict

As one of the most significant technological advancements in human history, the revolutionary invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century ______ the way societies could disseminate and consume information across the globe.

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

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has transformed

are transforming

have transformed

transform

Famed for their complex ring system, the planet Saturn has been a subject of study since ancient times. The advent of powerful technologies allowed for detailed observations of Saturn's rings, revealing their intricate structure and composition. ______ the Cassini spacecraft provided unprecedented detail of the rings through direct observation, vastly expanding our knowledge of this phenomenon.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Therefore,

Traditionally,

Recently,

Alternatively,

The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in the late 19th century fundamentally changed human communication, making it possible to speak with someone miles away instantaneously. ______ the development of the smartphone has integrated communication with other digital services, further revolutionizing how we connect with the world.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Similarly,

Conversely,

Nonetheless,

Consequently,

While traditional fitness approaches have centered on isolated workouts, a shift in the opposite direction is being observed. ______ fitness enthusiasts are turning to functional training—a trend exemplified by the growing popularity of cross-training programs.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Alternatively,

Increasingly,

However,

Furthermore,

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

•           In the early 19th century, Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the Great Western Railway in the UK.

•           His goal was to create a direct route between London and Bristol.

•           Brunel decided to use a broad gauge, which was wider than the standard gauge, for improved stability and speed.

•           Most railways at that time used the standard gauge.

•           The broad gauge, by offering improved stability and speed, significantly enhanced the efficiency of the Great Western Railway.

The student wants to show how Brunel's choice of railway gauge diverged from most engineers of his time. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Isambard Kingdom Brunel's goal was to create a direct railway route between London and Bristol.

Unlike most railways that used the standard gauge, Brunel's Great Western Railway was designed with a broad gauge for improved stability and speed.

Brunel's Great Western Railway, developed in the early 19th century, was one of the significant railway designs of the time.

The broad gauge used in Brunel's Great Western Railway ensured stability of the railway.