Module II: Reading and Writing

SAT Practice Test 10

In a comprehensive study on digital literacy, educators at the Institute for Future Education are investigating the effect of interactive e-books on children’s ______ in reading comprehension skills. They seek to establish whether the use of digital interactive features can lead to a deeper understanding of text compared to traditional print media.

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

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Mark for Review

proficiency

regression

stagnation

divergence

At the Center for Historical Climate Studies, researchers are delving into the diaries of 18th-century farmers to discern how seasonal weather patterns ______ their crop yields. They aim to understand the extent to which variations in temperature and precipitation aligned with the successes or failures recorded in these agricultural journals.

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

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undermined

reflected

disregarded

influenced

For jazz musician Miles Davis, being ______ was critical to his influence on the evolution of jazz music. His innovative approach to improvisation and his willingness to incorporate elements from other genres helped shape the sound of modern jazz and inspired countless musicians.

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

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unconventional

predictable

cautious

conservative

When the whistleblower unveiled documents proving financial malfeasance within the corporation, the public and media ______ the reports, sparking a series of investigations. Despite early attempts by the corporation to discredit the information, the whistleblower's evidence eventually led to significant legal reforms and policy changes.

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

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suppressed

scrutinized

celebrated

trivialized

Evelyn Miro's painting, The Dance of Light, has garnered critical acclaim for its remarkable application of vivid hues, which encapsulates the natural brilliance of a setting sun. With many art critics and enthusiasts alike praising Miro's nuanced technique in capturing the fleeting luminosity of a sunset, they have often singled out the painting's especially ______ quality as its most captivating feature.

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

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vibrant

monochrome

opaque

muted

Anvita Abbi's contributions to the field of linguistics are ______: her notable achievements include serving as a linguistics professor and multilingual poet, authoring the first grammar book for the endangered Great Andamanese languages, and founding the Centre for Oral and Tribal Literature in India.

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

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utilitarian

divisive

comprehensive

universal

Many historians once believed that the artwork of the pre-Renaissance period was relatively ______, but recent discoveries of intricate sculptures and paintings have challenged this view. Finds such as the delicate engravings in ancient tombs reveal a sophisticated understanding of form and aesthetics, which had not previously been associated with that era.

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

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Mark for Review

complex

simplistic

colorful

admired

In a study led by nutritionist Alice Freeman, a potential correlation between diet and cognitive function was explored. Utilizing a diverse group of 1,000 subjects, the team meticulously recorded dietary habits and performed cognitive assessments over a period of five years. It was observed that participants who adhered to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains demonstrated better cognitive performance compared to those who followed less balanced diets.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?

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To explain the conclusions derived from the study

To highlight the importance of diet in maintaining cognitive health

To describe the methodology employed in the research study

To provide counterarguments against the research findings

In a novel approach to addressing chronic stress, psychologist Megan Hall has been examining the role of pet therapy in workplaces. Over a year, she observed a number of offices where employees were allowed to bring their pets to work. She found a notable decrease in reported stress levels and an increase in overall job satisfaction among these employees compared to a control group. Although these findings are promising, Hall recommends more comprehensive studies to better understand the potential benefits and limitations of pet-friendly workplaces.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

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Mark for Review

Hall's research has conclusively shown that pet-friendly workplaces completely eliminate stress among employees.

Hall's research found that having pets in the workplace leads to a decrease in job satisfaction.

Hall's research showed no significant difference in stress levels in workplaces with and without pets.

Initial research indicates that pet-friendly workplaces could potentially reduce employee stress and increase job satisfaction.

In numerous cities, it's observed that high levels of air pollution correlate with increased respiratory issues among residents. However, in the industrial city of Ashburn, despite high pollution levels, the incidence of respiratory illnesses is unexpectedly lower than in similar cities. Public health researcher Isaac Mendel, after studying local living conditions, hypothesizes that the city's robust public health initiatives might be offsetting the typical health consequences of pollution.

Which finding, if true, would most directly undermine Isaac Mendel's hypothesis?

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Ashburn has fewer factories per capita than other cities with comparable pollution levels.

Certain districts within Ashburn that are closest to the industrial zone have lower than average incidences of respiratory issues.

Many cities with similarly robust public health initiatives still report higher incidences of respiratory issues.

Some areas outside the scope of Isaac Mendel's study have shown that population density influences respiratory health more than air quality.

 

In 2016, coffee consumption trends revealed interesting patterns globally, particularly in Nordic countries. These countries are renowned for their high coffee consumption per capita, a reflection of cultural preferences and the social importance of coffee. Finland, for instance, led the world in coffee consumption per capita in 2016. This high level of consumption underscores the deep-rooted coffee culture in Finland. Among these top coffee-consuming countries in 2016, ______

 Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to complete the text?

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Norway's coffee consumption per capita was nearly 12 kg.

Iceland, Denmark, and the Netherlands each consumed between 7 and 8 kg of coffee per capita.

Sweden consumed less coffee per capita than Finland.

the Netherlands led the Nordic countries in coffee consumption per capita.

Emerald Eyes is a 1902 novel by Henry Sullivan. In the novel, Sullivan characterizes protagonist Marjorie as an individual who thrives on deciphering the mysteries of the human mind: ______

Which quotation from Emerald Eyes most effectively illustrates the claim?

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"For Marjorie, the world was a symphony of colors, each hue a note that played a melody only she could hear."

"Marjorie found joy in the rhythm of nature, in the ebb and flow of the tides, in the whispering winds and the rustling leaves."

"The unfathomable depths, the unexplored crevices, the enigmatic thoughts and emotions were like an intricate puzzle Marjorie relished piecing together."

"She loved the thrill of adventure, the exhilaration of exploring uncharted territories, the rush of discovering something new."

A Gentle Breeze is a short story from the early 20th century by Lee Chun-Shin. In the story, Mr.Hong, a Korean immigrant residing in New York City, is on a business trip in Chicago. During his phone call with his wife, he expresses his concerns about the daily life back in New York during his absence: ______

Which quotation from Mr.Hong's phone call best supports the assertion?

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"My dear friend is organizing a celebration for the Harvest Moon and has requested that I prepare a traditional Korean sweet rice cake. I hope my efforts match your fond memories of the treats from our homeland."

"I will be visiting the vibrant city of Detroit next month, where I shall be greeted by the nephew of the Esteemed Scholar."

"Please remember to tend to our small garden, the fish in the pond, and ensure the windows are closed if the autumn winds grow too cold."

"The hospitality of my hosts here is commendable, and I find myself both humbled and uplifted by the kindness shown to me by strangers in this foreign land."

The ancient Egyptians established a flourishing civilization by 3100 BCE along the Nile River. The predictable flooding of the Nile provided fertile soil for crops, which was a cornerstone of Egyptian agriculture. The consistent yearly inundations allowed the Egyptians to develop a calendar based on the river's cycle. With an efficient irrigation system, they harvested abundant yields. As a result, the Egyptians ______

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

primarily cultivated crops that could withstand flooding.

experienced frequent food shortages due to the unpredictability of the Nile.

had to import grain from neighboring regions to support their population.

could build a surplus that supported the development of arts and architecture.

One theory behind human tool use speculates that it originated with a ground-dwelling ancestor that used basic hand movements for foraging, similar to how capuchin monkeys do today, and eventually evolved into crafting and using tools. But recently, researchers observed orangutans, another relative of humans, using sticks to extract ants from tree trunks and using leaves for handling prickly fruits. These observations may suggest that _____

Which choice most logically completes the text?

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Mark for Review

tool use was an accidental discovery made by orangutans.

tool use originated from ground-dwelling ancestors who transitioned to the trees.

tool use evolved because it was advantageous for extracting and handling food resources.

basic hand movements are the precursors of tool use in humans.

In the heart of the bustling metropolis, the newly installed water fountains in the public squares ______ a soothing murmur that drowns out the noise of the traffic. This subtle symphony of water has been lauded by city dwellers for bringing a sense of tranquility to their hectic daily lives.

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

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offers

offer

to offer

offering

In her evocative sculpture series Roots and Branches, artist Isabella Kim unraveled themes _____ connection, growth, and heritage by intertwining natural elements and embedding ancestral tokens, such as family crests, within her pieces

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

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of,

of—

of:

of

The delicate balance of marine ecosystems often ______ on the health of coral reefs, which provide shelter and resources for a vast array of ocean life. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these biodiverse underwater structures from the impacts of climate change and pollution.

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

18
Mark for Review

depends

depend

have depended

are depending

In the mid-19th century, Elisha Otis invented a device that transformed the construction industry and urban life. He designed the safety elevator, which ______ to the more dangerous hoisting systems used at the time.

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

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were safer, more reliable alternatives

were a safer, more reliable alternative

are safer, more reliable alternatives

was a safer, more reliable alternative

The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States, has been shaped over millions of years by the Colorado River. ______ crust, creating the majestic views we see today.

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

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The rivers' steady erosion has carved deep into the Earths'

The river's steady erosion has carved deep into the Earth's

The rivers steady erosion has carved deep into the Earth's

The river's steady erosion has carved deep into the Earths

While many people think of archaeology as solely the study of human artifacts and ruins, the field often overlaps with other scientific disciplines. Archeologist Hannah Stein is praised for her explorations of Mayan ruins, but she also dedicated herself to paleobotany, the study of ______ numerous fossil specimens and providing essential insights into prehistoric plant life.

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

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Mark for Review

fossil plants; examining

fossil plants. Examining

fossil plants examining

fossil plants, examining

On busy urban streets, designated bike lanes ______ cyclists with a safer route, separated from the flow of motorized traffic. This infrastructure not only protects riders but also encourages city residents to consider cycling as a viable transportation alternative.

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

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provides

provide

to provide

providing

As a pioneer of the science fiction genre, Jules Verne was renowned for blending scientific fact with imaginative storytelling. In his famous novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, he combined richly detailed scientific knowledge with fantasy ______ a thrilling tale of underwater adventure.

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

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weaves

wove

to weave

is weaving

The koala is an iconic Australian marsupial, known for its tree-dwelling habits and eucalyptus diet. Due to habitat destruction and climate change, koalas face the threat of diminishing food sources and living spaces. ______ conservation efforts have been ramped up in recent years, focusing on habitat preservation and the creation of wildlife corridors to ensure the species' survival.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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For example,

Moreover,

Consequently,

Previously,

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, was an international treaty that committed its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emission. ______ the agreement included mechanisms such as emissions trading, which allowed countries to meet their targets by buying and selling emissions allowances.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Alternatively,

Moreover,

Consequently,

Previously,

Medical treatments have traditionally emphasized medication and surgery, but there is a noticeable shift underway. ______ holistic approaches are gaining traction, demonstrated by the surge in demand for alternative therapies.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

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Moreover,

Increasingly,

Nevertheless,

On the contrary,

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

•           Hurricanes are powerful storms that can cause significant damage.

•           Meteorologist Mark Hughes studied the factors that influence hurricane intensity.

•           He used climate data and computer models to analyze historical hurricane patterns.

•           The study found that higher sea surface temperatures contribute to increased hurricane intensity.

•           Hughes further hypothesized that as sea surface temperatures rise due to global warming, hurricanes are likely to become more intense.

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

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Mark for Review

Meteorologist Mark Hughes used climate data and computer models to study the relationship between sea surface temperatures and hurricane intensity.

The study by Mark Hughes found that higher sea surface temperatures due to global warming could lead to more intense hurricanes.

Meteorologist Mark Hughes studied the factors that make hurricanes more intense.

Hurricanes, which can cause significant damage, may become more intense in the future due to global warming, according to Mark Hughes.