Module I: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 9

In the mid-1800s, the Maori scholar Tā Apirana Ngata developed a unique script for the Maori language in New Zealand. Because it mirrored the phonetics of spoken Maori perfectly, his script was simple to learn and rapidly achieved ______ usage: by 1870, a substantial majority of the Maori population could read and write it.

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

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extensive

meticulous

accidental

occasional

In 1972, the discovery of a new antibiotic-resistant bacterium posed a challenge to modern medicine. This development might cause researchers who previously dismissed such possibilities to _______ their perspectives.

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

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corroborate

discredit

reject

reassess

Working on the principles of citizen science, students and academic institutions have been engaging in equal partnership for conducting studies on urban biodiversity. The joint venture between city schools and the University of Chicago ______ this approach: students have been actively involved in setting up methodologies and collecting data.

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

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undermines

overrides

constructs

embodies

The following text is adapted from The Murmuring Waters by Arthur Redwood. In this passage, the character Elsie is sculpting a water fountain.

With each chisel strike, the sculpture embraced more detail, refining its raw and untamed form into more distinct shapes and elegance. The principal design was now evident to the casual eye.

As used in the text, what does the word “embraced” most nearly mean?

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Hugged

Encased

Adopted

Discarded

The rapid expansion of urban areas has been linked to increased air pollution levels; yet, it is by no means ______ for city planners and residents to mitigate these effects. While the construction of green spaces and the promotion of public transportation can significantly reduce pollutants, the challenge of integrating these solutions into densely populated areas without compromising urban functionality remains. Advances in sustainable architecture and efficient public transit systems continue to evolve in response to these concerns.

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

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detrimental

redundant

beneficial

trivial

In recent years, the escalating issue of climate change has led to a significant rise in average global temperatures, posing considerable environmental challenges. Yet, a seemingly contradictory trend has been observed, with some regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, experiencing unusually harsh winters. John Davis, a climate scientist, attempts to explain this apparent anomaly by examining shifts in global atmospheric circulation patterns.

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

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It introduces a counter-argument to the claim that global warming is occurring.

It outlines the main conclusion of Davis's research.

It presents a paradox that Davis's research seeks to explain.

It provides a summary of current climate change impacts.

In 1969, environmentalist Rachel Carson published a book that highlighted the dangers of chemical pesticides to the environment, particularly to birds. Her work brought to light how these chemicals, once thought to be safe, were causing harm to wildlife and potentially to humans. Based on her research, Carson advocated for changes in the way pesticides were used and called for more sustainable practices. Her book played a pivotal role in the environmental movement, leading to a nationwide ban on DDT and inspiring an ecological revolution.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

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To outline the contents of Carson's book

To describe the impact of Carson's environmental research

To critique the use of pesticides in agriculture

To recount the events leading to the ban on DDT

The following text is from Edgar Allan Poe’s 1849 poem Annabel Lee.

It was many and many a year ago,

In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of Annabel Lee;

And this maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

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The speaker introduces a tale from his past, then outlines the central relationship.

The speaker describes a beautiful location, then introduces the people who inhabit it.

The speaker hints at a mystery, then slowly reveals the clues to solve it.

The speaker recounts a tragic story, then explains the lesson he learned from it.

Text 1

William Shakespeare, a seminal figure in English literature, is universally renowned for his plays, which have had an enduring and profound influence on both English drama and global theatre. His tragic works, such as Hamlet and Macbeth, are often considered the pinnacle of his artistic accomplishment, representing some of the finest examples of dramatic literature.

Text 2

While Shakespeare's plays have undoubtedly received extensive global acclaim, his sonnets represent an equally significant and substantial aspect of his literary output. Comprising a collection of 154 sonnets, Shakespeare explored universal themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time, offering an intimate and richly layered glimpse into his artistic depth and mastery.

Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?

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Mark for Review

William Shakespeare solely devoted his creative energies to writing plays.

Shakespeare's sonnets surpass his plays in terms of literary significance.

Tragic narratives form the crux of all Shakespeare's works.

Shakespeare's works have profoundly influenced literature around the world.

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is known for its dazzling corals and abundant marine life. However, marine biologists are concerned that it is facing threats due to the global rise in ocean temperatures. The rise in temperatures can result in coral bleaching, causing corals to lose their vibrant colors and eventually die.

According to the text, what is the primary cause of concern for the Great Barrier Reef?

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It is being destroyed due to fishing activities.

It is suffering from coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures.

It is shrinking due to coastal erosion.

It is losing marine life due to pollution.

The following text is from Miriam Elia's poem, Dance of the Fireflies.

In the hush of twilight, fireflies begin their dance,

Winking in and out of the darkening expanse,

A ballet of light against the night's advance;

Each flicker a fleeting chance,

To cast their glow, however brief, and enhance

The tapestry of dusk with their luminous lance.

Yet without this dance, the night would enhance

A stillness, a void of romance.

What is the main idea of the text?

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The fireflies are physically transforming the night landscape with their light.

The fireflies’ light show is a routine occurrence every evening.

The fireflies are a source of light that makes the night less dark.

The fireflies add beauty and liveliness to the night through their presence.

Literature critic, Caroline Banks is better known for her profound analysis of post-modern literature. However, her most impactful work might be her book, Melodies in Ink: Poetry in the Contemporary Age, published in 1995. Uniquely blending anthology, literary criticism, and personal memoir, the book presents an avant-garde approach to understanding and appreciating poetry. The term 'Ink' in the title is a nod to Banks' home city, Inkwell, known for its vibrant literary culture. This unconventional approach has played a significant role in shaping the modern discourse on poetry.

Which choice best describes the main idea of the text?

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Caroline Banks was heavily influenced by her hometown, Inkwell, in her writing.

Caroline Banks' book was not initially recognized for its impact on the field of poetry.

Caroline Banks’ innovative book Melodies in Ink: Poetry in the Contemporary Age has significantly influenced the study of modern poetry.

Banks' deep understanding of poetry inspired many to pursue careers in literary criticism.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a pseudo-cereal crop known for its high nutritional value. However, it is also notorious for its bitter taste due to saponins, a group of naturally occurring plant glycosides. Biochemist Sofia Sanchez from the National University of Cuyo in Argentina claims that using specific enzymes to break down saponins in quinoa can help reduce its bitterness and make it more palatable without compromising its nutritional benefits.

Which finding from Sanchez's research, if true, would most directly support her claim?

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Both treated and untreated quinoa displayed similar levels of bitterness when cooked using traditional methods.

The enzymes were found to break down not only saponins but also other essential nutrients in quinoa.

Quinoa samples, both enzyme-treated and untreated, contained an equally high amount of saponins after being cooked at high temperatures.

Quinoa treated with the specific enzymes retained most of its nutritional value but displayed a significant reduction in bitterness when tested for palatability.

In a study examining pedestrian flow in urban spaces, Imani Okoro and her team measured both the pace at which individuals walked and the personal space available to each person in various settings. The team then asked participants to rate their feelings of comfort on a scale from 1 to 10 in each setting. These ratings were then correlated with the measured pace and personal space, aiming to understand which factor had a more significant impact on perceived comfort. Correlation coefficients range from -1 to 1, with values farther from 0 indicating stronger relationships and 0 indicating no correlation. Based on these correlations, the research team concluded that personal space has a stronger correlation with comfort ratings than pace does.

Which choice best describes data from the table that support the researchers' conclusion?

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The correlation between comfort ratings in open plazas and personal space is farther from 0 than the correlation between comfort ratings in narrow alleys and pace.

The correlation between comfort ratings in open plazas and pace is negative, while the correlation with personal space is positive.

For each setting, the positive correlation with personal space is farther from 0 compared to the negative correlations with pace.

The correlations between comfort ratings and personal space in the open plaza are less strong than in the narrow alley.

Investigating the impact of celebrity endorsement on consumer purchase intentions presents a unique methodological hurdle for researchers: establishing a convincing control group. To accurately assess the influence of celebrity endorsements, it is necessary to compare the attitudes and buying intentions of consumers exposed to celebrity-endorsed products with those of consumers who have been exposed to similar products without celebrity endorsements. However, given the pervasive nature of celebrity endorsements in advertising and the challenge of finding comparable products that have not been endorsed by celebrities, researchers ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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find it challenging to gather unbiased opinions about products that are not endorsed by celebrities.

must rely on historical sales data of products before they received celebrity endorsements.

are forced to create hypothetical product endorsements to use in their studies.

encounter difficulties in constructing a control group that accurately represents the effect of non-endorsement on consumer behavior.

Sustainable farming practices can contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, as _____ affirm, converting natural habitats into farmland often results in a loss of species diversity.

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

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ecologists, Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson,

ecologists, Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson

ecologists Jane Goodall, and Rachel Carson

ecologists Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson

In 1893, French painter Paul Gauguin completed two seminal paintings during his stay in Tahiti: Women Bathing and Man with an Ax. Nearly 120 years later, in 2012, ______ included in a major Gauguin exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

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

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it was

this was

some were

they were

In 1942, Katherine Johnson started her illustrious career at NASA. Later, her mastery of complex mathematical calculations and her contributions to the Apollo moon landing ______ change the landscape of space exploration.

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

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missions helped

missions, helping

missions that helped

missions to help

In crafting his science fiction, Brian Clarke has a knack for creating otherworldly adventures. His book Star Wanderer follows a group of explorers in deep space, while his other book ______ tells a story set in a futuristic, dystopian city.

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

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City of Glass,

City of Glass

City of Glass

City of Glass:

A renowned chef and food writer adored in both the culinary world and the food journalism ______ Mark Anders was chosen to judge the International Gourmet Competition, which gathers chefs from various countries each year.

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

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world,

world:

world;

world

During a recent archaeological dig aimed at exploring ancient civilizations, archaeologist Alan Hall uncovered an ancient artifact at the excavation site in ______ detailed analysis, he found that it was over 5,000 years old.

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

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Egypt.

Egypt, after

Egypt after

Egypt. After

The wine produced in the Bordeaux region of France is world-renowned for its quality. By carefully selecting the grape varieties and refining the aging process, vintners altered the composition of a traditional Bordeaux wine, balancing the mix of flavors and making ______ smoother overall.

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

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those

one

them

it

The work of Thomas Hardy, a significant figure in English literature, reflects the social changes and movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. ______ Hardy's novels explore themes of social constraint, rural life, and the march of progress.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Specifically,

Despite this,

However,

Regardless,

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates left a lasting legacy through his unique method of questioning to stimulate critical thinking. Despite his intellectual contributions, Socrates' unorthodox views led to his trial and execution by the Athenian authorities. ______ his teachings live on through the writings of his students.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Furthermore,

As a result,

Hence,

Nevertheless,

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

·        In 2021, Alice Kim and her team in South Korea studied the effects of noise pollution on urban wildlife.

·        They discovered that as noise pollution increased, the number of wildlife sightings decreased significantly.

·        In quiet conditions, they recorded an average of 100 wildlife sightings per week.

·        In moderate noise conditions, this number dropped to about 50 sightings per week.

·        In high noise conditions, they observed roughly 20 wildlife sightings per week.

The student wants to summarize the study. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Mark for Review

Alice Kim and her team collected data on urban wildlife sightings under various noise conditions in 2021.

Alice Kim and her colleagues aimed to understand the impact of noise pollution on urban wildlife and thus conducted a study.

Alice Kim's 2021 study of urban wildlife showed that as noise pollution increased, the number of wildlife sightings decreased significantly.

Recognizing that urban wildlife sightings decrease in noisy conditions, Alice Kim evaluated the sighting frequency, which was only around 20 per week in some conditions

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

·        The concept of "digital detox" suggests that periodically disconnecting from digital devices can improve mental health and well-being.

·        Psychologist Dr. Linda Stone first introduced this concept in 2001.

·        She referred to the practice as "conscious computing."

·        In the 2023 study "Disconnect to Reconnect?," sociologist Dr. Marco Vargas and colleagues analyzed the impact of digital detoxes on various age groups.

·        They write, “Digital detoxes have been praised for their potential benefits. Our findings suggest, however, that the efficacy of these practices is highly variable and not universally beneficial.”

The student wants to use a quotation to emphasize a potential problem with the concept of digital detox. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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Introducing the idea of "conscious computing," Stone proposed disconnecting from digital devices in 2001.

In "Disconnect to Reconnect?," Vargas and colleagues acknowledge that digital detoxes “have been praised for their potential benefits.”

Upon analyzing the impact on various age groups, Vargas and colleagues reveal that digital detox practices are “highly variable and not universally beneficial.”

Despite widespread praise for digital detoxes, Vargas and colleagues caution in "Disconnect to Reconnect?" that their benefits are not universally applicable.

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

·        The Titanic was a British luxury passenger liner, owned by White Star Line, that sank in 1912 during her maiden voyage.

·        It was approximately 269 meters in length and was capable of carrying up to 2,435 passengers.

·        It was launched in 1911.

·        MSC Virtuosa is a cruise ship currently in service, owned by MSC Cruises

·        It is approximately 331 meters in length and is capable of carrying up to 2,421 passengers.

·        It was launched in 2019.

The student wants to underscore a shared characteristic between the two ships. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

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The Titanic and MSC Virtuosa were launched more than a hundred years apart.

Despite the difference in length, the Titanic and MSC Virtuosa were designed to carry a similar number of passengers.

The Titanic was owned by White Star Line, while MSC Virtuosa is owned by MSC Cruises.

MSC Virtuosa, at 362 meters, is significantly longer than the Titanic, which was 269 meters in length.