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*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
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You must use reasoning to determine the relationship between sentence parts
in the Sentence Completion subsections.
The skill lessons and accompanying quizzes that follow this overview are
designed to provide you with strategies, concepts, important signal
words, and practices before you take the SAT.
The review and practice sections that follow this overview contain the
four types of sentence completions found on the SAT: defmitional,
contrast, cause-effect, and synonym. In each of the four review lessons,
you will fmd important information related to one specific type of
sentence completion. You will also fmd links to all strategies you
should use for sentence completions and an extensive list of the most
frequently occurring vocabulary used on the SAT. You can also access
strategies from the Table of Contents, and be sure to review the all-
important SAT vocabulary.
Each sentence completion review lesson takes you through the following
strategies for success:
Signal Words
Key Words and Phrases
Positive and Negative Words
Sentence Direction
(A) bellicose
Strategize to Maximize
Although this may seem like an extensive list of things to do, with
practice you will be surprised at how quickly you can scan for these.
By using these procedures, you are strategizing to maximize your
success. Your improved scores will please you!
Two-Blank Sentences
When a sentence completion contains two blanks, you have to plug in the
words in the same order as they appear in the answer; the first word
goes in the first blank and the second word goes in the second
blank. You may not switch them around.
Now you are ready to dig into the actual lessons and take practice
quizzes on the four types of sentence completions.
Review Time
DEFINITION SENTENCES
Most of the time, the definition for the missing word will be found in
key words within the sentence. The first step in selecting the correct
word is to locate the key definition words.
Gary was confused by the dilemma in which he was caught so he sought his
mentor, a man who was wise and experienced in solving such problems.
The first step is to locate the key definition words—in this example, a
man who was wise and experienced. These key words define a mentor,
someone who provides guidance and is wise and experienced.
Examples
Here are two more examples of defmition sentences that contain key
words to guide you to the correct answer. Before you look at the
solutions, try to fill in the blank with your own word choice.
Example 1
Explanation:
(A) Curtail means to curb or rein in. This word does not fit the
definition because the attorneys are adding.
(B) Amended means to change. This word fulfills the definition of
adding, expanding, and altering the contract.
(C) Enact means to decree, legislate, or pass a law. This word is
related to the legal world, but according to the definition within
the key words, you are seeking a word that suggests changing a
contract.
(D) Voided means to declare something invalid. The attorneys are
adding and refashioning, not passing a judgment to cancel the contract
(E) Compressed means to condense, but the key words indicate that the
attorneys are adding terms. This answer communicates the opposite
of the sentence's direction.
Example 2
She was honest, open, and frank during her testimony, so much so
that her - - - - helped solve the mystery.
(A) reservation
(B) blunder
(C) excitement
(D) candor
(E) reluctance
Hint:
The key words that define the missing word are honest, open, and frank.
What word is defined by these key words?
Explanation:
If you are not familiar with the idea of mapping the direction of a
sentence, read the following information carefully.
When you map the direction of a sentence, what you are looking for is an
order within the flow of sentence parts. All sentences have this order.
Some move from positive (+) to negative (-); some move from positive
(+) to positive (+); some move from negative (-) to negative (-); some
move from negative (-) to positive (+). In other words, + to - means that
the sentence opens with a positive idea then shifts to a negative one.
If the sentence completion has only one blank and the direction of the
sentence is positive, look for a + word in the answer choices and
quickly eliminate any - words. For example:
(A) specific
(B) caustic
(C) generous
(D) casual
(E) careful
Use the same strategy if the sentence completion has two blanks.
Example 3
(A) agnostic
(B) moralistic
(C) monotheistic
(D) polytheistic
(E) hedonistic
Study the prefixes used in the answer choices. What word uses a
prefix that means "many"?
Explanation:
The prefix poly means many. Because the ancient Greeks and Romans
worshipped many gods and goddesses, they are said to be
polytheistic. The worship of numerous gods and goddesses is the
definition of polytheistic.
Review Time
CONTRAST SENTENCES
The most important concept that you should recognize when working with a
contrast sentence is that one sentence part REVERSES another sentence
part. Two other words associated with this concept are CONTRADICTS and
OPPOSES.
The signal words rather than establish the sentence direction, and the
missing word will reverse that direction by creating a contrast to the
key words in depth. Consider the answer choices below. What word is
the best contrast for the key words in depth?
(A) detailed (B) careful (C) studied (D) cursory (E) remedial
The signal word instead establishes the sentence direction, and the
missing word will reverse that direction by creating a contrast to
the
key words wither and wilt. Consider the answer choices below. What
word is the best contrast to the key words wither and wilt?
(A) die (B) flourish (C) desiccate (D) terminate (E) resist
Now you try it. Read the following two contrast sentences. Look for the
signal words, sentence direction, and key words to aid in selecting the
correct answer.
Example 1.
(A) scornful
(B) intrigued
(C) baffled
(D) impressed
(E) harassed
Hint:
Notice the signal word however and the key word clarified. What
word will change the direction of the sentence and contrast with the key
word clarified ?
Explanation:
Example 2.
(A) tempestuous...temperate
(B) violent...turbulent
(C) noisy...boisterous
(D) irritating...lackluster
(E) languid...sluggish
Tip: You will not find a signal word in this sentence. Not all
sentences have them; instead, you will find words that suggest one
of
the signal words. In this sentence, the words were replaced by take the
place of a signal word.
Hint:
The key words are storms, raged, warm, and cool. What set of
words best contrasts with these key words?
Explanation:
Before you take the first quiz on contrast sentences, remember the
important strategies we have reviewed:
Locate the signal words. Identify the direction in which the sentence is
moving. Locate the key word or words.
Now you should be ready to take the first quiz and be successful in
practicing your skills at selecting the correct answer for contrast
sentences.
Review Time
CAUSE AND EFFECT SENTENCES
Always begin by looking for the signal word that helps to identify the
type of sentence completion. The list below contains the most common
signal words for cause and effect sentences.
because as a result hence in order to
since thus therefore so
consequently if...then
Because she was - - - - with tools and machines, she earned a good
reputation for tuning engines effectively.
(A) capable
(B) adept
(C) clumsy
(D) able
(E) awkward
Hint:
Notice the major signal word because is used to introduce the cause-
effect relationship. Also, note the key words with tools and machines
andfor tuning engines effectively. What is the answer that best fits
the logic of the sentence?
Explanation:
The signal word because points to the cause, and the second part of the
sentence states the effect. She is adept, or skillful, so this results
in her earning a good reputation.
Have you ever wondered why the word you selected fits into the
sentence but another word is considered better? This often happens
to students and frequently occurs in the Sentence Completion section
of the SAT.
All words, in addition to having denotation and connotation, also have a
degree of intensity. Always select the highest degree if more than
one word appears to be the correct answer.
For example, in the answer choices supplied for the first sentence we
examined, the words capable, adept, and skillful are all positive and
appear to be correct, but of the three, only adept has the highest
degree of intensity for the general concept involving ability. Adept
means
clever or expert and has a higher degree of intensity than being just capable or
skillful .
Because cause and effect sentence completions frequently use two blanks,
it is important to know a strategy that can help you eliminate incorrect
answers. Once again, the positive-and-negative-words strategy
comes to the rescue.
Step 2: All you need to do is scan the first word of the pairs in each
answer. If the first word does not match the direction of the first
blank, eliminate the entire answer. With those answers that remain,
quickly scan in order to eliminate choices in which the second word
moves in a different direction from that of the second blank.
Here are more examples for additional practice before you take the
first cause and effect quiz.
Remember:
Example 1
(A) summary
(B) accuracy
(C) graciousness
(D) gallantry
(E) sparseness
Hint:
Notice the major signal word because and the key words can rely on,
witnesses' testimony, andsolved quickly. The blank also requires a +
word.
Explanation:
The answer is (B), accuracy.
Example 2
(A) startled
(B) humiliated
(C) gratified
(D) snubbed
(E) polarized
Hint:
Notice the signal word so and the key words controversial, rift, and
divided. These words are negative (-) and require a negative word in the blank.
Explanation:
The answer is (E), polarized.
Example 3
(A) remote...observe
(B) ominous...detect
(C) predictable...foresee
(D) ancient...determine
(E) violent...disregard
Hint:
Explanation:
Review Time
SYNONYM SENTENCES
Now you try it. Read the sentence that follows. Locate the key
word first, then review the answer choices to determine which
word is the best synonym or a word closely related to the key
word.
(A) forgave
(B) reprimanded
(C) commended
(D) appeased
(E) apprehended
Hint:
The key word is scolded. What word is the best synonym for
the key word scolded?
Explanation:
and additionally
also as well as
furthermore moreover
beyond this indeed
in fact in a like manner
in a similar manner just as
(A) antagonize
(B) ridicule
(C) dominate
(D) unwind
(E) n u l l i fy
Hint:
Notice the signal word and along with the key word reverse.
What word is closely related to the key word reverse?
Explanation:
The angry old hermit was notorious in his town for being spiteful and
(A) benevolent
(B) benign
(C) amicable
(D) malevolent
(E) gregarious
Hint:
Explanation:
Hint: You will never see a positive (+) key word and a negative (-)
missing word. That kind of sentence direction would contradict the
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) agnostics
(B) charlatans
(C) monotheists
(D) capricious
(E) expatriates
Question 2.
(A) affectations
(B) courtesies
(C) flummeries
(D) segues
(E) banalities
Question 3.
(A) timorous...apathy
(B) inflexible...blisters
(C) resolute... calamity
(D) notorious...clemency
(E) relentless...acclaim
Question 4.
(A) amiable
(B) magnanimous
(C) worldly
(D) lax
(E) miserly
Question 5.
(A) assassins
(B) quacks
(C) toadies
(D) juntas
(E) prospectors
Question 6.
(A) solitary
(B) despondent
(C) perfidious
(D) furtive
(E) gregarious
Question 7.
(A) succinct
(B) taciturn
(C) despondent
(D) apathetic
(E) extroverted
(Definitional): The key words are withdrawn and shy. What word
describes a shy person confronted by strangers?
Studyguide for the SAT Skill Quiz B: Sent. Comp.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 1:
People who believe in one god are called monotheists. Remember from
vocabulary study that mono means one.
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
Only answer (C) follows the pattern of positive (+) and then negative (-).
Although answer (E) may appear correct, the second word choice is
positive instead of negative. To be resolute is a positive attribute
meaning to be strongly determined, and a calamity is a very strong
word to characterize some type of disaster. Falling from a sheer
granite
wall would be described as a calamity.
Question 4.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 4:
Only two words are negative, lax and miserly. Eliminate the other
answers. Someone who normally would not buy lunch for anyone must
want to hoard money, the definition of the word miserly. Eliminate lax
as a faulty definition.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) goodwill
(B) expenses
(C) publicity
(D) revenues
(E) c ommitme nts
Question 2.
When the fire bell rang, the new teacher followed the directions
specified in the faculty handbook: she calmly - - - - her fourth-
graders to go quietly to the designated safety area.
(A) begged
(B) berated
(C) instructed
(D) forced
(E) enticed
Question 3.
(A) important...degrees
(B) conflicting... substance
(C) inane...benefits
(D) redundant... compensation
(E) critical...tenure
Question 4.
Question 5.
(A) ouster
(B) promotion
(C) mitigation
(D) commendation
(E) eulogizing
Question 6.
(A) angry...inducing
(B) pensive... inculcating
(C) disgruntled... supplanting
(D) mawkish presenting
(E) captivated... superseding
(A) tools
(B) artifacts
(C) objects
(D) discoveries
(E) layers
Copyright 2009, TCA, LLC. 39
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
(Definitional): Notice the key word performs. What word indicates the
correct movement of the sentence?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
Using the key words operating costs, only choice (D), revenues, is
correct. All other choices have nothing to do with paying bills.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
By using the key word performs, you will see that the only words that
will fit the sentence movement are those in choice (C), function...serve. The
sentence movement is from positive to positive. You cannot perform a
deterrent or a process. The word disservice is negative, so eliminate it.
Noise can perform a job, but it cannot officiate, so eliminate this
answer as well.
Studyguide for the SAT Skill Quiz B: Sent. Comp.
Question 5.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 6:
Eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E) because the words do not
fit the negative-to-negative movement of the sentence. Only choice
(C), disgruntled... supplanting, follows this type of negative-to-
negative sentence movement.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) victual...raconteur
(B) gourmand...glutton
(C) chef...fishmonger
(D) lummox...celebrity
(E) bon vivant...egoist
Question 2.
(A) vehemence...heat
(B) ruination...chaos
(C) excitement...strangeness
(D) cacophony...dullness
(E) vibrancy... tranquility
Question 3.
(A) regaled
(B) taunted
(C) bemused
(D) depressed
(E) embarrassed
Question 4.
(A) erroneous...disputed
(B) authentic...understood
(C) offensive... supported
(D) objectionable...lambasted
(E) accurate... applauded
Question 5.
(A) appreciates...permanent
(B) opposes...irrevocable
(C) comprehends...transitional
(D) detests...temporary
(E) relishes...transient
Question 6.
(A) chastises...revoke
(B) lauds...decry
(C) assails...tout
(D) extols...infuriate
(E) assuage...oppose
Question 7.
(A) condone...questions
(B) believe...obstacles
(C) acknowledge...conclusions
(D) comprehend... enigmas
(E) deny...postulates
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
(Contrast): Notice the signal word but and the key phrase devour
any food. Which answer choice contains the best set of words to
contrast Henry's view of himself with that of his peers?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word although and the key phrases
big- city life and secluded mountain valley. What sort of
environmental qualities establish a contrast between big cities and
secluded mountain valleys?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word but and the key phrases shouted
barbs and prisoner's calm demeanor. Which word choice creates the best
contrast between the shouted barbs and the surprisingly calm demeanor
of the prisoner?
(Contrast): Notice the signal words even though. Which words best
establish a contrast between negative and positive?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word while and the key phrases daily
medication andsubside in a few weeks. Which answer choice contains
words that establish the best contrast between the man's attitude toward
daily medication and his understanding that the ailment will subside in
a few weeks?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Gourmand...glutton. By using the contrast signal word but and the key
phrase devour any food, the best set of contrast words is choice (A),
gourmand...glutton. Someone who is a glutton will eat anything and
everything. None of the other choices works in the context of the
sentence.
Question 2.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
Taunted. Although choice (A) may appear correct, regaled does not
have the negative meaning of taunted. Only choice (B) is correct.
Choices (C), (D), and (E) do not work in the sentence context.
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) joke...tolerant
(B) repartee... churlish
(C) discussion...reticent
(D) treatise...loathsome
(E) expression...difficult
Question 2.
(A) furtive
(B) amiable
(C) menacing
(D) exuberant
(E) silky
Question 3.
(A) u n a n t ic i pa t e d
(B) accidental
(C) predictable
(D) costly
(E) unhealthy
Question 4.
(A) stoic
(B) specific
(C) debatable
(D) conservative
(E) strict
Question 5.
(A) suppressed
(B) valued
(C) applauded
(D) publicized
(E) berated
Question 6.
(A) beautiful
(B) dangerous
(C) u n r e m a r ka b le
(D) unattractive
(E) docile
Question 7.
Native Americans did not immediately become voting citizens of the United
States; on the contrary, full citizenship was a - - - - process that took
place over the course of many centuries.
(A) popular
(B) quick
(C) bold
(D) gradual
(E) superficial
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
(Contrast): This sentence has two blanks, so begin with the second
blank first. Notice the change in sentence direction created by the
signal
word even. What set of words shows how the comedian reversed the
attitude of even the worst heckler in the crowd?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word although. What word creates the best
contrast to the key word docile ?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word but. What word creates the best
contrast to the key word unexpected ?
(Contrast): Notice the signal word but. What word creates the best
contrast to the key word general ?
(Contrast): Notice the signal words on the contrary. What word best
contrasts with the key word immediately ?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Eliminate choices (A) and (C) because the second word does not
characterize a heckler. Eliminate choice (D) because the first word
is
not what comedians perform. Eliminate choice (E) because the words
are too vague. Choice (B) is correct because the brilliant repartee,
or
a quick and witty reply, was able to amuse even the most
churlish, or rude, heckler.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Eliminate choices (A), (B), (D), and (E) because they do not
contrast with the key word docile. Something that looks menacing is
in sharp contrast to the docile behavior of the mantis.
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
The best contrast to the key word unexpected is choice (C), predictable.
Eliminate the other choices because they do not create the required
contrast.
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
Eliminate choices (A), (C), (D), and (E) because they do not
contrast with the key word general. Choice (B), specific, is
always
the correct contrast word to the word general.
Studyguide for the SATSkiII Quiz E: Sent. Comp.
Question 5.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Only choice (A), beautiful, contrasts with the key words exceedingly
ugly. The other choices do not establish such a clear reversal of the
sentence idea.
Question 7.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 7:
Only choice (D), gradual, contrasts with the key word immediate.
The other choices do not establish such a contrast.
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) appreciated
(B) arbitrary
(C) invasive
(D) stable
(E) authorized
Question 2.
The attorney for the defense will - - - - the decision and will
await his client's sentencing.
(A) repeal
(B) conceal
(C) abide by
(D) confide in
(E) appeal
Question 3.
Question 4.
(A) expropriated...leaving
(B) stole...presenting
(C) culled...rewarding
(D) donated...rendering
(E) acquired... entertaining
Question 5.
(A) tradition...custom
(B) caution...daring
(C) luck...logic
(D) legerdemain skill
(E) nuance...strategy
Question 6.
(A) bolster...relief
(B) magnify... educational
(C) minimize...remuneration
(D) deter...loan
(E) ascertain... self-help
Question 7.
(A) heard...answer
(B) renounced... incursion
(C) dismissed...recourse
(D) applauded... obligation
(E) contemplated...response
Hints!
000do
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words
dictator, basic freedoms, and revolt. Which answer choice contains
a word associated with a dictator's typical behavior and a word to
indicate what the populace believed?
Studyguide for the SATSkiII Quiz E: Sent. Comp.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Bolster...relief Although choice (B) may seem correct, only the first
word could possibly work in the sentence context. Choices (C), (D),
and (E) can be eliminated because they do not work in the sentence
context. Bolster means to make stronger or support, and relief
programs aid victims of natural disasters.
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) similar
(B) divergent
(C) confused
(D) precise
(E) blunt
Question 2.
(A) perfect...ignore
(B) foolproof...shun
(C) infallible...follow
(D) undependable... accept
(E) unreliable... imitate
Question 3.
(A) eloquence...comprehensible
(B) ingenuity...clever
(C) ambiguity...vague
(D) economy... superfluous
(E) arrogance...vain
Question 4.
(A) f o r g o t a b ou t
(B) tired of
(C) lied about
(D) reneged on
(E) delivered on
Question 5.
The Pre-Clovis theory has presented scholars with new ideas on when
Native Americans first reached America because it - - - -
significant data that was previously - - - - .
(A) explores...noticed
(B) ignores... considered
(C) examines...neglected
(D) mocks...ridiculed
(E) tolerates... supported
Question 6.
(A) dearth...reasonable
(B) surplus...excessive
(C) popularity...fair
(D) obscurity...extravagant
(E) scarcity... exorbitant
Question 7.
(A) diminish...protecting
(B) dwindle... threatening
(C) expand...exposing
(D) shrink... shielding
(E) flourish...endangering
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words
problems, consensus, and viewpoints. Which choice best
explains why the curriculum committee could not arrive at a
consensus?
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words
rarely made a mistake and without question. Which answer choice
contains the best word for rarely made a mistake ?
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words lost
confidence and repeatedly. Using the strategy of positive and negative
words, which answer choice best explains why we lost confidence in the
CEO's leadership?
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words new
ideas and significant data. What was the effect on scholars of
new ideas concerning when Native Americans first reached America?
Hint for Question 6:
(Cause-effect): Notice the signal word because and the key words
new video game andprices. If the video game just came out, what
might
a store do if the supply were not equal to the demand?
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Divergent. Notice how the key words suggest the correct answer:
problems, consensus, viewpoints. Only choice (B) is the best word to
explain the cause-effect relationship. The committee had problems
arriving at a consensus because the members had so many divergent
viewpoints. The other choices are incorrect because they do not
work with the word consensus .
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) rent
(B) discharged
(C) muted
(D) ameliorated
(E) imbued
Question 2.
(A) decorous
(B) fragile
(C) calm
(D) turbulent
(E) tranquil
Question 3.
(A) frivolous
(B) flippant
(C) unfettered
(D) subdued
(E) boisterous
(A) praise
(B) detail
(C) boldness
(D) allusion
(E) paradox
Question 5.
The theory that the Greenhouse Effect will radically alter earth's
temperature and weather patterns has been met with skepticism
and - - - - on the part of some politicians.
(A) sarcasm
(B) incredulity
(C) encouragement
(D) conformity
(E) a
mity Question 6.
Farmers have been unable to plant this spring because the continual
rainfall has left the ground soggy and - - - - .
(A) arid
(B) abundant
(C) sodden
(D) placid
(E) fragile
Question 7.
The Civil War took a terrible toll on the lives of both Southerners and
Northerners because it reduced and - - - - their families.
(A) subdued
(B) decimated
(C) exulted
(D) unfettered
(E) lauded
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word fissure.
What word is the best synonym for fissure?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key words
dangerous weather conditions. What word is synonymous with dangerous
weather conditions?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word serious.
What answer is the synonym for serious?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
indirection. What word is a synonym for indirection?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
skepticism. What word is a synonym for skepticism?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
soggy. What word is the best synonym for soggy?
Hint for Question 7:
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
reduced. What word is a synonym for reduced?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 2:
Quickly eliminate choices (A), (C), and (E) because they are
opposites for dangerous weather conditions. Choice (B) does not
make sense.
Choice (D), turbulent, is correct because it is synonymous with dangerous
weather conditions.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) affable
(B) reclusive
(C) solitary
(D) belligerent
(E) deceptive
Question 2.
Neil Simon's plays are packed with characters who are charming as
well as - - - - .
(A) bland
(B) vivacious
(C) lethargic
(D) merciless
(E) erratic
Question 3.
(A) erratic
(B) exuberant
(C) pragmatic
(D) apprehensive
(E) predatory
Question 4.
(A) ridicule
(B) derision
(C) encouragement
(D) sarcasm
(E) caricature
Question 5.
(A) hedonism
(B) self-denial
(C) extravagance
(D) revenge
(E) dominance
Question 6.
(A) nontoxic
(B) refreshing
(C) devastating
(D) invigorating
(E) healthy
Question 7.
(A) discourteous
(B) efficient
(C) gracious
(D) verbose
(E) entertaining
Hints!
000050
Hint for Question 1:
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word outgoing.
What word is the best synonym for outgoing?
(Synonym): Notice the signal words as well as along with the key word
charming. What word is synonymous with charming?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
carnivorous. What word is the best synonym for carnivorous?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word praise.
What word is synonymous with praise?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word and along with the key word
sanctity. What word is synonymous with sanctity?
(Synonym): Notice the signal word indeed along with the key word
harmful. What word is the best synonym for harmful?
(Synonym): Notice the key word and. Was the manager fired for a
positive or negitive manner?
.
Answers!
0000b
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
Choice (A) is correct because affable means pleasant and at ease when
talking to others. Quickly eliminate choices (B), (C), and (D)
because they are the opposite in meaning of outgoing. Choice (E) does
not make sense.
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
By a quick process of elimination, choices (A), (B), (D), and (E) are
found to be opposite in meaning to the key wordpraise. Only choice
(C) can
be correct.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 6:
Choice (C), devastating, is synonymous with the key word harmful. All
of the other choices are opposite in meaning to harmful.
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 7:
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
Although the recipe looked very tasty, the actual cake was very
(A) palatable
(B) unsavory
(C) brusque
(D) elusive
(E) unorthodox
Question 2.
(A) fragile
(B) relevant
(C) endangered
(D) frantic
(E) fugitive
Question 3.
(A) proficient
(B) inexperienced
(C) specious
(D) inept
(E) practiced
Question 4.
(A) daring...novel
(B) innovative...repetitive
(C) unique...special
(D) commonplace...unusual
(E) mundane...predictable
Question 5.
(A) hypocrite
(B) demagogue
(C) philanthropist
(D) loiterer
(E) miscreant
Question 6.
Question 7.
(A) miser
(B) dolt
(C) sage
(D) zealot
(E) rogue
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
Use the signal word although and the key words very tasty to determine
the correct answer.
Use the signal words as a result of and the key words conservation efforts
to determine the correct answer.
Use the signal word and along with the key words unique and routine to
determine the correct answer.
Use the key words gave generously to support numerous social causes to
determine the correct answer. Also use the strategy of positive and
negative words.
Use the signal word because and the key words abstract symbols to
determine the correct answer. Try to fill the second blank first.
The signal word although indicates a contrast sentence. The correct answer
must be a contrast to the key words very tasty. Only choice (B) is a
contrast word for tasty.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
The key word expert indicates that you are looking for a definition. An
expert is someone who is proficient in a certain area. Only choice (A)
is correct. None of the other choices offers a correct definition.
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
The signal word and indicates a synonym sentence. You are looking for
synonyms for the key words unique and routine. Only choice (B) contains
correct synonyms for these key words.
Studyguide for the SAT Skill Quiz J: Sent. Comp.
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
The key words gave generously to support numerous social causes define
someone who is a philanthropist. In addition, these are positive words,
so the correct choice must also be a positive word. Only choice (C) is
correct. All of the other choices are negative words.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 7:
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
(A) supercilious
(B) untenable
(C) placid
(D) specious
(E) covert
Question 2.
(A) resilience
(B) diffidence
(C) ambivalence
(D) impulsiveness
(E) deviousness
Question 3.
(A) hybrids
(B) misconceptions
(C) toxins
(D) frauds
(E) convoluted
Question 4.
(A) irregularity
(B) animation
(C) speculation
(D) punctuality
(E) empathy
Question 5.
(A) diffidence
(B) affability
(C) dissension
(D) tenaciousness
(E) fraud
Question 6.
(A) serenity...garish
(B) extravagance...refined
(C) tranquility... sedate
(D) dignity...elegant
(E) commotion...tawdry
Question 7.
(A) sedate
(B) benign
(C) gregarious
(D) affluent
(E) banal
Hints!
0000-0
Hint for Question 1:
Use the signal word consequently and the key words could not be given a
G rating to determine the correct answer.
Use the signal word and along with the key word adaptability to
determine the correct answer.
Use the signal word because and the key words constantly kept waiting
to determine the correct answer.
Use the key words oasis andf lashing lights to determine the correct
answer. Try to fill the second blank first by using the positive-and-
negative-word strategy.
Use the signal word although and the key words shy and preferred to be
alone to determine the correct answer.
Studyguide for the SAT Skill Quiz J: Sent. Comp.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
The signal word and indicates that you are looking for a synonym or
synonymous idea. Only choice (A), resilience, is synonymous with
adaptability. The other choices contrast with the key word.
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
The key word variety signals that you are looking for a definition.
Only choice (A), hybrid, is correct. None of the other answer
choices offers a logical definition using the key word variety.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The key word division indicates that you are looking for a definition.
Only choice (C), dissension, is defined by the key word division. None
of the other choices forms this definitional relationship.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
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Review Time
CRITICAL READING OVERVIEW
If you have already reviewed this skill lesson, you may jump to the
last page and work on the specific skill lessons or take the skill quizzes
The Content
Close Reading
If you have read passively, then you have NOT mentally processed much and
come empty-handed (-brained?) to the set of questions.
Decide for yourself what symbols you wish to use to annotate the text:
underlining, stars, checkmarks, brackets, etc. The purpose of
annotations is to help you fmd information quickly. Your notations
should be made quickly and should highlight only what is most
important to
understanding the main idea and the structure (movement) of the passage,
and key phrases that you may want to return to. Be careful not to spend too
much time marking the passage: annotating is meant to save time in finding
information.
Key Words
Key words are words that can be used to fmd specific information quickly in a passage.
Finding and identifying key words can help you sort through irrelevant information
and fmd answers fast to content questions that are likely to be asked on the SAT.
To identify keywords, ask yourself the following questions while reading a passage:
Of course, not every student will circle the same words, but you should train yourself
to look for any terms that would help you understand the passage better.
Print the following passages and annotate them by underlining the main idea and circling
potentially useful key words. Jot down brief notes to yourself.
When Lincoln was voted President of the United States in 1860, South Carolina
seceded from the Union. Then Mississippi, Alabama and Florida did so, and
Georgia followed close behind on January 19, 1861. Sadly, by February 1 of that
year, Louisiana and Texas joined in. Delegates from these seven states formed the
Confederate States of America at a meeting in Montgomery, Alabama on February
4. This Southern
Confederacy voted Jefferson Davis as its provisional president, A.H. Stevens as its vice-
president, and it then began drafting a constitution.
from the Union. Then Mississippi, Alabama and Florida did so, and Georgia followed
close behind on January 19, 1861. Sadly , by February 1 of that year, Louisiana and
Texas joined in. Delegates from these seven states formed the Confederate States of
America at a meeting in Montgomery, Alabama on February 4. This Southern Confederacy
voted Jefferson Davis as its provisional president, A.H. Stevens as its vice-
Explanation:
"South Carolina seceded from the Union": may be a cause of the forming of the
Confederate States of America.
"Delegates from these seven states formed the Confederate States of America": this
phrase is underlined because it tells the main idea of the passage.
Eliot went on to write poetry in high school and at Harvard, becoming editor of the
Harvard Advocate. He also told the interviewer that he had been heavily
influenced by both Baudelaire and Laforgue during his years at Harvard.
opinion
Some poets start early. T. S. Eliot, the great early-twentieth-century poet,
once told an interviewer that he began writing poetry at the age of fourteen He
said those poems had been influenced by a gloomy ipoem he had read, and he never
Eliot went on to write poetry in high school and at Harvard, becoming editor of the
Harvard Advocate. He also told the interviewer that he had been heavily
Explanation:
Driver's education may undergo a radical change in the coming years. Instead of driving
around a parking lot, students may learn how to control a vehicle while sitting in a
classroom. Once they hit the road, they may have already logged several hours of
practice.
Driver's education may undergo a radical change in the coming years. Instead of driving
around a parking lot, students may learn how to control a vehicle while sitting in a
classroom. Once they hit the road, they may have already logged several hours of practice.
When combined with a steering wheel and brake and gas pedals, these
driving simulators
main goal
can come so close to the real thing that playing games might someday result in safer
drivers.
Explanation:
Read the question and all of the answers carefully. Look back at the
passage to fmd pertinent information that will aid you in
answering the question. (Here's where your annotations will help you
quickly locate the information.)
Think about how that information aligns with the answer choices.
Review Time
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT
The question stem will provide the line number where the word appears;
however, the contextual clues that suggest meaning may be in lines
above or below the given word.
Contextual Clues
There are four types of contextual clues that will help you decipher
vocabulary in context questions:
Definitions
Synonyms
Antonyms
Implied
Definitions
Definitions
A hurricane has wind speeds in excess of 64 knots (nautical miles per hour).
Synonyms
Your clue should come from the paraphrase "as phony as they come."
Choice (A) is the correct answer.
Antonyms
By determining what a word does not mean, sometimes you can determine
what the word does mean.
My job was easy—all I had to do was rake leaves. On the other hand, my
brother had the arduous task of mowing our three-acre lawn.
The words "on the other hand" provide a contrast between the two tasks.
Because one task was easy the other must be difficult, or burdensome.
(B) is the correct choice.
Implied Definitions
Blind people are able to read using the Braille alphabet, which is made
up of patterns of dots to represent letters. Stippled means made up of
dots.
(C) is the correct answer.
Another way the test makers might try to test your ability to
understand the meaning of words in context is to give
defmitions for similar sounding words.
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
(A) activity
( B ) arrival
( C ) discretion
( D ) composition
( E ) confusion
Question 2.
(A) difficult
( B ) hectic
(C) detached
( D ) obscure
(E) similar
The answer is E.
The fact that all three are "dealers" should clue you in to the
fact that they were somewhat alike.
Review Time
FINDING THE MAIN IDEA
Some questions ask you to state the main idea. You will not fmd this
stated verbatim in the passage, but that should be okay because you have
read the passage knowing that you would probably have to answer this
question. The main idea is a generalized statement that summarizes the
author's intent and what it is that he or she is trying to communicate
to you.
The main idea of a passage ties together most or all of its content.
Everything in the passage should relate in some way to the main idea.
If large sections of the passage don't relate to what you think is the
main idea, you have probably misunderstood something.
The main idea of a passage is often stated at or near the beginning. Look
for this statement, sometimes called the thesis statement , and underline it
with your pencil. You will then be able to refer to it later and will also
fix the main idea in your memory. Reading with a pencil in your hand is
always a good idea.
The main ideas of paragraphs are found in the topic sentence, typically
near the beginning of each paragraph. These secondary ideas help
support, explain, or develop the main idea. You might want to underline
these as well.
T
he following is from a speech by a noted member of the Progressive
movement, a political movement that was most active in the
United States in the period before World War I.
We have come now to the sober second thought. The scales of heedlessness
have fallen from our eyes. We have made up our minds to square every
process of our national life again with the standards we so proudly
set up at the beginning and have always carried at our hearts. Our
work is a work of restoration.
Here is a
question of this kind based on the sample reading passage.
Sample:
This passage shows that the Progressives were motivated by a desire to
I
n the Middle Ages, merchants and artisans formed groups called
guilds in order to protect themselves and their trades. These
appeared in the year 1000, and by the twelfth century, analogous
trades, like wool, spice, and silk dealers, had formed their own
guilds. By that time, towns like Florence, Italy, boasted as many as
50 merchants' guilds.
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
What is the main idea of the passage?
(A) Guilds were formed only for silk, wool, and spice dealers.
(B) Guilds were formed to protect trades and train new workers.
The answer is B.
The first paragraph discusses the use of guilds to protect trades,
and the second discusses the training of apprentices through
guilds.
A
laskan sled dogs, known as Huskies, are some of the hardest-working
dogs in the world. These are not your ordinary lap dogs. No way! These
dogs live in their own spacious quarters, not in the sled driver's—or
musher's—home.
They train relentlessly from the time they are quite young.
Mushers get these dogs used to their harness and to pulling small
things like wooden boards. The dogs have heavy fur coats and
padded paws that protect them in the cold weather conditions under
which they work. Pulling sleds is their passion and their life.
These dogs spend their lives pulling sleds, sometimes in very harsh
conditions, and— according to those involved in sledding—the dogs
love their work. These beautiful, smart, strong, and loyal animals
consider their work play.
Question 2.
What is the main idea of the passage?
The answer is A.
The passage emphasizes the hard work and the fact that the dogs love it.
Review Time
RECOGNIZING A PARAPHRASE
Example:
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
According to the passage, apprenticeships
The answer is D.
The fact that the apprentices learned skills and worked with master
tradesmen tells you that this is training.
Question 2.
According to the author, trade guilds
The answer is E.
The passage states that trade guilds began in about 1000 and had
grown in number by 1200.
Review Time
MAKING INFERENCES
Sometimes the answer won't be stated, but there will be one or more
hints for you. For example, if the author clearly dislikes modem
architecture, you could safely infer or conclude that the author would
prefer traditional wood furniture instead of metal and plastic furniture.
You have no way of knowing for sure, of course, but you could
logically infer that if you were asked. What you are essentially doing is
"reading between the lines" by making logical, intelligent
inferences about the author's preferences.
To infer means to deduce or conclude something based on facts. For example, if you
leave school early on Tuesday looking pale and weak and do not come to school at all on
Wednesday, your classmates can infer that you are at home with an illness. They put
the facts together and come to a logical conclusion based on those facts. You must
do the same when you are reading critically.
When reviewing the passage, a good question to ask yourself is, "What
reasonable assumptions can I make based on this passage?"
Something else to keep in mind when looking for inferences is the denotative or
connotative meaning of a word. Remember that writers use their words carefully
to
express exactly what they mean by using very particular words. Knowing this will
help you uncover an author's intents.
"He carried a red book to school with him." The word "red" is used here in its literal,
denotative form. Sometimes, however, this same word implies anger or, when
associated with temperature, heat. Those are the connotative meanings of this word.
Example:
"She is a very determined young woman" is a way of saying that the young
woman does not give up easily, and further implies that that is an admirable and
positive trait.
"She is a very stubborn young woman" also means that the young
woman does not give up easily, but carries a negative connotation.
In this example, the young woman is seen in a different light with the use of the word
"stubborn," which connotes an illogical or disrespectful refusal to do something.
If you remain aware of the fact that words can be used both connotatively and
denotatively, you will be on the road to a better understanding of inference. You will
prepare yourself better for inference.
This kind of question is difficult to answer because very often you are
looking for something that is not directly stated in the reading passage.
Signs that you have encountered this kind of question include code phrases
such as
We have come now to the sober second thought. The scales of heedlessness
have fallen from our eyes. We have made up our minds to square every
process of our national life again with the standards we so proudly
set up at the beginning and have always carried at our hearts. Our
work is a work of restoration.
Sample:
Based on this passage, one can infer that one change the
Progressives did not advocate was
Exercise
Passage 1
Question 1.
From the passage, one can conclude that the author
(A) is an experienced climber.
(B) thinks mountaineers are foolish.
(C) admires mountaineers.
(D) enjoys climbing.
(E) is physically fit.
Ask yourself, "What assumption can I make about the author based on the passage?"
The answer is C.
In the first sentence the author says that mountain climbing is "exhilarating." He then
goes on to explain the discipline and skill involved in training to climb, reinforcing
this with the fmal sentence.
Question 2.
The author suggests that
(A) mountain climbing is a fun activity.
(B) one must be serious about climbing to do so.
(C) mountaineers must train twelve months a year.
(D) one must be more than a warrior to climb.
(E) mountain climbing is for everyone.
The answer is B.
The second paragraph details what climbers do to train for climbing mountains. Their
training is rigorous, and therefore requires commitment to prepare for the climb.
Jasmine squinted her eyes at the sun glistening on the surface of the river, adjusted her
goggles for the hundredth time, and tried to calm her breathing. It was a good day to
do this: though it was only ten o'clock, the temperature was already past eighty,
and climbing quickly. May in this part of the country could be unpredictable, with
highs ranging from the sixties to the nineties. She told herself that the generously
warm outside
air would warm the river, making it easier to maintain her body temperature and
spend her energy on stroking as quickly as possible toward the fmish.
Question 1.
Based on this passage, one can assume that Jasmine is getting ready to
Look for nouns and verbs that identify the activity Jasmine will take part in.
The answer is E.
The writer mentions adjusting goggles, maintaining body temperature in the water, and
stroking quickly toward the finish, all of which combined imply that Jasmine will be
competing in a swimming race.
Question 2.
Based on information from the passage, how does Jasmine feel?
Look adjectives describing Jasmine: her behavior, attire, what she says and how she
says it.
The answer is B.
Jasmine adjusts her goggles for the hundredth time, calms her breathing, and tries to
convince herself that the water will be warm and that she will do well. These details
convey nervousness, but not fright or a desire to run away.
Passage 3
Have you ever heard sand sing? All over the world, it celebrates with song. Most
people aren't aware of that, unless they've wandered alone along certain beaches or
deserts and listened attentively.
Musical sand divides into two types: singing and booming. Singing sand is found along
shorelines, such as the Hebrides Islands above Scotland. Booming sand is found in desert
dunes—in the Sahara Desert, for instance.
Singing sands' songs range from a rich and deep sound to a high and squeaky one. These
grains of sand don't sing solos, but when someone comes along and grains of sand
are sifted through fingers, or stepped on, a note is struck and the celebration begins.
Question 1.
From the passage, one can conclude that the author
The answer is C.
In the first paragraph, the author refers to the sand as something that celebrates, and in
the last sentence of the passage, songs of the sand are referred to as a "celebration."
Both words connote pleasure and enjoyment at the sound of sand singing.
Question 2.
This passage was probably written in order to
The answer is A.
The introduction asks the reader a question about singing
sand. Each paragraph speaks of a different aspect of the
sand.
One of the most successful country music singers in the late 1940's and early 1950's
was Hank Williams. His remarkable career spanned only about four years, from 1949
until his death at age twenty-nine on January 1, 1953.
Williams' songs have been sung by every important country-western — and many
pop and rock-and-roll — singers in the United States. The songs talk of soured
love and
reckless living, elements that eventually became associated with country-western singers.
Question 1.
Based on this passage, one can infer that Hank Williams
(A) died young because of his lifestyle
(B) sang love songs most of the time
(C) was only famous for four years
(D) sang songs about life when he felt sad
(E) spent his time teaching songs to other singers
As you look at the passage, search for clues as to Williams' character and actions.
The answer is A.
That he died young because of his lifestyle is implied in the mention of "his death at
age twenty-nine," and his songs of "reckless living."
Question 2.
The author suggests that
(A) Hank Williams was the best singer this country has ever had.
(B) no other country singer has been as successful as Williams.
(C) Hank Williams' music is old-fashioned.
(D) all of the songs written by Williams are depressing.
(E) Hank Williams was very good at what he did.
The answer is E.
Williams is described as "successful," his career as "remarkable, " and
"important" country and popular singers have sung his songs. This implies his
having been good at what he did.
In her book The Writing Life, author Annie Dillard describes her daily adventures as
a writer. She has had a typewriter erupt and leave bum marks on a table, singeing her
shirt in the process. She wrote one of her books by night in a sparsely lit library, where
she had to count the library rows by touch in order to fmd her desk.
In this work, she also gives other writers information about the craft, and she does all
of this with the light touch of one comfortable writing in image. She uses metaphor
flawlessly, yet still manages to report the monotonous day-to-day details a writer
often faces.
Question 1.
Based on this passage, one can infer that the author
(A) has carefully studied the work of Annie Dillard
(B) admires Annie Dillard's writing skills
(C) thinks the life of a writer is a boring one
(D) wishes to live an adventurous life
(E) thinks metaphors are important in all writing
As you look at the passage, pay attention to all of the ways the author describes Dillard.
The answer is B.
Although some silliness is reported, it is clear in the second paragraph that the author
considers Dillard a good writer.
Question 2.
Based on this passage, one can infer that Annie Dillard
(A) often places herself in dangerous situations
(B) writes poetry, using metaphors constantly
(C) loves her work in spite of occasional challenges
(D) doesn't like writing in libraries
(E) is a teacher of writing
Pay attention to the challenges she faces and the way she writes.
The answer is C.
Although Dillard has faced challenges in her writing life (such as writing in the dark and
surviving her erupting typewriter), the passage makes it clear that she writes well and
probably enjoys it.
Review Time
Recognizing Attitude, Mood, and Tone
The terms "attitude" and "tone" refer to the author's slant on a
subject, emotions, or feelings. The author's treatment of a subject
often reflects his or her attitude toward the subject. Think "tone of
voice."
Tone is often described as the way the author feels about both
the topic and the reader. If, for example, a selection is written in
colloquial (conversational) language rather than formal language,
one might perceive that the author is "talking down" to the reader.
This
is not necessarily the case, and only a careful reading will give the
reader clues as to authorial intent.
feelings?
Read the following paired passages, noting any specific words that
indicate the authors' attitude, mood, and tone.
Passage 1
I fmd all the discussion of "saving" our trees a bit pointless. Those
oversized sticks grow again once you chop them down, so why worry?
Besides, trees are everywhere you look. They're a plentiful source
of all kinds of energy and materials, so it would be silly not to use
them. Sure, they provide shade in summer and a home for squirrels
in the winter. But we have houses, buildings, and porches for shade,
and holes in the ground protect all kinds of animals. Look, I'm
not an ogre, but I'm not one of those tree-hugging, nothing-to-do-
butcomplain kinds of people, either. I call it like I see it, and that's
that.
Passage 1
I find all the discussion of "saving" our trees a bit
pointless . Those oversized sticks grow again once you
chop them down, so why worry? Besides, trees are
everywhere you look. They're a plentiful source of all kinds
of energy and materials, so it would be silly not to use them.
Sure, they
provide shade in summer and a home for squirrels in the winter. But
we have houses, buildings, and porches for shade, and holes in the
ground protect all kinds of animals. Look, I'm not an ogre, but
I'm not one of those tree-hugging, nothing-to-do-but-complain
kinds of people, either. I call it like I see it, and that's that.
Passage 2
I'd never seen a tree so lush and generous. It offered delicate
blossoms in the spring and summer, mouth-watering apples late
summer into fall, and a stark contrast to the white all around us in
winter.
To cut that tree down, to execute such a fine specimen, was a foolish
whim. The scent was enough to convince me of the tree's healing and
soothing powers. Sweet smells of blossoms awakened me on balmy spring
mornings, and apple scents lingered long past the first turned leaf of
autumn.
Passage 2
I'd never seen a tree so lush and generous . It offered
delicate blossoms in the spring and summer, mouth-watering
apples late summer into fall, and a stark contrast to the white all
around us in winter. To cut that tree down, to execute such a fine
specimen , was foolish whim . The scent was enough to convince
me of the tree's healing and soothing powers. Sweet smells of
blossoms awakened me on balmy spring mornings, and apple scents
lingered long past the first turned leaf of autumn.
Practice Exercise
They train relentlessly from the time they are quite young.
Mushers get these dogs used to their harness and to pulling small
things like wooden boards. The dogs have heavy fur coats and
padded paws that protect them in the cold weather conditions under
which they work. Pulling sleds is their passion and their life.
These dogs spend their lives pulling sleds, sometimes in very harsh
conditions, and— according to those involved in sledding—the dogs
love their work. These beautiful, smart, strong, and loyal animals
consider their work play.
Question 1.
The author's attitude toward sled dogs is generally
(A) neutral
( B ) mocking
( C ) fearful
( D ) admiring
(E) friendly
The answer is D.
These dogs are described as "beautiful, smart, strong, and loyal,"
implying that the author admires the dogs' many positive
traits.
Passage 1
Developers are trying to buy up all of the forestland at the edge
of our town. Not only will this become an eyesore of more houses,
apartments, and shopping centers, but it will also destroy the
homes of the beautiful animals that populate this ecosystem.
Where will they go? When we destroy these homes, we can never
replace them. Let's protect the land for our grandchildren by turning
it into a wilderness preserve.
Passage 2
City taxes keep rising, and our schools are not well funded.
Money from the sale of the forestland will help our community in
the form of a new roof for the high school, higher pay for teachers,
and new computers in our classrooms. I agree that a park would be
lovely. But unfortunately, we cannot afford it! A vote against the
park is a vote for your children's education.
Question 2.
What is the relationship of the writer's attitude in the first
passage to the writer's attitude in the second in the second
passage?
The answer is D.
The first writer is against developing the site, while the
second feels it is necessary.
Review Time
TEXT DEVELOPMENT
These questions are designed to see if you understand the thought process
and techniques used by the writer. You will be asked to determine the
purpose or function of a portion of a passage, or you will need to determine
the relationship of one part of the passage to another.
It will help you to be familiar with the types of structures used in SAT
passages. There are six common structures used:
Contrast or Comparison
Main Idea Plus Examples
Main Idea Plus Supporting
Arguments Several Different Aspects
of One Idea Pro and Con
Chronological
By identifying these structures, you will not only be able to answer text
development questions, but also have a better understanding of
the main ideas in the passage.
Contrast or Comparison
This type of passage usually starts with a main idea and then follows with
several examples to support and clarify the idea.
This type also usually begins with the main idea and then develops
arguments and evidence to support the idea.
Chronological
In this type of passage, events are presented in the order in which they occurred.
Narrative and historical passages often fit into this structure.
Literary Devices
Writers use literary devices to enhance the imagery in their writing. These tools
help make the details in what they've written seem more vivid. Several commonly
used literary devices are:
Simile
Metaphor
Personification
Simile
A simile is a comparison of unlike things, but this comparison uses words such as
"like," "as," "resembles," or "than" when making the comparison. An example is the
familiar "My love is like a red, red rose."
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
Question 2.
(A) She looked like her mother in more ways than one.
(B) The baby's wail sounded like a World War II air-raid siren.
The answer is B.
This is a comparison of unlike things (a baby's cry and a siren) using the word "like."
Choice A uses "like" to compare two similar things. This is not a simile.
Metaphor
A metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things in which the author says that one
thing is another. The author does not use "like" or "as" in a metaphor. An example
is: "My uncle Jimmy is a bear." This comparison gives the reader the image of a
man with a large stature and features.
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
(A) A heavy blanket of silence covered the room after the concert.
(B) The flower waited until the first warm day to bloom.
The answer is A.
In this sentence, silence is being compared to a blanket. In Choice B, the flower is not
being compared to something else. It is blooming, which is what flowers naturally do.
Question 2.
She rose to face them, a palace among cottages. They watched as she walked away,
raising their arms and bidding her farewell.
The answer is B. In this paragraph, the woman is compared to a palace, while the others are compared to
cottages. This emphasizes their differences in both stature and elegance.
Personification
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
(A) Rising fuel costs are eating my money faster than I can make it.
(C) Looking for the answer was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
The answer is A.
Answer A is the only sentence in which an idea (object) is treated as displaying human
characteristics. It "eats" money. The other choices are either similes or not figures of
speech.
Question 2.
(B) The heavy-metal music burst forth angrily from beneath her door.
The answer is B.
In this sentence, music takes on the human characteristics of anger. The other choices
are either similes (A, C) or metaphors (D).
Practice Exercise
They train relentlessly from the time they are quite young.
Mushers get these dogs used to their harness and to pulling small
things like wooden boards. The dogs have heavy fur coats and
padded paws that protect them in the cold weather conditions under
which they work. Pulling sleds is their passion and their life.
These dogs spend their lives pulling sleds, sometimes in very harsh
conditions, and— according to those involved in sledding—the dogs
love their work. These beautiful, smart, strong, and loyal animals
consider their work play.
Question 1.
The answer is D.
The main idea that the dogs are hard working is supported by their
lifestyles, their training, and the conditions under which they work.
City taxes keep rising, and our schools are not well funded.
Money from the sale of the forestland will help our community in
the form of a new roof for the high school, higher pay for teachers,
and new computers in our classrooms. I agree that a park would be
lovely. But unfortunately, we cannot afford it! A vote against the
park is a vote for your children's education.
Question 2.
Both paragraphs reference children in order to
The answer is B.
Each appeal mentions children, making the readers aware that the
decision they make with their vote will affect their families, as
well as their community.
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Question 1.
Which of the following titles best summarizes the
content of the passage?
Question 2.
In line 57, the word "intrepid" most nearly means
(A) bold
( B ) craven
(C) brave
( D ) derisive
( E ) quixotic
Question 3.
In line 70, the word "impetuous" most nearly means
(A) sophomoric
(B) intentional
(C) juvenile
(D) immature
(E) impulsive
Question 4.
In the last paragraph, the author uses the word "ephemeral" in line 83 to express
(C) how the fleeting circles dissipated and disappeared into the waves
Question 5.
The author implies that
Question 6.
The passage as a whole suggests that
Question 7.
The author's tone in the passage is best described as
(A) pessimistic
(B) nostalgic
(C) indifferent
(D) ambivalent
(E) flippant
Question 8.
Which of the following statements concerning the author's awareness
can be inferred from the passage as a whole?
(A) He is obsessed with returning to the carefree
and daring days of his youth.
(B) The best days of his youth were spent at Pinnacle
Rock, and now he is an unhappy adult who can't go back to
the past.
(C) He feels betrayed by Mo because he enlisted in the Marines
rather than continuing his college education as they had
planned.
(D) He believes that the thrills and dares he and Mo
experienced helped them to become better adults.
(E) He realizes that his youthful experiences are part of the
past and that he can never look at Pinnacle Rock the same
way again.
6: Reread paragraph
6. Hint for
Question 7:
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Answers!
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Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 3:
The author and his friend did things for the thrill of it without thinking
of the consequences. The word that most nearly means impetuous, hasty, or
sudden is "impulsive."
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
In lines 83-85 of the passage, the context clue for the word
"ephemeral" is found after the comma: the circles "quickly
disappeared." The word
"fleeting" contained in answer (C) most nearly means the same as "ephemeral."
Question 5.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 5:
Evidence in the passage points to the risks they took on Pinnacle Rock.
There is no evidence to prove any of the other statements are true.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
Contextual clues throughout the passage indicate that the author has fond,
positive memories of his experiences. The third paragraph is one example.
Answers (A) and (D) have negative connotations. Although the author is
sentimental in some parts, the reading as a whole indicates a
nostalgic view of his past, especially his friendship with Mo.
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 8:
The author states in the last sentence of the passage that nothing would
ever be the same again. He can never go back to being the same daring youth
he was in the past. Answers (A), (B), (C), and (D) are not supported by
evidence in the passage.
The term 'Renaissance" characterizes the period or
movement that marks the transition from the medieval to the
modern world in Western Europe. During this time, poets,
artists, writers, and intellectuals, inspired by the works of
antiquity, strove to attain new creative heights. This
passage examines the characteristics of that period.
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Question 1.
Which of the following statements best
represents the major idea of the passage?
Question 2.
In line 31, Petrarch's use of the word
"Rinascita" is used to capture the
Question 3.
Which of the following statements concerning Humanism can be
inferred from the passage?
Question 4.
In line 33, the word "unadulterated" most nearly means
(A) untainted
(B) unmolested
(C) impure
(D) infected
(E) untenable
Question 5.
The phrase, "humane letters," in line 15 is used to
indicate an emphasis on inspiration drawn from
Question 6.
The passage as a whole suggests that
Question 7.
In line 61, "prolific" most nearly means
(A) essential
(B) productive
(C) diffident
(D) sparse
(E) energetic
Hints!
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Hint for Question
Read lines 14-19. Note the use of "rather than" to indicate opposites.
Question 7:
0
Answers!
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Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
Answers (A), (B), and (C) contradict the evidence in the passage. Answer
(E) is too narrow. The passage is not about medieval writers. Answer
(D) is the only answer supported by evidence in the passage.
Question 2.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question
4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 6:
Lines 37-40 and 49-53 repeat the concept that Humanists aspired to
realize their greatest potential on earth. Answers (A), (B), and (E)
are false, based on evidence in the passage. Answer (D) is too narrow
and does not cover the main idea of the passage as a whole. Only Answer
(C) focuses on the passage as a whole.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
(B) "Prolific" is a positive word. Answers (C) and (D) are negative
words. Answer (B) is positive and most nearly means the same as
prolific.
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Question 1.
The main focus of this passage is on
Question 2.
It can be inferred from this passage that the author
Question 3.
The author's reaction toward the Supreme Court's ruling is best
described as
(A) disappointment
(B) support
(C) optimism
(D) relief
(E) sarcasm
Question
4.
In line 25, the word "attributing" most nearly means
(A) ascribing
(B) characterizing
(C) explaining
(D) providing
(E) gathering
Question 5.
The author implies that
Question 6.
Which of the following headlines best summarizes the content
of the passage?
Question 7.
The word "discernible" in line 34 most nearly means
(A) amenable
(B) apparent
(C) avertable
(D) preventable
(E) arguable
Question
8.
The word "vehemently" in line 58 most nearly means
(A) intentionally
(B) apathetically
(C) vigorously
(D) cravenly
(E) thoroughly
Hints!
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Hint for Question 1:
Question 4:
0
Answers!
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Question 1.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 1:
Answer (E) is the only answer that mentions the Hazelwood case,
which is referenced in the first sentence of the first paragraph and is
woven throughout the passage as the main topic.
Question 2.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 2:
Answer (E) is the most accurate and is supported by evidence in the last
paragraph. Answer (A) indicates a vigorous opposition to the ruling.
There is no evidence to suggest to what degree the author disagrees.
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
Answers (B), (C), and (D) suggest a positive reaction. Answer (E) is
unrelated. The only answer that reflects the negative connotation of
the word, "unfortunate," in the last paragraph is (A).
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
Answers (C) and (D) make no sense since a reporter would not explain or
provide information to reliable sources based on the context of line 25.
Answers (B) and (E) are unrelated. Only answer (A) makes sense when
inserted in the sentence.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
Only answer (D) covers the main topic of the passage. All of the other
headlines are not related to the overall passage.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
Only Answer (B) makes sense when inserted in the sentence in place
of the word "discernible." Answer (C), "avertable," means
avoidable. Answer (A), "amenable," means agreeable. These answers do
not fit the context of the stem sentence.
Question 8.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 8:
Answers (B) and (D) are negatives. Answer (C) most nearly means the
same as "vehemently."
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Question 1.
Which of the following statements best represents the major idea of
the passage?
Question 2.
The author uses the word, "indiscriminately," in line 30 to
express this approach to illuminating the stage:
(A) deliberately
(B) irresponsibly
(C) inaccurately
(D) indiscreetly
(E) unsystematically
Question 3.
In line 5, the word "subtle" most nearly means
Question 4.
In the third paragraph, the author presents evidence to show that
Question 5.
Which of the following best summarizes the content of the passage?
Question 6.
The author implies that
Question 7.
In line 28, the word "neophyte" most nearly means
(A) inadequate
(B) unskilled
(C) seasoned
(D) unpretentious
(E) novice
Question 8.
In line 74, the phrase "arduous task" is used to mean
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
Question 7:
0
Answers!
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Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
Answers (A), (C), and (E) are erroneous. They contradict the content
of the passage. Answer (B) is a valid statement that is supported by
the passage; however, it is a minor statement in comparison with the
major point in answer (D).
Question 2.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
The author uses the word "subtle" to suggest use of highlights and
shadows that are not exaggerated, but rather "expressive." Read the entire
sentence. In this context, the word "subtle" most nearly means
"inconspicuous."
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
Answer (B) is tricky. Note that the first word is "expert," not
"inexperienced," lighting designers. Answers (C), (D), and (E) are
erroneous and are not supported by the paragraph content. Only
answer (A) is supported with evidence in the paragraph to explain how
lighting designers without experience can make common mistakes.
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
The first and last paragraphs support answer (C). All other answers
are either too narrow or are false statements not supported by the
passage.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
Answer (B) is true; however, it is clearly stated rather than implied in the
passage. Answers (C), (D), and (E) are false assumptions not
supported by the passage. The only statement implied by the author is
answer (A), which is supported in the first and last paragraphs.
Question 7.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 7:
Answer (C) is an antonym for "neophyte." Answers (A) and (D) are
unrelated to the context of the sentence. Answer (B) is close in meaning;
however, the word "novice" fits more appropriately into the sentence in
place of "neophyte." Always insert your last choices into the sentence to
determine the most accurate meaning.
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
Substituting the word "task" for the second word in the answer choices
automatically eliminates answers (D) and (E). Neither a burden nor a
decision closely means "task." Answer (C) reads too much into the
phrase. By replacing the stem phrase with answer choices (A) and
(B), one can determine that choice (A) most nearly means the same
as "arduous task."
According to the "Clovis First" theory, the search for the first
Native Americans begins roughly c. 11,500 B.C. near the end of the
Pleistocene epoch. Around that time, those archaeologists and
paleoanthropologists who subscribe to this model for the peopling of the
(5) Americas believe that the earliest Paleo-Indian culture found in the
Americas, that of the fluted-point hunters, had made their way from
Asia across the Bering land bridge known as Beringia. Proponents of
this theory believe that these first migratory people arrived on the vast
North American continent and found it devoid of any other humans.
(10) Support for this arrival date is often based upon the extent of
glaciation during the Pleistocene epoch. Either these people had to
arrive before 30,000 B.C. or after 11,000 B.C. because between these
dates, the ice-free corridor along the Pacific coast was closed during the
height of glaciation.
(15) Since there is no concrete archaeological evidence to support
an arrival before 30,000 B.C., those who believe in the "Clovis First"
model state that these Asian migrants crossed the land bridge from
Siberia and began moving south some time after 11,000 B.C. along the
open Pacific coast, following game and gathering nuts and berries.
(20) Further, this theory promotes that the journey to the tip of South
America was accomplished by 9000-8500 B.C., this is in light of Clovis
people sites discovered there and dated to this period.
At the heart of this theory is the belief that what appears to be
archaeological evidence of a culture earlier than 11,500 B.C. has been
(25) misdated. This includes the discoveries at Meadowcroft Rock Shelter in
southwestern Pennsylvania, Saltville and Cactus Hill in Virginia, and
the Topper site in South Carolina. The dig at Meadowcroft Rock
Shelter revealed human remains dated to 14,500 B.C., but there
continues to be strong disagreement within the scientific community as
(30) to the validity of the data collected. The "Clovis First" proponents feel
certain that the exact date remains in serious question, thus giving
credence to their settlement timetable. In addition, the fmds in Virginia
and South Carolina, believed by some to be as old as 12,000 B.C., are
also viewed with a skeptical eye.
Studyguide for the SATSkill Quiz E: Critical Reading
Passage 2
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Question 1.
The author of Passage 1 attributes proof for the "Clovis
First" theory primarily to the fact that
Question 2.
In lines 10-14, the author of Passage 1 primarily stresses
Question 3.
In line 7, the word "proponents" most nearly means
Question 4.
As used in line 32, the word "credence" most nearly means
(A) doubt
(B) credibility
(C) support
(D) proof
(E) foundation
Question 5.
It can be inferred that the primary purpose of the dates
cited in Passage 1 was to
Question 6.
In lines 25-27, the sites at Meadowcroft Rock Shelter,
Saltville, and Cactus Hill are mentioned mainly as
Question 7.
In Passage 2, the author suggests that supporters of the
"Clovis First" theory are
Question 8.
In line 35, the word "unflagging" is used to mean
(A) tireless
(B) loyal
(C) stolid
(D) stoic
(E) unwavering
Question 9.
The author of Passage 2 implies that the "Clovis First"
theory does not recognize
Question 10.
Which of the following would the author of Passage 2 most
likely say regarding the belief that no other people were
found in the Americas when the first Asians crossed the
land bridge to Alaska, as suggested in Passage 1?
(A) The Clovis people play only a minor role in
the settlement of the Americas.
(B) There is no evidence to support a land bridge from Asia to Alaska.
(C) No early evidence of boats has been found to
support an Atlantic crossing theory.
(D) Samples collected from Mesa Verde have been misdated.
(E) Mounting evidence strongly suggests arrivals in
the Americas much earlier than 11,500 B.C.
Question 11.
Which of the following statements is most clearly
supported by both passages?
Question 12.
Both supporters of the "Clovis First" theory and
supporters of a pre-Clovis culture would agree that a fmal
resolution of the quest for the first Native Americans will
be determined by
Review the passage for the main point of disagreement with pre-Clovis
theories.
Question 7:
0
Answers!
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Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 5:
Although many points of disagreement concerning when and where the first
arrivals were made are expressed, the word "accurate," as opposed to
"questionable," dates is primarily used to imply that pre-Clovis
theories are highly questionable.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 8:
Question 9.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 9:
Question 10.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 10:
Question 11.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 11:
Question 12.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 12:
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iz Time!
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Question 1.
Planck's algebraic formula was
Question 2.
The best title for the passage is
Question 3.
You can infer from the passage that prior to Planck's
hypothesis, the prevalent concepts in physics asserted
Question 4.
Planck's
reputation
Question 5.
In line 22, the word "prevalent" most nearly means
(A) ideal
(B) accepted
(C) steady
(D) controlling
(E) convincing
Question 6.
In line 35, the word "phenomena" could best be replaced with
(A) paragons
(B) events
(C) qualities
(D) p e c ul i a r i ti e s
(E) mysteries
d
Answers!
ocpoob
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Question 6.
The answer is (B).
Passage 2
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iz Time!
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Question 1.
Which of the following would be the best title for Passage 1?
Question 2.
According to Passage 1, the "two tenets" of Impressionist art are:
Question 3.
It can be inferred from Passage 1 that the Gare St-Lazare is
(A) a church
(B) a new locomotive train
(C) a train station
(D) an office building
(E) an art museum dedicated to nontraditional art
Question 4.
The author of Passage 1 would most likely agree with
which of the following statements?
Question 5.
In line 25, the word "secular" most nearly means
(A) traditional
(B) spiritual
(C) colorful
(D) worldly
(E) artistic
Question 6.
The tone of Passage 2 is best described as
(A) heroic
(B) complimentary
(C) disparaging
(D) dated
(E) allegorical
Question
7.
It can be inferred from Passage 2 that if you were to
compare two statues created by Rodin, one bronze and one
marble,
an obvious difference would be that
Question 8.
The author of Passage 2 refers to Moses in line 1 primarily to
Question 9.
You can infer from Passage 2 that Rodin's statues often
Question
10.
In lines 41-45, the author of Passage 2 suggests that Rodin
exaggerated wrinkled skin and contorted muscles primarily
to
Question 11.
A common theme shared by both passages could be expressed by the following:
Question 12.
The author of Passage 1 would most likely characterize Rodin as he is
described in Passage 2 as
d
Answers!
ocpoob
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Question 5.
The answer is (D).
Question 6.
The answer is (B).
Question 7.
The answer is (E).
Question 8.
The answer is (C).
Question 9.
The answer is (D).
Question 10.
The answer is (A).
Question 11.
The answer is (C).
Question 12.
The answer is (D).
Passage 2
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Question 1.
Passage 1 indicates that
Question 2.
It can be inferred from Passage 1 that
Question 3.
The author of Passage 1 maintains that
Question 4.
In line 9 of Passage 1, the author uses the word "accidentally"
Question 5.
The author of Passage 2 implies that
Question 6.
In Passage 2, the author distinguishes Plato as
(A) a sexist
(B) an opponent of guardian class equality
(C) a proponent of socialization
(D) the first philosopher-advocate of equality for
males and females
(E) the father of material compensation
Question 7.
According to the author of Passage 2, Plato maintained that
Question 8.
In line 57, the word "engage" most nearly means
( A) hire
( B) marry
( C) entangle
( D) secure
( E) work
Question 9.
Based on Passages 1 and 2, the author of Passage 1 would most likely
charaterize one of Plato's Guardians
Question 10.
The views expressed in Passage 1 and the views of Plato
expressed in Passage 2 are most in agreement about
d
Answers!
ocpoob
Question 1.
The answer is (E).
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Question 5.
The answer is (E).
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Question 9.
The answer is (D).
Question 10.
The answer is (A).
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Question 1.
According to the passage, the discovery of vitamins
Question 2.
The author implies that vitamins
Question 3.
The author's tone in the passage is
(A) subjective
(B) instruc tiona l
(C) intuitive
(D) pedantic
(E ) pre c a utiona ry
Question 4.
The author suggests all of the following EXCEPT
Question 5.
In line 30, the word "synthesized" most nearly means
(A) organized
(B) ma nufa c ture d
(C) destroyed
(D) detected
(E) organic
Question 6.
The best title for this passage is
Question 7.
Even if you cannot define "prothrombin" (line 42), you
can infer from the passage that it
40
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Question 1.
Which of the following best expresses the main idea of this passage?
Question 2.
You can infer from the passage that the author MOST wants people to
Question 3.
The most likely reason that the author mentions "bank
accounts" in line 2 is
(A) to alert the reader that the article contains some math
(B) to give the reader a personal incentive to recycle
(C) to promote "do-it-yourselfers"
(D) to provoke environmentalists
(E) to remind the reader that disposing of garbage is expensive
Question 4.
The word "prone" in line 15 could best be replaced by:
( A) lying
( B) likely
( C) thin
( D) inclined
( E) horizontal
Question 5.
The tone of this passage is
(A ) c onde sc e nding
(B) angry
(C ) pedantic
(D) evangelical
(E ) informative
Question 6.
The function of the land-based diner was derived from
Question 7.
The purpose of this passage is
Question 8.
You can infer from the passage that the author considers diners
Question 9.
In line 21, "resulting vacuum" refers to
Question 10.
In line 6, "touting" most nearly means
(A) soliciting
(B) informing
(C) betting
(D) advertising
(E) voting
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
Answer A is close, but the first paragraph indicates a broader focus, with
plastic bottles and bags merely being two specific examples.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
The best answer is B. Read the hint if you don't see why.
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
Answer B—"Likely" fits in the sentence, but keep trying each choice
to fmd the best choice.
Answer C—No. Just because the sentence says "The thicker the
plastic...because it is less prone " does not imply that prone
means the opposite of thick.
Question 5.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 5:
Answer A—No, the author does not "talk down" to the reader.
Answer D—Not really. Although we can assume that the author feels
strongly that recycling is important, the tone of the passage is not
"crusading" or "devout," which are two other words for
evangelical.
Answer E—Yes.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Question 7.
The answer is (E).
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Question 9.
The answer is (B).
Question 10.
The answer is (D).
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
First the bad news: your vocabulary cannot be improved with a simple
one-night crash course. The good news: you can boost your vocabulary
in the next few weeks, if you follow our student-tested advice.
Every week, for the next three to five weeks (depending upon how much time you
have before your SAT) you should do the following:
* After you have mastered the words on your flashcards start taking the
vocabulary skill quizzes, to test how well you know each word.
When you miss a word, put an asterisk next to the word on your flashcard so
you'll be sure to review that word a little harder.
Using Flashcards
Another Tip:
Sometimes, look at the word and try to guess the defmition;
sometimes, look at the definition and try to guess the word.
Doing it both ways helps the words sink in faster.
Obviously, the only truly "complete" list of words that might appear on
the SAT is a very thick dictionary. And who has time to learn 2,000 new
words?
The complete vocabulary list is divided into two parts. One part lists the
common prefixes, roots, and suffixes you should know. The other lists the
words most likely to appear on the SAT.
Even if you don't have time to learn all these words and word
parts, you can significantly improve your vocabulary by learning just
40 new prefixes and roots and the most commonly tested words.
5. caustic; vitriolic — biting; stinging; cutting; scathing Simon is famous for his
caustic and vitriolic criticism of "American Idol" contestants.
7. reprimand; castigate — to scold sharply In the movie Billy Madison, Ms. Vaughn
castigates Billy for making fun of a third- grade student who was having trouble reading.
15. sage — a person who is known for his/her wisdom; a wise person In
Star Wars Yoda is a perspicacious sage who is known for his wisdom.
16. anarchist — a person who opposes laws and government
An anarchist therefore opposes order. Sacco and Vanzetti were two very famous
anarchists who were executed because of their alleged terrorist acts.
20. swindler — a person who elicits trust and then betrays that trust; a con man or con woman;
someone who defrauds
In the movie Thelma and Louise, Brad Pitt plays the character of swindler JD., who
befriends the women and then steals their money.
26. pragmatist — a person who is practical and thus not given to flights of fancy A
pragmatic senior should always have a "safety school" when applying to college.
30. charlatan — a fake; fraud; cheat In The Wizard of Oz, the Wizard turns
out to be a charlatan, not a real wizard.
"Lack of Words
33. ambivalent — lacking conviction (strong belief) because of mixed feelings In the
movie Gladiator, Emperor Commodus is ambivalent about giving the order to kill Maximus
in the Coliseum. He wants to eliminate a rival, but he also wants to please the crowd.
34. paltry— of little value; trifling, and therefore lacking significance The
convicted criminal's paltry apology did little to lessen his victim's pain.
40. lethargic; anemic; languid; slothful — lacking in energy, vitality, and vigor
Video games such as Dance Dance Revolution are a good way to get lethargic individuals
off the couch and exercising while having fun at the same time.
42. impulsive; impetuous; precipitous — acting in a rash, hasty manner without fully
considering the consequences
In the movie Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack Sparrow repeatedly urges Will to stop
being so impulsive and wait for the opportune moment. In the movie Finding Nemo, Nemo
impulsively swims out into the ocean toward the diving ship.
51. trite, cliché — commonplace; ordinary and therefore lacking originality; humdrum
Students should use fresh, original sentences in their writing instead of trite
expressions such as "as pretty as a picture."
55. despondent; dejected; depressed — all mean feeling very down and discouraged
In the movie The Lion King Simba is despondent when he is unable to save his father.
56. deleterious — things are going down in the sense of being harmful, hurtful and detrimental
Smoking cigarettes is deleterious to your health.
57. belittle — to make someone feel really little; to put someone down; to disparage
Simon often belittles contestants on "American Idol" if they sing poorly.
58. belie — to lie in the sense of contradicting
In the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, the words in Kat's poem actually belie her true
feelings about Patrick
64. exculpate; exonerate -- both mean to free from blame; to declare innocent In
the movie My Cousin Vinny, Marisa Tomei's character, Lisa, uses her expert
automotive knowledge on the witness stand to exonerate the two youths.
Degree
75. trepidation — great fear Dorothy and her friends are filled with trepidation as they
approach the Wizard of Oz.
85. munificent — very generous Oprah is known for bestowing munificent gifts on
members of her studio audience.
88. affable — friendly The hostess was the life of the party
because she was so affable.
90. unctuous — too smooth; too suave and thus giving a false sense of earnestness In
the movie School of Rock, the unctuous Dewey Finn tries to persuade his principal to
give him permission to take his class on a 'field trip."
91. sanctimonious — making a show of being devout and thus giving a sense of false
piousness
A sanctimonious person comes across as being "holier than thou." In School of Rock,
Patty (Ned's wife) is a sanctimonious busybody, who reveals Dewey's true identity.
102. stipulate — to specify; set forth The contract with the decorator stipulates
the maximum amount he can charge.
103. pretext — an excuse; an alleged reason
In Dr. Seuss' book The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, the Cat talks his way into the
children's house under the pretext that he would like to come in to get out of the
snow.
105. autonomy — self-rule; independence In the movie Men in Black, the MIB is
an autonomous government organization.
Science
Language Arts
122. satire — a literary work that ridicules and derides human vices and weaknesses
Authors use satire to make fun of situations they feel are unjust.
124. epic — a lengthy story about the heroic deeds of a legendary hero
Compared with Homer's epic poem The Iliad, Wolfgang Petersen's movie Troy seems to
be more like a vignette.
130. vacillate — to waver; hesitate; swing back and forth; be indecisive Hamlet
vacillates over which course of action to follow: "To be, or not to be."
135. supplant — to take the place of Happy Gilmore supplants Shooter McGavin
as the biggest star on the golf tour.
138. archaic — obsolete; old-fashioned; out-of-date and thus not "in," "with it," or
contemporary
The students felt that their school's dress code was archaic and outdated.
145. arcane — obscure; mysterious; esoteric Shania Twain sings about being
unimpressed with men who bore her with arcane facts.
156. synergy — the positive energy that results when two different elements are
combined
There was surprising synergy when Aerosmith and Run DMC combined to perform the
song "Walk This Way."
186. improvised; impromptu — done on the spur of the moment without preparation
In the beginning of School of Rock, Dewey's lessons were all improvised; they
lacked preparation.
benediction a blessing
benefactor one who has given help, especially financial
benevolent inclined to do good, kind
benign good natured, kindly, favorable, not malignant
PREFIX: UN (not)
PREFIX: A (no,not)
PREFIX: RE (back,again)
redundant repetitive
refurbish to make new again, renovate
rejuvenate to make young again
repatriate to return to one's country of origin
resilient able to bounce back from adversity or change
revitalize to give new life to
revoke to take back
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS
These are the principal ways the SAT tests to see if you can recognize when
sentences are grammatically correct:
Verb Tense
Subject-Verb Agreement
Noun/Pronoun Agreement
Pronoun Reference
Ambiguous
Reference
Adjective/Adverb convention
Possessive
Form Double
Negative
Diction
Examples:
Incorrect: Sheila constantly loses her keys and then
asked me to drive her home. ("loses" is in the present tense, but
"asked" is in the past tense.)
Correct: Sheila constantly loses her keys and then
asks me to drive her home. (Both verbs are in the
present tense.)
Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct sentence.
Question 1.
(A) I would not have called if I had knew you were sleeping.
(B) I would not have called if I had known you were sleeping.
Question 2.
(A) At the end of the play, the entire
cast comes onstage and takes a
bow.
(B) At the end of the play, the entire
cast comes onstage and will take a
bow.
Pronoun Shifts
This type of error occurs when pronouns shift from one form to
another.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Example:
Incorrect: The dog, along with several cats, were
chasing cars. (The subject of the sentence, "dog" is singular and
needs a singular verb.)
Correct: The dog, along with several cats, was chasing cars.
The phrases "in addition to" and "as well as" are often placed
between the subject and verb, as "along with" is in the sentences
above. To choose the correct form of the verb, read the sentence
without the phrase.
Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct sentence.
Question 1.
(A) Carmen's painting, unlike the
other artworks, was abstract.
(B) Carmen's painting, unlike the
other artworks, were abstract.
Question 2.
(A) My aunts, as well as my mom, are from Spain.
(B) My aunts, as well as my mom, is from Spain.
Examples:
Incorrect: Every one of the boys needs to get their
hair cut. (The antecedent "one" is singular and needs a singular
pronoun.)
Correct: Every one of the boys needs to get his hair cut.
Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct sentence.
Question 1.
(A) The legislature will hold their
fmal session tomorrow.
(B) The legislature will hold its fmal
session tomorrow.
Question 2.
(A) Each player must buy their own uniform.
(B) Each player must buy her own uniform.
Pronoun Reference
Examples:
Note that the pronoun "you" has the same form in the subjective
case and in the objective case.
Example:
Incorrect: She winning the lottery was a great shock.
Correct: Her winning the lottery was a great
shock.
Exercise:
Choose the correct sentence.
Question 1.
(A) The voice on the phone was muffled, but
it could have been he.
(B) The voice on the phone was muffled, but
it could have been him.
Question 2.
(A) The librarian gave Clem and I a lecture about eating in
the library.
(B) The librarian gave Clem and me a lecture about eating in
the library.
Ambiguous Reference
Examples:
Ambiguous: Joe told Bill that he was lucky. (he" could refer
to either Joe or Bill.)
Clear: Joe told Bill that Bill was lucky. (the pronoun has been
replaced by a noun.)
Clear: Joe said to Bill, "You are lucky." (The sentence is
constructed as dialogue.)
Ambiguous: Sue saw Sally when she was waiting for the bus.
("she" could refer to either Sue or Sally.)
Clear: While Sue was waiting for the bus, she saw Sally. (The
pronoun and its antecedent have been moved to make their
relationship clear.)
Practice Exercise:
Choose the sentence in which the relationship between the pronoun
and its antecedent is clear.
Question 1.
(A) Dave missed the game, which caused quite a
controversy.
(B) Dave's absence from the game caused quite a
controversy.
Question 2.
(A) When the remote-controlled model
airplane hit the window, it broke.
(B) The window broke when the
remote- controlled model
airplane hit it.
Possevive Pronouns
Singular Plural
First Person my, mine our, ours
Second Person your, yours your, yours
Third Person his, her, hers, its their, theirs
Examples:
Adela asked Jake to critique her essay.
If Troy and Kevinwin the contest, the prize will be theirs .
Examples:
Max is my dog. Max is mine.
Pay particular attention to its and their. These two confuse many
Do not confuse it with the contraction they're (which means there are) or the
adverb there (which shows location).
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
(A) Kaya and Sarah are going to do
there homework together.
(B) Kaya and Sarah are going to do
their homework together.
Question 2.
(A) The city is celebrating their 100th
anniversary.
(B) The city is celebrating its 100th
anniversary.
The correct answer is B. Use a singular possessive pronoun "its" to agree with the
singular noun "city."
Adjective/Adverb Convention
Make sure that you use adjectives and adverbs correctly. An adjective
modifies a noun or a pronoun. An adverb modifies a verb, an
adjective, or another adverb.
Examples:
Watch out for "good" and "well." "Good" is an adjective, and "well"
is an adverb.
Example:
Correct: To get a good grade you must do well on your tests.
The adjective "good" modifies the noun "grade," and the adverb "well"
modifies the verb "do."
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) Pete pitched outstanding in last night's game.
(B) Pete pitched outstandingly in last night's game.
Question 2.
(A) The vet said that the kitten's
prospects for recovery are well.
(B) The vet said that the kitten's
prospects for recovery are good.
Double Negative
You probably won't see the double negative "not no" on the SAT.
But you will see errors using the phrases "hardly no," "barely
no," "scarcely no," and "couldn't hardly."
Examples:
Incorrect: There were scarcely no jobs
available. ("scarcely no" is a double negative.)
Correct: There were scarcely any jobs available.
Examples:
Incorrect: All the birds left the area because there was
hardly no food.
Correct: All the birds left the area because there was no
food. (The double negative has been corrected to show the most likely
intended meaning. Since all the birds left, there probably was no
food.)
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) The girl's answers to our questions
didn't make any sense.
(B) The girl's answers to our questions
hardly made no sense.
Question 2.
(A) We don't need but $20 for gas.
(B) We need only $20 for gas.
Diction
The SAT tests your ability to choose the correct word for a given
context. Words that are commonly misused and confused will show up
several times in each SAT.
Examples:
accept, except (Accept means "receive." Except means
"exclude" or "excluding.")
The local college accepted everyone's application except his.
Make sure you know the meanings of these words and how to use them
correctly.
Practice Exercise:
Choose the correct sentence.
Question 1.
(A) The game had to be postponed because
a thunderstorm was imminent.
(B) The game had to be postponed because
a thunderstorm was eminent.
Question 2.
(A) The short story makes an illusion to
an event that actually occurred.
(B) The short story makes an allusion an
event that actually occurred.
Verbs in the active voice make sentences more effective and emphatic.
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iz Time!
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Question 1.
We've collected several items to auction: Rick's watch, Tony's bike, and
Ross's A
B
golf clubs, but most of the merchandise is your's . No error
CD E
Question 2.
I love to cook Italian dishes made from scratch , but my specialty are pasta
dishes A B C
with a variety of sauces. No error
D E
Question 3.
Danielle stayed late and practiced reading Macbeth with Kathy because
she A B
wanted to make sure their performance would be flawless. No
error C D E
Question 4.
My plate came with two enchiladas; however , I could not eat both, so I had
the A B C
waiter wrap one and took them home to eat later. No error
D E
Question 5.
The mayor, along with several prominent businesses and council members, have
A B
given a generous contribution to local artists . No error
C D E
Question 6.
Question 7.
John, Heather, and Kim got into an inane argument because they did
not agree on who is the funniest comedian : Buster Keaton or Jerry
Lewis.
comedian Question 8.
By the time I wash the car, walk the dog, and drop off my little
brother at his friend's sleepover party, my friends will have
already left on their camping trip.
Question 9.
The fog was so thick that Monica couldn't hardly see anything;
nevertheless, she was driving too quickly and ran into a parked
vehicle.
(B) Despite the fact that they are bred and trained
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
flawless performance?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is D.
Possessive pronouns do not need apostrophes.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
The verb should agree with the subject: "specialty is."
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is B.
"She" could refer to Danielle or Kathy. The pronoun should be
replaced with one of the girls' names.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is D.
Only one enchilada gets wrapped, so the writer took it home.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
A phrase will not change the number of the verb. The mayor has donated money.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is D.
The verb "wrote" should be "write" to keep the verb tense
Question 7.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is E.
"Funnier" compares two things, while "funniest" compares three or more.
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is A.
The sentence is correct as it is.
Question 9.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is C.
This is a double negative. Try "Monica could hardly see anything" or
"Monica couldn't see anything."
Question 10.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is A.
The sentence is correct as it is.
el
iz Time!
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Question 1.
By next semester, all seniors will have been send several entrance applications
A B
to colleges of their choice . No error
C D E
Question 2.
Before takeoff, the flight attendant asked each passenger to read the brochure
for A B
their safety in the event of an emergency . No error
C D E
Question 3.
After the principal announced that several cars in the parking lot had their
lights A B
on, Alice told the teacher that her car lights were still on. No
error C D E
Question 4.
Question 5.
Question 6.
Yesterday, my brother learns that he is not required to wear a suit and tie to
his job interview next week.
Question 7.
Before obtaining your driver's license, you must take driver education, get your
learner's permit, and the rules of the road must be learned.
(A) you must take driver education, get your learner's permit, and the rules
of the road must be learned.
(B) you must take driver education, get your learner's permit, and learn
the rules of the road.
(C) you must take driver education and get your learner's
permit and learn the rules of the road.
(E) you must take driver education, get your learner's permit, and
learning the rules of the road.
Question 8.
The method by which the party control the actions of its members is known as
political influence.
Question 9.
I was supposed to take Mandy and Lisa to the beach in my car, but they refused,
claiming that I desperately needed to wash it.
Failing the reach the summit, morale of the hikers was low.
(A) Failing the reach the summit, morale of the hikers was low.
(C) The morale of the hikers was low when they failed to reach the summit.
(D) The hikers' morale was low failing to reach the summit.
(E) When the summit could not reach reached by them, the hiker's morale
was low.
Hints!
0000.0
2: Whose safety is at
Question 3:
5: Avoid double
Question 6:
Does the first part of the sentence correctly modify the subject?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is A.
All seniors "will have sent" would be correct. The action will end before the end of the semester.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
The pronoun "their" is plural; "each passenger" is singular. The pronoun should be singular: "his or her
safety" is correct.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D.
It is difficult to know whose car lights are still on—Alice's or the teacher's.
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is B.
When a singular and a plural subject are joined by "or," the verb agrees with the subject nearer the verb.
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is C.
"Hardly" and "no" are both negative words. "Hardly any damage" corrects this double negative.
Question 6.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is E.
The event happened yesterday. The correct verb should be "learned."
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is B.
In order to make all three phrases parallel, change the passive "the rules of the road must be learned" to
"learn the rules of the road." Answer D makes it parallel, but it contains a comma splice.
Question 8.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is D.
The singular "party" takes the singular verb "controls." Answer D also uses the correct possessive
pronoun "its."
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is A.
"Desperately" should modify "needed." It should not modify "wash" or "claiming."
Question 10.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is C.
As it is written, "morale" failed to reach the summit. Answer C corrects this dangling modifier.
el
iz Time!
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Question 1.
Question 2.
Question 3.
Question 4.
Question 5.
He didn't seem to be
effected A B C
by the loss of his job. No
error
D E
Question 6.
Please be careful with that china, because it could very easily get busted .
easily Question 7.
Question 8.
Question 9.
Hints!
000do
voice.
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
(C) "their" is
incorrect. They're is the
correct form.
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
(C) is incorrect.
"Effected" means "caused"; "affected" means "influenced" or "changed." If a
person is affected by an event, that event had an effect on the person.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 8:
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
Question 10.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 10:
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
Sentence Construction
The SAT test will test your ability to recognize errors in standard
English conventions and sentence construction. These will include:
Parallel Structure
Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers
Sentence Fragments Run-ons
and Comma Splices
Idioms
Faulty Comparisons
Wordiness
Parallel Structure
Examples:
Incorrect: The students read, wrote, and they recited. (The
first two items in the series are single words, while the last item is
a clause.)
Correct: The students read, wrote, and recited. (The three
items are parallel in their construction.)
Practice
Exercise:
Choose the sentence in each pair that has parallel structure.
Question 1.
(A) Activities at the picnic included pitching
horseshoes, riding horses, and softball
games.
(B) Activities at the picnic included pitching
horseshoes, riding horses, and playing
softball.
Question 2.
(A) Jessica took classes in karate, tai
chi, and yoga.
(B) Jessica took classes in karate, tai
chi, and learned yoga.
Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers
Examples:
Unclear: I baked cookies for my friends with nuts in them. (The
modifying phrase "with nuts in them" seems to modify the closest noun,
"friends.")
Clear: I baked cookies with nuts in them for my friends. (The
modifying phrase has been moved so that it is closest to the noun it
modifies, "cookies.")
Unclear: We bought sandwiches in a gas station that must have been two
weeks old. (The modifying clause "that must have been two weeks
old" seems to modify the closest noun, "station.")
Clear: We bought sandwiches that must have been two weeks old
in a gas station. (The modifying clause has been moved so that it is
closest to the noun it modifies, "sandwiches.")
Examples:
Practice Exercise:
Choose the sentence in which the modifier is used correctly.
Question 1.
(A) I served cake after the
graduation ceremony that I
made myself.
(B) I served cake that I made myself after
the graduation ceremony.
Question 2.
(A) After I had waited for weeks, the letter
fmally arrived.
(B) After waiting for weeks, the letter
fmally arrived.
Examples:
Incorrect: Of the two candidates, the incumbent was the
least nervous. (The comparative form "less" should be used to
compare two candidates.)
Correct: Of the two candidates, the incumbent was less
nervous.
Examples:
Incorrect: The gifts we bought in town were less expensive
than the mall. (The sentence compares gifts to the mall.)
Correct: The gifts we bought in town were less expensive
than the ones we bought at the mall. (The sentence
compares N bought at two different places.)
Examples:
Mixed metaphor: Bill was clouded in a sea of confusion. (The idea
of being "clouded" is related to the sky, not to the sea.)
Better: Bill was drowning in a sea of confusion.
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) Paulo and Emma sang solos, and Emma's
was better.
(B) Paulo and Emma sang solos, and Emma's
was best.
Question 2.
(A) The population of Arizona is older
than it is in California.
(B) The population of Arizona is older
than that of California.
Senetence Fragments
A sentence fragment is a group of words that masquerades as a
sentence. It has capitalization and punctuation but lacks
some
essential element of a sentence. Remember, a sentence must have both a
subject and a predicate, and it must express a complete thought.
Practice Exercise:
Identify the fragment in each pair.
Question 1.
(A) Because of the weather.
(B) The weather worsened.
Question 2.
(A) Left over an hour ago.
(B) He has arrived.
When two sentences are run together without the needed punctuation
and/or conjunction, the result is a run-on sentence.
Examples:
Run-on: The wind died the kite could not fly. (Two sentences have
been joined with no punctuation or conjunctions.)
Correct: The wind died, so the kite could not fly. (The two
clauses have been joined with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.)
Correct: The wind died; the kite could not fly. (The two
clauses have been joined with a semicolon.)
Correct: When the wind died, the kite could not fly.
(Two clauses have been joined by adding a subordinating conjunction
before the first clause and a comma after it.)
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) Dark clouds gathered, soon it began to
rain.
(B) Dark clouds gathered, and soon it began to
rain.
Question 2.
(A) Ty brought his tennis racquet; Jen
loaned us a can of balls.
(B) Ty brought his tennis racquet and
Jen loaned us a can of balls.
Unacceptable Idiom
There are many idiomatic and informal expressions that are considered
unacceptable in academic writing. Here is a short list of some
expressions and constructions that you should avoid.
Non-idiomatic Idiomatic
(incorrect) (correct)
angry at (a person) angry with
authority about authority on
capable to capable of
compare against compare to or with
different than different from
doubt if doubt that
in accordance to in accordance with
independent from independent of
intend on intend to
plan on plan to
prior than prior to
similar than similar to
superior than superior to
try and try to
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) The second semester of chemistry was
very different than the first.
(B) The second semester of chemistry was
very different from the first.
Question 2.
(A) I plan on going to the party.
(B) I plan to go to the party.
Wordiness
Wordiness errors usually show up as incorrect choices in the Improving
Sentences and Improving Paragraphs sections. When a single word
expresses an idea as well as a phrase, use a single word.
Examples:
Wordy Better
at the present time now
easily broken fragile
not very long after that soon
the reason being because
living in poverty poor
Practice Exercise:
Question 1.
(A) The company has no job openings at
the present time.
(B) The company has no job openings now.
The answer is B.
Question 2.
(A) Classes were held outdoors, the
reason being that the air conditioning
was broken.
(B) Classes were held outdoors because
the air conditioning was broken.
The answer is B.
el
iz Time!
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Question 1.
After the legislators met for a special session, they fmally voted on,
approved, and passing an important amendment to the law.
Question 2.
One of the worst catastrophes in space travel, the science class read about
the Space Shuttle explosion.
(C) The science class read about the Space Shuttle explosion,
one of the worst catastrophes in space travel.
Question 3.
Question 4.
If I had known that it was going to rain,I would of brought a rain poncho to the
game.
game. Question 5.
Most people in Latin America speak Spanish, some also speak a native Indian
language.
Question 6.
Question 7.
Question 8.
Although many workers ride the commuter train to work and taking buses ,
the city still has inadequate parking facilities.
(A) Although many workers ride the commuter train to work and
taking buses
Question 9.
We determined how much money we made from the concession sales twenty
percent of the proceeds will finance the band trip to Washington D.C.
(E) the concession sales. twenty percent of the proceeds will finance
Question 10.
Stuffing them with meat and rice, green peppers can make a complete
and tasty meal.
Hints!
Hint for Question 1:
3: Fix that
fragment.
stuffing?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
The verbs "voted," "approved," and "passed" all need to have parallel structure.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
It corrects the misplaced modifier by moving it to the end of the sentence.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D. Adding subject and verb ("it was") creates a complete
sentence, which can then be separated from the first sentence by a semicolon.
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is C.
People may use idioms in daily speech, but they are not permitted in writing.
Question 5.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is D.
By adding a subordinating conjunction and punctuation, the comma splice is
corrected.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is A. More than two tomatoes are being compared. "Most juicy" in
not the correct superlative of the word "juicy."
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is C.
It eliminates the wordiness.
Question 8.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is E.
"Ride the commuter train" and "take buses" have parallel structure.
Question 9.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 9:
Question 10.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is B.
The dangling modifier is now an introductory clause.
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Question 1.
Question 2.
Question 3.
Question 4.
Question 5.
Question 6.
Question 7.
Although the sequel to the movie was much different than what
A B
she had expected , she enjoyed it nonetheless . No error.
C D E
Question 8.
Question 9.
Question 10.
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
4: Check
punctuation.
Check the
comparison.
10: Check
punctuation.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is C.
The comma splice is corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction.
Question 2.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is D.
To maintain parallel structure, "to receive" should be written as "receiving." All three
phrases must be in the same form.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D.
The misplaced modifier "during her lunch hour" should be placed before "Donna."
Otherwise, the sentence would mean that she visited Italy during her lunch hour. .z
Question 4.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is C.
This sentence contains a comma splice. You cannot join two complete sentences
with only a comma.
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is C.
When comparing two things, use "better."
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is D. The sentence contains a faulty comparison. It should be "more than any other place."
Otherwise, the sentence says that she likes Tahiti better than any place, which includes
Tahiti.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is B.
The correct idiomatic expression is "different from," not "different than "
Question 8.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is C.
"To take" should be changed to "taking" to be parallel with "climbing."
Question 9.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is E.
This sentence contains no error. Don't assume that just because the sentence is
long that it contains an error.
Question 10.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is B.
This sentence contains a comma splice. You cannot join two complete sentences
with only a comma.
el
iz Time!
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Question 1.
Question 2.
It seems that each one of the ten manufacturers claims that it has
A B
the better quality product on the market . No error
C D E
Question 3.
Question 4.
Question 5.
Question 6.
Question 7.
Question 8.
Most hiring managers are now taking flexible positions on benefits; the reason
being to allow them to draw from a wide segment of the working
population.
Question 9.
Question 10.
Hints!
000do
6: Check
punctuation. Hint
for Question 7:
dangling modifiers.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is D.
The phrase "aid and help" is redundant; both words mean the same thing.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
There are more than two companies; therefore, "best" should be used in place of
"better."
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is A.
A semicolon between the two independent clauses corrects this comma splice.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is A.
The verb "increasing" should be changed to "increase" to put it in the same form as
the verb "speed."
Question 5.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is A.
"Listening carefully" is a dangling modifier. It is meant to modify the jury, who are
listening to the judge, but as it is written, it incorrectly says that the judge was listening.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is D.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is B.
"Hoping to win the contest" is a dangling modifier. It is meant to modify Robert, but as
written, it means the pie was hoping to win the contest.
Question 8.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is B You must have a complete sentence on both sides of a semicolon. The second part of this
question is a fragment. The phrase "in order to draw" concisely corrects this error.
Question 9.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is B
"Using them correctly" is a dangling modifier. It is meant to modify the implied word
"people," but as it is written, it means that the screwdrivers are the ones doing the
"using."
Question 10.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is E.
The phrase "went and drove" is redundant. Also note that "fewer" is correct. Use "fewer"
with numbers and "less" with amounts fewer sugar cubes, less sugar ).
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
ORGANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT
There are two ways the SAT tests whether or not you can recognize that
sentences or paragraphs are logical and consistent:
Examples:
Coordination: Ed watered the neighbors' garden, and I fed
their pets. (Two ideas are combined using a coordinating
conjunction.) Subordination: Ed watered the neighbors' garden
while I fed their pets. (Two ideas are combined using a
subordinating conjunction.)
When the link between the combined ideas is not clear, the result
is weak subordination or coordination.
Examples:
Weak Coordination: John had a fender-bender in the parking lot,
and he failed the English test. (The two ideas do not seem to be
related.)
Stronger Coordination: John had a terrible day: not only did he have a
fender-bender in the parking lot, but he also failed his test. (The
added clause links the two ideas.)
Examples:
Either we will practice today, or we will practice Saturday.
Dala's essay was neither as long as mine nor as well written as Jenna's.
Practice Exercise:
Choose the sentence in each pair that best combines two ideas.
Question 1.
(A) The Civil War began and Kansas attained statehood.
(B) In 1861, the Civil War began and Kansas attained statehood.
The correct answer is B. The introductory phrase links the two ideas.
Question 2.
(A) There is only one hose, so either
Scott will mow the lawn, and I will
wash the car.
(B) There is only one hose, so either
Scott will mow the lawn, or I will
wash the car.
Practice Exercise:
Choose the sentence below that should be inserted to provide a
transition between Sentence 1 and Sentence 2.
The correct answer is A. Sentence A links the discovery of vitamins with the current
naming convention.
Elaboration
facts and statistics (who, what, when, where, why, how, how many, etc.)
sensory details (sights, sounds, smells, etc.)
examples and anecdotes
definitions
quotations
reasons and explanations
analyses (comparisons, contrasts, causes, effects, etc.)
Writers choose the kinds of details that best clarify and support their ideas.
Examples:
Practice
Exercise: correct
answer.
Question 1.
Idea: When the New York Yankees have a losing streak, many fans of other
teams are guilty of schadenfreude .
Question 2.
Idea: My father says his old hound dog can eat anything without ill effect.
el
iz Time!
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Question 1.
They broke down mixed colors into their primary tones and
communicated them in this way to the eye.
Question 2.
Question 3.
Question 4.
(A) Sentence 2
(B) Sentence 3
(C) Sentence 4
(D) Sentence 5
(E) Sentence 6
Question 5.
Hints!
0000.0
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 2:
(B) is the best choice; the word impartial means "not judging."
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 5:
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
Which of the following would be most suitable to insert between sentences 2 and 3?
(A) During the 1700's, 14 patents for submarine designs were granted.
Question 2.
following best improves the underlined portion of sentence 3?
was used A submarine ar,
nf
and the Co
successfully in combat during the American Civil W ederate submarine Hunley sank the Union
ship Housatonic.
Question 3.
Which of the following sentences should be deleted to improve the focus of the
paragraph?
(A) Sentence 1
(B) Sentence 2
(C) Sentence 3
(D) Sentence 4
(E) Sentence 5
Question 4.
Which of the following sentences would be most suitable to insert between
sentences 4 and 5?
(A) Some experts say that the submarines used in World Wars
I and II altered the courses of both wars.
Question 5.
Which of the following would be a logical elaboration of the statement, "submarine
technology had undergone vast improvements"?
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
Look for an answer that makes a transition from the specific information mentioned in
sentence 4 to the general information mentioned in sentence 5.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is C.
This sentence elaborates on the previous sentence, providing more details about the
test in England.
Question 2.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is B.
The second part of the sentence is added information to the main idea; therefore
the second part makes more sense as a subordinate clause. The word when in
answer B shows the correct relationship.
Question 3.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 3:
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
Question 5.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is D.
This detail supports the idea that technological advancements made submarines faster.
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1.
Which of the following best improves the underlined portion of sentence 3?
Question 2.
Which of the following should be deleted to improve the unity of the paragraph?
(A) Sentence 1
(B) Sentence 2
(C) Sentence 4
(D) Sentence 6
(E) Sentence 8
Question 3.
What would be the best place to insert the following sentence?
Question 4.
Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7?
We had decided to save our money and buy passes to the Groundling area. As
Groundlings, we were located on the ground between the stage and the Gallery.
(A ) Le a ve it a s it is.
(B) We had decided to save our money and buy passes to the Groundling area.
We were located on the ground between the stage and the Gallery.
(C ) We had decided to save our money and buy passes to the Groundling area,
and as Groundlings, we were located on the ground between the stage and the
Gallery.
(D) We had decided to save our money and buy passes to the
Groundling area, a spot located on the ground between the stage and the
Gallery.
(E ) We had decided to save our money and buy passes to the Groundling area, as
Groundlings, we were located on the ground between the stage and the
Gallery.
Question 5.
Which of the following best improves the underlined portion of sentence 8?
The tickets were cheap and the view was great, we'd have to remain standing
for the entire 3-hour performance.
(B) the view was great, and we'd have to remain standing
(C) the view was great; moreover, we'd have to remain standing
(D) the view was great, because we'd have to remain standing
(E) the view was great, but we'd have to remain standing
Hints!
000do
Hint for Question 1:
Look for the most concise way to combine these two sentences.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is A.
The original sentence correctly separates the general idea from its explanation
by using a colon.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is C.
This sentence elaborates on the previous sentence about the Gallery and sets up
the next sentence about opting for cheaper tickets.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is D.
Answer D effectively combines these two sentences by deleting unnecessary words.
Answer B is choppy, answer C is wordy, and answer E contains a comma splice.
Question 5.
The answer is (E).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is E. The first part of the sentence lays out the good part of being
a Groundling, and the second part states the big drawback. That contrast is best
represented with "but."
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
OVERVIEW OF THE NEW SAT ESSAY
When your teachers give you written work, they probably call it an
assignment. The SAT test writers are also going to give you a writing
assignment. They will begin with what the test writers call a
"prompt," which introduces the topic you will be asked to write about.
For example, you may be given two quotes on the importance of secrecy.
One author believes that some secrecy is necessary while the second
author believes that secrecy and a free society are incompatible. The
quotes are then followed by your actual assignment—for example,
"Should we always keep secrets or is keeping secrets harmful?" You are
then asked to take a point of view on this issue. You are free to
support your position with examples from your reading, studies,
experience, or observations.
Score of 6
The essay is well-organized and stays focused on the topic. Ideas are
logically and clearly developed, and paragraphs are carefully
constructed and organized. The essay is a unified presentation of the
theses and has a clear introduction, body and conclusion.
The writer has versatility and mastery in use of the language and a
comprehensive vocabulary. Words are well chosen, and transitional
devices create a smooth flow from sentence to sentence.
The essay has no serious errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics Accepted
conventions are followed.
Score of 5
The essay demonstrates ease and comfort using language, with the
appropriate vocabulary.
The essay has only a few minor errors in grammar and punctuation. Accepted
conventions are followed.
Score of 4
Score of 3
The essay shows a growing understanding of the use of language, but may
indicate a weak vocabulary. Word choice may be inappropriate.
There are some problems with sentence structure, and only a limited
variety in sentence structure is used.
Score of 2
The essay contains enough serious errors in grammar, usage and mechanics
to make some parts of the essay unclear.
Score of 1
The essay contains serious errors in word usage. Word choice is generally
incorrect or unidiomatic.
When College Board readers evaluate your essay, the first and most
important element they will look for is your point of view.
Readers don't care what point of view you take as long as you have
one. Your point of view will then guide your selection of
examples.
We've analyzed a large number of essays and have found that the
length of your essay does matter. Your essay sheet will contain 46
lines, 22
on the front and 24 on the back. Students who write 22 lines or
less will most likely receive scores of 1 to 3. In contrast, students
who write 35-46 lines will most likely receive scores of 4-6.
There is a good reason for this: the College Board readers reward
your ability to develop your point of view. A well-developed essay
will be given a high score, while a poorly developed essay will be
penalized.
Pause,
Think, and Outline
You will have 25 minutes to write your essay. It will take less than a
minute to read the prompt and the assignment. You should then
devote 2-3 minutes to planning your essay. Here is a list of
questions that
will help guide your planning:
Once you have answered these questions, jot down a brief outline
to guide your writing. The importance of a brief outline cannot be
overemphasized. Students who fail to do this often lose their
focus and digress from their point of view. A lack of focus is one
of the leading reasons essays receive scores of 1, 2, or 3.
Level 6 Essay
Topic: Good choices can be costly.
Essay:
"Promise, promise me that you won't tell anyone!" Amanda's plea
pounded on my conscience. "I knew what I did was wrong," Amanda
continued. "But the exam was right there on the teacher's desk. I
need a good grade. I made a copy and then returned it. No one
knows." My hands gripped the quilt on my bed as I listened intently
to Amanda imploring for my support and for my silence. What
could I do? What
should I do? Somehow I managed to be calm and composed, even as she
placed our friendship in jeopardy, even as she asked me to
compromise my integrity, even as I wanted to reach across my bed
and shake her, screaming "Why did you do it?"
Level 6 Commentary
2. Organization
The essay is well organized, clearly focused and provides the reader with a
smooth progression of ideas. Paragraphs 1 and 2 grab the reader's
attention. The author has a difficult problem. What will she do? In
paragraphs 3 and 4 the author goes back and fills in the gaps in her
story. We learn details about the author that help us understand why
she is so conflicted. In paragraph 5 the author reaches a final, irrevocable
decision. And fmally, in paragraph 6 the author describes the
consequences of her decision.
3. Language
A. Skillful use of language
1. Quotes: The author does an outstanding job of integrating
quotes into her essay. The essay begins with a vivid, attention-
grabbing quote. In the final paragraph, the author once again uses a quote
to start a paragraph, and once again it is appropriate and effective.
4.
Meaningful variety in sentence structure
Level 5 Essay
I thought my life was perfect. Scott was my boyfriend and Jen was
my best girlfriend. But I was mistaken. Scott suddenly broke up with
me.
I was devastated. But the worst was yet to come.
Heartbroken, I shared my pain with Jen. At first she seemed
empathetic. I cried and she listened. Yet somehow I sensed
something was not quite right. One day I went to the mall. Imagine
my shock when I saw Jen hanging out with Scott. I felt hurt and
even worse I felt betrayed. When I confronted her, Jen said that
their relationship
"just happened." She thought it would be alright for her to go
out with Scott. After all Scott and I were no longer a couple.
But, it wasn't alright. It was all wrong!
Level 5 Commentary
B
. Strong Critical Thinking versus Insight: The author
demonstrates strong Critical Thinking skills. In her opening
sentence she states that "true wisdom means learning from mistakes."
She then provides an appropriate example that concretely and
effectively illustrates her point. The author then clearly states the
conclusion
she reaches from her mistake: "My mistake was thinking that
friendship is forever." Compare this level of critical thinking with
the insight shown in the Level 6 passage. The author of the Level 6
essay takes us inside her mind as she grapples with a difficult
decision. This mental debate is missing in the Level 5 passage. The
author could have added a mental debate by providing a more
insightful discussion of why seeing Jen with Scott was "all wrong!"
2. Organization
3. Language
B. Appropriate vocabulary
1. Naïve and duped: "Naïve" means innocent and "duped" means easily
fooled. In the second sentence of her concluding paragraph, the
author does a very nice job of correctly using both words to
describe her mistake.
The author does an excellent job of punctuating her essay with short
declarative sentences. For example, she concludes paragraph 2 by
writing, "I trusted her." And in her concluding paragraph the two word
sentence, "It isn't," provides a particularly emphatic way of
explaining her mistake and introducing her conclusion, "People can be
duplicitous."
Level 4 Essay
Level 4
Commentary 1.
Point of View
2.
rganization
This essay is generally well organized. The first paragraph states the
author's thesis. The author then provides three examples to
illustrate his thesis. The final paragraph restates the author's
position and summarizes the supporting examples. Although this
organization is competent, it is flawed by examples in paragraphs
2 and 4 of improvised work. This prevents a smooth and
therefore effective progression of ideas.
3. Language
Level 3 Essay
Level 3
Commentary
1. Point of View
A. Weak development
The author begins by stating that every human being makes choices
that may be costly. While this point of view is on topic, it is very
general. This lack of focus results in an inadequate level of
development.
B. Weak examples
The author presents two very different examples to support his thesis.
Taken separately each example is interesting and capable of being
expanded. However, the two examples are completely unrelated. This
creates a lack of focus and coherence that weakens the essay.
2. Limited organization
3. Language
The essay displays weak vocabulary and inappropriate word choice. For
example, in paragraph 2, the author states that Lee's defeat had
"costly consequences" for the South. A stronger choice and more apt
choice of words would be to write that Lee's defeat had disastrous
consequences for the South. The author also displays
inappropriate word choice in the third paragraph when he writes:
"Being a rather assiduous student I declined." Assiduous means
hardworking, diligent. "Rather" is a poor choice because it weakens
the meaning of assiduous. A more forceful statement would be:
"Since I take pride in being an assiduous student, I firmly declined."
4.
roblems in sentence structure
Level 2 Essay
Level 2
Commentary
Reread the first and the last paragraphs in the essay. What do
you think the topic is? Is the topic, "decisions aren't always
hard to make?" Or is the topic, "Not all decisions are easy?" In
reality the topic of this essay is supposed to be: "Good choices
can be costly." The author's failure to stick to the topic results in a
vague point of view and thus a seriously limited essay.
2. Poor organization
The author uses weak, choppy sentences at the end of the third
paragraph. A better sentence structure would be, "This good
decision led to American independence; however, freedom is neither
easy nor inexpensive. The colonists paid a heavy price in lives for
their independence."
Look at the last sentence in the second paragraph. Can you spot the
grammatical error? The subject and verb must agree. The sentence
should read: "This decision costs (not cost) you friends...."
Level 1 Essay
Level 1 Commentary
2. Absence of organization
3. Absence of vocabulary
The passage lacks descriptive vocabulary. For example, the author tells
us that "some teachers got upset." Upset is a vague descriptive word.
Other word choices that would better describe the teacher's reaction could
include "frustrated," "aggravated", and "exasperated."
5. Errors in grammar
Can you spot the grammatical errors in the final sentence? First, the
author uses the plural pronoun they to refer to the singular subject
teacher. This
part of the sentence should read, "In addition, some teachers got upset when they
saw..." The same sentence contains a second serious error. The phrase "and
not on the class" is too vague. It should read: "when they should have been
paying attention to the lesson."
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
Point of View and Critical Thinking
Point of View
A clearly stated point of view tells the reader exactly what you think
about an issue. Your point of view cannot be right or wrong—it is
your own opinion.
To create a point of view, you must have strong convictions about your
statement. By truly believing in what you have written, your statement
is much easier to write about and your argument will be much more
convincing. The key to writing a good point of view essay for the SAT
is to support your statement with examples from:
Personal experience
Literature
Historical events
These sources help provide insight into the topic you are writing
about. By providing insightful examples, you are strengthening your
argument and making your point of view seem more convincing.
To write a personal essay, you will tie your own experience to the
prompt in order to prove why your point of view is correct. Personal
experience can be taken from relationships with your family and peers,
school, work, camp, or anything else that you have encountered in
your life. As long as your experience relates to the topic and
provides insight into how you view the issue, you can use it.
Tying in Literature
When writing your essay, you can use examples from literature to
support your point of view. To do this, you will explain the
significance of a piece of work in relation to the essay prompt. It is
important to establish a clearly stated point of view in response
to the prompt, and then use specific examples from literature to
explain how your point of view is correct.
Historical Events
Sample Prompts
Assignment:
Can people overcome suffering to choose their own destiny? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly
defined. Support your point of view with examples and reasoning
taken from your studies, personal experience, or observations.
Sample:
Our destiny is not something that happens to us despite our
actions and attitudes. Everything we do(the way we interact with
people, the way we view obligations to family, friends, work, and
ourselves, and the way we react to adversity and obstacles thrown
in our path is within our ability to change. If we take the time to
look around us,
we see that people can and do overcome suffering to choose their own
destiny.
Note: This sample response is NOT an introduction. It is simply an
example of the "mental conversation" taking place in the writer's
head while attempting to choose a point of view on the subject.
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue
you may never get over." —Benjamin Franklin
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is
putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain
Assignment:
Is slander (lie intended to damage a person's reputation) ever
justified? Write and develop an essay in which your point of view
on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal
experience, and observations.
Sample:
Slander is an action that, more often than not, comes back to hurt its
originator more than it hurts its intended target. Slander can ruin
careers, reputations, and even entire lives. The cost of such an
action is far greater than anything that can be gained from it;
people who use slander to attack another person have no
justification for doing so.
Assignment:
Should wrongdoings always be forgiven? Write and develop an essay in
which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support
your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations
Sample:
Life is far too short for every person to dwell on the mistakes and
misdeeds of the people they interact with. If everybody carried
around all of the anger and resentment they've ever felt, they
wouldn't be
able to forge new relationships and make old ones continue to work.
People make mistakes and do others wrong; it is up to each
individual to forgive and forget.
Assignment:
Can books teach you everything you need to know? Write and develop
an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations.
Sample:
Books can teach us many things and are a useful tool in disseminating
information to many people across many generations. However, books are no
substitute for experience, emotion, and imagination. Without these things,
humankind would never have reached the point we are at today. Books only
provide us with a very limited view of our world.
Assignment:
Is patience the greatest human virtue? Write and develop an essay
in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken
from your studies, personal experience, and observations.
Sample:
While patience is indeed a great virtue, it is not the greatest.
Patience is essentially a passive act — in order to be patient, a
person must sit still without acting. Far greater virtues are the
ability to use foresight to predict the future and motivation to
manipulate the future.
The thesis statement is the sentence that states your point of view
on an issue. A thesis statement should be one complete sentence.
It is usually found near the beginning of your essay. It's important
to put the thesis near the beginning of your essay so that your point
of view does not get lost in the middle of your other ideas.
Assignment:
Can people overcome suffering to choose their own destiny? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly
defined. Support your point of view with examples and reasoning
taken from your studies, personal experience, or observations.
Answer A takes both sides of the issue; it does not decide on just one
point of view. Answer B is totally unrelated to the issue and does not
discuss suffering or destiny in any form; it indirectly refers to a
geographic or philosophical direction.
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue
you may never get over." —Benjamin Franklin
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is
putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain
Assignment:
Is slander (lie intended to damage a person's reputation) ever
justified? Write and develop an essay in which your point of view
on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal
experience, and observations.
(A) While lying to protect a friend can have its place in time,
slandering a friend is never the right thing to do.
Assignment:
Should wrongdoings always be forgiven? Write and develop an essay in
which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support
your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations
Choice A does not answer the question asked in the prompt. Choice C
takes both sides of the issue(a big mistake in SAT essay writing.
Assignment:
Can books teach you everything you need to know? Write and develop
an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations.
Assignment:
Is patience the greatest human virtue? Write and develop an essay
in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken
from your studies, personal experience, and observations.
When you create your own point of view and thesis statement
concerning an issue, you have to provide examples to back up your
point of view. Examples strengthen your argument and enable the
reader to see why your point of view is correct. To persuade readers to
consider your viewpoint, you most prove your point of view.
Look at the following prompts and examples. Choose the example that shows the best
use of critical thinking and insight.
Assignment:
Can people overcome suffering to choose their own destiny? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly
defined. Support your point of view with examples and reasoning
taken from your studies, personal experience, or observations.
"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue
you may never get over." —Benjamin Franklin
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is
putting on its shoes." —Mark Twain
Assignment:
Is slander (lie intended to damage a person's reputation) ever
justified? Write and develop an essay in which your point of view
on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal
experience, and observations.
Assignment:
Should wrongdoings always be forgiven? Write and develop an essay in
which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support
your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations
Answer choice B relates somewhat to the thesis statement but does not
provide a concrete example to defend the author's point of view. The
world may not have forgotten Napoleon, but this still does not show
how wrongdoings have or have not been forgiven in this instance.
Answer C is not relevant to the issue. The author does not address the
question.
Assignment:
Can books teach you everything you need to know? Write and develop
an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your
studies, personal experience, and observations.
Choice A includes things that the author has learned from books,
but it does not encompass everything, nor does it provide a
response to a point of view on the issue. Answer choice B does not
provide an example in relation to the issue. This choice is simply
stating what the author's favorite book is, not relating back to
the thesis statement.
Assignment:
Is patience the greatest human virtue? Write and develop an essay
in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken
from your studies, personal experience, and observations.
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
Organization and Focus
It's getting down to the last couple minutes of the SAT essay, and
you've only written two paragraphs. Your heart is racing, and your
hand is cramped from scribbling down a confusing mess of words. "I
could have avoided this, if only I'd practiced managing my time
better," you think
Writing the essay should take no more than 15-18 minutes. This
will leave you a few minutes to edit your essay. By allowing a few
minutes at the end of the time period, you will feel less frazzled
when
writing.
Introductory Paragraph
Concluding Paragraph
The essay should have a defmite conclusion, leaving your readers
to think about the stance you have presented or eager to research
the topic further.
The last two to five minutes of the test should be reserved for
editing your work. By going back and proofreading what you
have
written, you may catch errors in grammar that could affect your
score. If you have time, go back and strengthen your vocabulary and
sentence structure throughout the essay.
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and
remove all doubt."
Abraham Lincoln
Assignment:
What is your view on the idea that people should speak their
mind, even if they look foolish to others? Write and develop an
essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly
defined. Support your point of view with examples and
reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, or
observations.
Before you answer the prompt, practice planning your essay. This
should take no longer than five minutes. There are two parts to the
planning phase: reading/thinking and plan development.
Reading/thinking should take less than two minutes. Plan development
should take up to 3 minutes.
2. Circle the topic you will write about. In this case, "What is
your view on the idea that people should speak their mind, even
if they look foolish to others?" is the assigned topic.
4. Decide what sources you will use as examples to prove your point.
Sources may include literary works, current or historical events,
personal experience, or personal observations.
5. Decide what areas of society the issue may affect. This can include
cultural, economic, social, physical, emotional, educational, and
mental factors. By thinking about how the topic may affect different
aspects of our world, you can think of more powerful supporting
points.
2. Write down your ideas for two or three paragraphs. For example,
you may talk about the ethical implications of speaking your own
mind. You may use an example from literature that illustrates how a
character spoke his or her mind and affected a future event positively.
4. Write transition words that you can use to connect your topic
sentence to the example in the paragraph. See the lesson on
transitions.
The above exercise may initially take you 10-15 minutes, but once
you get the hang of it, you should be able to complete the thesis
statement and supporting examples within 3 minutes. Practice this
exercise well before the SAT testing date.
Creating an Outline
Since you have only a short amount of time to create your outline,
you will not be making a formal one with Roman numbers and
capital letters. Instead, yours needs to be a short sentence or
phrase for
each of your topic sentences with phrases indented under each one
for the examples.
Use any blank space on the essay prompt page to jot down a brief
outline and refer to it to help you stay focused on your point
of
In the following examples, you will see formal outlines to give you
practice in organizing your information. To create an outline,
start with the topic of the essay and then create sub-points.
Those sub- points are further divided into supporting details.
The following is a good outline for the "voicing your own opinion" topic:
In the outline, there would be three main points and seven supporting points of one
or two sentences each. Your outline should contain at least three main points to
support the thesis of the essay. Remember: While you should always write your
essay in complete sentences, your outline need only consist of phrases that remind
you what to write about.
Practice Exercise
Consider the following essay prompts, thesis statements, and the outlines that follow.
Choose the best outline for the thesis statement that is presented.
Question 1.
"Be great in act, as you have been in thought."
William Shakespeare
Assignment:
Are people's actions more important than their words or thoughts? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Thesis:
A person's value is defined by his or her actions, not by thoughts or words.
(A)
I. A person's value is defined by his or her actions, not by thoughts or words
A. I have always wanted to visit Japan
1. I am interested in Japanese art and music
2. I would like to learn more about Buddhism
B. Focusing on goals is extremely important
1. My mother wants to paint more but lacks the time
2. My brother plays trombone and hopes to make all-state in the band
competition
(B)
I. A person's value is defined by his or her actions, not by thoughts or words
A. Montgolfier brothers
1. Dreamed of flying
2. Through trial error, invented hot air balloon
3. Still credited with first flight today
B. President Washington
1. Knew where he wanted to take this country
2. Took action to fight the British
3. Known for becoming the first leader of this country
C. Me
1. My lifelong ambition to attend State University
2. Study hard to get good grades
3. Practicing to do well on SAT
(C)
I. A person's value is defined by his or her actions, not by thoughts or words
A. I auditioned and was cast in the school musical
1. To get there, I had to work hard on my audition piece
2. My range isn't great, but I did lots of other things to be worthy
of the part
a. Took voice lessons
b. Worked on facial expressions
c. Learned lines thoroughly
d. Researched the characters
B. My trip to Bermuda
1. Did biological research on sea urchins
2. Learned a lot about the flora and fauna of the island
3. Went with 5 other students in honors biology
Outline B is the best. It starts with the essay thesis and then
draws main points from historical figures and from personal
experience. Each main point has relevant supporting details, which
helps create a solid essay.
Question 2.
Assignment:
Can people choose to be happy regardless of their circumstances? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Thesis:
Even in the direst of circumstances, people can choose how they feel about their
current situation.
(A)
I. Even in the direst of circumstances, people can choose how they feel about their
current situation.
A. War veterans
1. Some are never able to regain life after war
2. Others come home and move on to other things
B. My friend with a terminal cancer
1. Happiest person I've ever met
2. Focuses on acceptance and a sense of humor
3. Is happy for each day she is granted(chooses to focus on the
small things
C. The Secret Life of Bees
1. Lily grew up in bad family situation, but she had hope
2. Never gave up on the possibilities(imagination
(B)
I. Feelings about a situation
A. Can get over a bad situation at some point
B. Acceptance of a situation
1. Accepting something you can't change helps
2. Sometimes acceptance and hope can go together
C. Learning to deal with things is an important lesson of life
(C)
I. People can choose how they feel about their current situation
A. The Diary of Anne Frank
1. Jewish girl during Holocaust
2. She was hidden from the Nazis in a family's attic
3. In order to pass the time and keep a record of her life, Anne
wrote in a diary
a. Diary is still read worldwide
b. She is a symbol of strength and courage during a
trying time
c. Diary gives insight into the strength and character of a
Jewish girl during the Holocaust
d. Anne was eventually found
The best choice is A. The outline shows main points to support the
thesis, from history, literature, and the student's personal
experience. The main points are supported with details, creating
a well-supported thesis statement.
Question 3.
Assignment:
Is education the key to freedom? Write and develop an essay in which your point
of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
(A)
I. Well-educated people have more freedoms than non-educated people
A. Don't have to work for minimum wage
1. Fast food
2. Waiting tables
3. Picking fruit
4. Can work in a field you enjoy
a. Electrician
b. Librarian
c. Teacher
(B)
I. Well-educated people have more freedoms than non-educated people
A. Going to college is a positive thing
B. Getting a college degree can boost earning power
C. People without college degrees have fewer options
1. Working for minimum wage
2. Can afford fewer things
(C)
I. Well-educated people have more freedoms than non-educated people
A. Less educated have fewer job choices
1. My older brother, a 10-year firefighter, lacks a college degree
2. A guy who came in after him was offered a senior position first
because of his college degree
3. He rejected the promotion because he liked what he was doing
B. General perception of educated is favorable
1. My mother has always been gifted advertising writer
2. Had difficult time finding work without college degree
3. Got a degree, now has lots of job offers
4. Same skills, but diploma is more impressive
C. Education leads to higher pay, which enables more freedoms
1. Person with college degree makes about 30% more than person
without degree in same job
2. People with money take more vacation, retire earlier, live longer
The best outline for this thesis is C. Examples are taken from the
student's observations of his or her family. The student also cites
statistics that enable solid support of the thesis.
Question 4.
"Envy is the ulcer of the soul."
Socrates
Assignment:
Is there ever justification for feeling envious of another person? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Thesis: There are times when feelings of envy can yield positive results.
(A)
I. There are times when feelings of envy can yield positive results
A. Jacob Have I Loved
1. Two sisters: Caroline pretty and musically gifted, Louise
plainer and envious of sister
2. Louise fmds talent as doctor to escape sister's shadow
3. Envy caused Louise to strive for greatness
B. Scientific competition
1. Scientists who are close to a discovery compete to be the first
2. They want to be remembered
3. Result is scientific advancements
C. Basketball team tryouts
1. My twin brother made the varsity basketball team and I was
still on junior varsity
2. Began jogging and practicing more
3. I made the varsity team in the middle of last year
(B)
I. There are times when feelings of envy can yield positive results.
A. My brother and I compete constantly
1. Sports
2. Grades
3. End result: We do better in school and on sports teams
B. Competing for attention from parents
1. Do more chores for higher allowance
2. Time spent volunteering in mom's office
3. Time spent with dad mowing lawn
4. End result: better relationship with parents
C. Competing for more freedoms
(C)
I. There are times when feelings of envy can yield positive results.
A. Envy leads to feelings of insecurity
1. Insecurity can make a person work harder to be accepted
2. A person who works harder can accomplish more
B. Feeling envious can affect a person's social life
1. Can make a person more self-aware
2. Can make a person work harder to make and keep friends
C. Feeling envious can cause tension in relationships
1. Envy may initially cause problems
2. A smart person learns from those problems and works to change
3. End result: Better person who has learned from his or her
mistakes
Question 5.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character,
give him power."
Abraham Lincoln
Assignment:
Does power change people fundamentally? Write and develop an essay in which your
point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
Thesis: Anyone who is given too much power can become a danger to others.
(A)
I. Anyone who is given too much power can become a danger to others
A. Power causes people to feel superior to others
1. They begin making rules without regard for other people
2. They begin to judge people based on their personal preferences
B. People forget their family and friends
1. They put their own needs before those of others
2. They imagine that their success was achieved without any help or
support
C. People are never satisfied with the amount of power they have
1. Power makes people feel entitled
2. There is never enough power for people who crave it
(B)
I. Anyone who is given too much power can become a danger to others
A. Joseph Stalin
1. Executed thousands of his citizens
2. Caused thousands of people to starve
3. Kept his citizens under Communist rule
B. Communist rule led to uniformity of thought
1. No room for individuality
2. People who did not follow government rule were executed
(C)
I. Anyone who is given too much power can become a danger to others
A. Napoleon Bonaparte
1. Took over many countries as his craving for power expanded
2. Ruled Europe with unlimited power as he spread east to Russia
3. Armies only stopped by the Russian winter
B. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
1. Boys living on island with no rules or laws
2. Gradually become more savage and violent
3. Human nature is base; those with power don't have to obey rules
that keep that nature in check
C. My junior-high gymnastics instructor
1. Thought only about his own reputation, not what was best for the
health of his athletes
2. Led to athletes getting hurt
3. Lasting damage to his athletes' careers and his own
An introduction should draw the reader into the essay and make him
or her want to read more. It should also contain your thesis
statement. The introduction should be brief—one short paragraph.
It can start with a quotation, anecdote, question, or analogy.
However you start your essay, it should always lead up to the
essay's thesis statement. The thesis statement should be visible and
easy for the reader to
fmd.
Practice Exercise
Read the following prompts and sample introductions. Choose the best
introduction out of the three choices.
Question 1.
"Be great in act, as you have been in thought."
William Shakespeare
Assignment:
Are people's actions more important than their words or thoughts? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
(A) I was backing slowly away from the dog, whose teeth were
bared in anger. My friend Manny and I were delivering the newspaper
to Mrs. Waterhouse, who had left my weekly check on her back
porch. The dog lunged at me and bit down on my forearm. In a
moment, Manny was wrestling the dog to the ground and seconds later,
the dog had run away. To say that courage is important is one thing;
to face danger courageously is another. This is an example of how
actions are more important than words or thoughts.
(C) I once went to the beach and got caught in the tide.
I was carried a half mile out to sea, where the current moved me
swiftly farther and farther from my family. I tried to remember
everything I had ever heard about situations like this, but all I
could manage was to keep my head above water. That was the
scariest event I ever experienced.
Assignment:
Can people choose to be happy regardless of their circumstances? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
(A) For me, the carnival is the happiest place in the world.
When I go to the town carnival each October, I feel a sense of joy
when riding the Ferris wheel, eating candied apples, and seeing
all of the animals at the 4H center. I have attended the carnival
every year since I was five years old, and plan to continue
attending it for as long as I can. The carnival has the unique
ability to make me feel as wondrous and excited as a five-year-old
again.
Question 3.
Assignment:
Is education the key to freedom? Write and develop an essay in which your point
of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
(B) "Are you fmished with your application yet? The deadline is
in two weeks." My father has been hounding me about going to college,
saying that it would give me more control over my life as an adult. I
usually ignore my father's "life advice," but looking at the employment
section of the newspaper changed my mind. Every job that sounded
interesting required at least a B.A.; those that didn't tended to pay
much lower. With an education, I'll have a lot more choices and
opportunities(a lot more freedom.
Question 4.
"Envy is the ulcer of the soul."
Socrates
Assignment:
Is there ever justification for feeling envious of another person? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Question 5.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's
character, give him power."
Abraham Lincoln
Assignment:
Does power change people fundamentally? Write and develop an essay in which your
point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
Option B begins with the idea that power corrupts people, but it ends
making the same people sound like victims of power. In between
those two extremes, it tends to ramble about changing people's
lives. This paragraph lacks a clear direction. Option C is not
directly related to the topic, since it discusses the importance of a
@Copyright 2009, TCA, LLC. 463
Studyguide for the SATStarting Your Essay
support staff, not
how power changes or does not change people.
Transitions
Transitions move the reader from one idea to the next between or
within paragraphs. They show how ideas are related to one another.
These words indicate relationships between ideas in terms of
chronology, order of importance, and development. Transitions that
show order of importance include:
The following example shows transitions both within and between paragraphs.
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
"Be great in act, as you have been in
thought." William
Shakespeare
Assignment:
Are people's actions more important than their words or thoughts? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is indeed famous for his actions. For
most of his life, he took part in rallies for Civil Rights across the
South. He marched and picketed and demonstrated with thousands
of others to make his visions for America known.
Many people still live today who heard Dr. King speak and who remember
clearly the strength of his words and the conviction with which he
delivered them. His "I Have a Dream" speech is still held up as an
example of brilliant oratory that drives home a powerful message.
A sample
transition sentence is shown underlined below:
Question 2.
Assignment:
Can people choose to be happy regardless of their circumstances? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
The book of Job is the story of a good man who God decides to test by
slowly taking away everything that is important to him, including
wealth and then family. Job responds by grieving and complaining
bitterly that he is a good person and does not deserve to suffer in
such a way.
A sample
transition sentence is shown underlined below:
Question 3.
Assignment:
Is education the key to freedom? Write and develop an essay in which your point
of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
The government banned the poachers from entering village lands. This illustrates how
education led to freedom from
great poverty for the people of a
small Nigerian village.
A sample
transition sentence is shown underlined below::
Question 4.
"Envy is the ulcer of the soul."
Socrates
Assignment:
Is there ever justification for feeling envious of another person? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
and Cassius.
Question 5.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's
character, give him power."
Abraham Lincoln
Assignment:
Does power change people fundamentally? Write and develop an essay in which your
point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
Power does not make good people bad or make bad people good; rather,
power makes a person's goodness or badness much clearer. For example,
Eleanor Roosevelt was a powerful first lady with much more
influence than any first lady had ever had in history. She used that
influence strategically to make people's lives better. She pursued
women's
rights by helping female journalists get stories published at a
time when women were at a severe disadvantage in the field. She
brought attention to the issues of Civil Rights, joblessness, and
poverty.
Last week, my sister and I were walking our dog in the park and
found a car with the rear door left open. It looked like the owner
had forgotten to close it. Inside, clearly visible, were some CDs
and
other things. It would have been the easiest thing to reach in and
take something and nobody would have caught us, but instead, my sister
walked straight to the car, pushed the lock on the inside down, and
slammed the door shut.
A sample
transition sentence is shown underlined below:
But the term "power" doesn't necessarily have to mean power over a
lot of people; it could be the opportunity, or power, to do something
bad without the risk of being caught.
Wrapping It Up
You're almost there! A conclusion should wrap up the essay and make the
reader want to read more. An effective conclusion will leave the reader
thinking about your ideas and deciding that your thesis was correct
and well defended. The conclusion should summarize the main idea
of the essay, and can point the reader to further resources for more
information.
There are two ways to write an effective conclusion. The first way is to
remind the reader of the main idea of your essay (your point of
view), and to review what you covered in the essay, all of which can be
done in one short paragraph. The second effective method is to create an
insight paragraph that states what you learned from a personal or
observational experience. This type of concluding paragraph can
receive a higher score if it shows depth of understanding on your part.
Practice Exercise
Question 1.
"Be great in act, as you have been in thought."
William Shakespeare
Assignment:
Are people's actions more important than their words or thoughts? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
Question 2.
Assignment:
Can people choose to be happy regardless of their circumstances? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
(A) Once I was able to accept that I could not force the
admissions committee to admit me to the university, I felt a sense of
calm and happiness about my circumstances. This caused all my worries to
disappear.
(C) The last time Daniel felt happy was when he lived in
Ohio. In Ohio, all of his family lived in the same house, and he did
not feel a sense of separation from the core of his life.
Question 3.
Assignment:
Is education the key to freedom? Write and develop an essay in which your point
of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
Choice B is the best. This concluding paragraph shows that the author
learned a lesson from an experience. The lesson relates directly to
the main point of the essay, which is important to reiterate for
readers when concluding the essay. Choice A doesn't sum up the essay
effectively. While an example concerning Southeast Asia may have
been used in the essay, the writer ends the essay too abruptly with
this conclusion. A good strategy would have been to tie the example
of Southeast Asia back in to the thesis and to end the essay more
gradually. Conclusion C gets off topic and, while it creates a
nice image, it does not clearly relate to the thesis or sum up the
writer's point of view.
Question 4.
"Envy is the ulcer of the soul."
Socrates
Assignment:
Is there ever justification for feeling envious of another person? Write and
develop an essay in which your point of view on this issue is clearly defined.
Support your point of view with examples and reasoning taken from your studies,
personal experience, and observations.
(A) The argument with Carla taught me that envy itself isn't
necessarily bad, but what a person does with it can be bad or good. My
envy of Carla's position on the soccer team drove me to look closer at
myself and decide whether I really wanted to play soccer. Carla and I
talked it out and our friendship survived, but it was tough facing my
own envy head-on.
Question 5.
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's
character, give him power."
Abraham Lincoln
Assignment:
Does power change people fundamentally? Write and develop an essay in which your
point of view on this issue is clearly defined. Support your point of view with
examples and reasoning taken from your studies, personal experience, and
observations.
(C) Even the people with the best intentions can therefore be
overcome by responsibility and an ego can grow when the person is
placed in a position of authority. Power changes people, but not always
for the better.
The best choice is the option C. The author has just presented an
example and wrapped it up with an allusion to what has already been
written. The first sentence summarizes the point of the essay. In
the last sentence, the author restates the thesis statement. This
leaves
the reader thinking about the main idea presented in the essay.
Choice A is too weak, referring to power and an individual's
personality, but not relating directly to a thesis statement. These
sentences would not form an effective conclusion, since the
second sentence would fall somewhere in the middle of the essay.
Choice B is off-topic. It discusses the author's personal experience
but does not restate in any way the main point of the essay.
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
USE OF LANGUAGE AND VOCABULARY
College Board essay readers are trained to reward students who use a
"varied, accurate, and apt vocabulary." With so many words to choose
from, which are the best? In theory your vocabulary choices are almost
limitless. In practice, however, there is a relatively small group of
words that lend themselves to the type of essay you will be writing
for the SAT. Because these words are descriptive and precise, they
will help make your writing clear and authoritative. It is important,
though, to use such words correctly. Essay readers will not be
impressed by essays sprinkled with sophisticated words that are used
incorrectly. Learn their exact meanings, and use them correctly in
your essay.
Words to
describe people who are mature or immature
Words to describe people who can and cannot make up their minds
34. PESSIMISTIC — having a gloomy outlook on life, seeing only bad things
35. EXASPERATING — very irritating, annoying
36. SUPERCILIOUS — very arrogant, haughty, stuck-up
37. CANTANKEROUS — very grouchy, cranky
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iz Time!
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Question 1
Which of the following words
means uninterested or unfeeling
?
(A) apathetic
(B) a f f a b l e
( C ) clandestine
( D ) despondent
Question 2
Which of the following words
means disloyal or treacherous ?
(A) lethargic
(B) pessimistic
(C ) perfidious
( D ) s u p e r c i li o u s
Question 3
Which of the following words
means very talkative?
(A) persuasive
(B) audacious
(C) e c s t a t i c
(D) loquacious
Question 4
Which of the following words
means feeling that all hope is
lost ?
(A) ambivalent
(B) r e so lu t e
(C) i n t re p id
(D) despondent
Question 5
Which of the following words
means a self-centered person ?
(A) altruist
(B) egotist
(C ) extrovert
(D) introvert
Question 6
Which of the following words
means delirious with joy ?
(A) ecstatic
(B) vivacious
(C) zealous
(D) lucid
Question 7
Which of the following words
means lazy or drowsy?
(A) ardent
( B ) venal
( C ) lethargic
( D ) lucid
Question 8
Which of the following words
means very moral or righteous ?
(A) venal
( B ) virtuous
( C ) prudent
( D ) intrepid
Question 9
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
Harry tried to coax the_______ kitten out of its hiding place.
(A) gregarious
(B) timorous
(C) nefarious
(D) zealous
Question 10
Choose the word that best completes this
sentence: Sarah is too much of anto come to the party.
(A) intrepid
(B) egotist
(C) a rde n t
(D) introvert
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is D.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is A.
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is C.
Question 8.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is B.
Question 9.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is B.
Question 10.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is D.
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iz Time!
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Question 1
Which of the following words
means able to make a firm
choice ?
(A) ambivalent
(B) d e c i s i v e
(C) optimistic
(D) p r u d e n t
Question 2
Which of the following words
means very friendly and
pleasant?
( A ) s u p e r c i li o u s
(B) a p a t h e t i c
(C) c a l l o w
(D) a f f a b l e
Question 3
Which of the following words
means a practical person ?
(A) pragmatist
(B) extrovert
(C) a l t r u i s t
(D) stratagem
Question 4
Which of the following words
means very sociable and
outgoing ?
(A) gregarious
(B) nefarious
(C) e c s t a t i c
(D) eloquent
Question 5
Which of the following words means
showing good judgment, or thoughtful
?
(A) callow
( B ) prudent
( C ) intrepid
( D ) resolute
Question 6
Which of the following words
means to waver back and forth?
(A) resolute
(B) clandestine
(C) exasperati
ng D)
vacillate
Question 7
Which of the following words
means very arrogant or stuck-
up?
(A) supercilious
(B) cantankerous
(C) convoluted
(D) loquacious
Question 8
Which of the following words means
filled with passion or great fervor
?
(A) lucid
( B ) affable
(C ) ardent
( D ) optimistic
Question 9
Choose the word that best completes this
sentence: The puppy wasand playful.
(A) lucid
( B ) zealous
( C ) lethargic
(D) vigorous
Question 10
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
Michelle felt ________after she lost her job.
(A) n e f a r i ou s
(B) venal
(C) dejected
(D) unscrupulous
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
Question 2.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is D.
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is A.
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is A.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
Question 6.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is D.
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is A.
Question 8.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is C.
Question 9.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is D.
Question 10.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is C.
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iz Time!
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Question 1
(A) extrovert
(B) a l tru i st
(C) e g o t i s t
(D) c a n d i d
Question 2
Which of the following words means
very immoral and unprincipled ?
(A) callow
(B) craven
( C ) unsc rupulous
( D ) sophomoric
Question 3
Which of the following words
means very brave?
(A) craven
(B) candid
(C) ardent
(D) intrepid
Question 4
Which of the following words means
very articulate or vividly expressive
?
(A) lucid
( B ) eloquent
( C ) vivacious
( D ) loquacious
Question 5
Which of the following words
means great dislike or ill will ?
(A) animosity
(B) empathy
(C) c a l l o w
(D) stratagem
Question 6
Which of the following words
means sensible and poised ?
(A) sophomoric
( B ) l e ve l - h e a de d
(C) c a n d i d
(D) resolute
Question 7
Which of the following words means
extremely wicked or villainous ?
(A) nefarious
(B) timorous
(C) audacious
(D) ambivalent
Question 8
Which of the following words
means very open and honest?
(A) callow
(B) candid
(C) venal
(D) lucid
Question 9
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
Gary's ______ uncle complained throughout the meal.
(B) apathetic
(C ) v i v a c i o u s
(D) l e t h a r g i c
Question 10
Choose the word that best completes this
sentence: No one could follow the movie'splot.
(A) loquacious
(B) ambivalent
(C) convoluted
(D) d e c i s i v e
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D.
The answer is B.
Question 5.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is A.
Question 6.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is B.
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is A.
Question 8.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is B.
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is A.
Question 10.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is C.
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iz Time!
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Question 1
Which of the following words
means juvenile or childish ?
(A) prudent
( B ) sophomoric
( C ) optimistic
(D) craven
Question 2
Which of the following words
means very bold?
(A) audacious
(B) timorous
(C) vigorous
(D) virtuous
Question 3
Which of the following words
means very determined ?
(A) ambivalent
(B) pessimistic
(C) r e so lu t e
(D) apathetic
Question 4
Which of the following words
means secret or hidden ?
(A) candid
(B) callow
( C ) convoluted
( D ) clandestine
Question 5
Which of the following words means
filled with anxiety or very worried
?
(A) apathetic
(B) distraught
(C) perfidious
(D) ambivalent
Question 6
Which of the following words means
having a hopeful outlook on life ?
(A) optimistic
(B) e l a t e d
(C) e c s t a t i c
(D) vivacious
Question 7
Which of the following words
means very irritating or
annoying ?
(A) timorous
(B) intrepid
( C ) exasperating
(D) a f f a b l e
Question 8
Which of the following words
means an outgoing, sociable
person ?
(A) extrovert
(B) e g o t i s t
(C) a ltrui st
(D) stratagem
Question 9
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
Maria was when she won a car in the contest.
(A) craven
( B ) dejected
(C) elated
(D) venal
(A) unscrupulous
(B) sophomoric
(C) affable
03 ) persuasive
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is A.
Question 3.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is C.
Question 4.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is D.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is A.
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is C.
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is A.
Question 9.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is C.
Question 10.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is D.
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iz Time!
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Question 1
Which of the following words
means very clear and easy to
follow ?
(A) eloquent
(B) l u c i d
(C) a r d e n t
(D) decisive
Question 2
Which of the following words
means very immature ?
(A) candid
(B) elated
(C) callow
(D) zealous
Question 3
Which of the following words
means great compassion ?
(A) clandestine
(B) stra ta g e m
(C) a nimosity
(D) empathy
Question 4
Which of the following words
means very passionate or
fervent ?
(A) zealous
(B) vivacious
(C) supercilio
us D)
cantankerous
Question 5
Which of the following words
means having mixed feelings ?
(A) resolute
(B) distraught
( C ) ambivalent
(D) timorous
Question 6
Which of the following words
means very cowardly?
(A) callow
(B) craven
(C) venal
(D) affable
Question 7
Which of the following words means
having a gloomy outlook on life ?
(A) apathetic
(B) resolute
(C) pessimistic
(D) cantankerous
Question 8
Which of the following words
means fun-loving and filled with
life ?
(A) vivacious
(B) gregarious
(C) loquacious
(D) virtuous
Question 9
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
The police officer was sure that the _______ mayor would accept a bribe.
(A) venal
( B ) persuasive
( C ) convoluted
(D) prudent
Question 10
Choose the word that best completes this sentence:
We carefully developed a ______to trick our opponents.
(A) lucid
(B) pragmatist
(C) stratage
m D)
clandestine
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
Question 2.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is C.
Question 3.
The answer is (D).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is D.
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is A.
Question 5.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is C.
Question 6.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is B.
Question 7.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is C.
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is A.
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is A.
Question 10.
The answer is (C).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is C.
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
SENTENCE STRUCTURE VARIETY
Your essay for the New SAT will be judged on much more than your
use of vocabulary, of course. The sentence structure you use must
be as varied and as interesting as your vocabulary.
You should use all of these sentence structures to give your writing
variety and clarity.
Exercise:
Question 1
Combine these two simple sentences to make a compound
sentence: Land use is a controversial issue. Even farmers have
differing opinions about it.
Question 2
Combine these two simple sentences to make a complex
sentence: Some farmers are eager to sell their land to developers.
Others want to preserve their farms and ranches.
Question 3
Combine these three simple sentences to make a compound-complex
sentence:
My grandfather has been a farmer for more than 50 years. He
believes that farming is a good way of life. He hopes that his land
will always be farmed.
Question 4
Combine these sentences to make one compound, complex, or compound-
complex sentence:
A growing population drives up demand for land. Increased demand
leads to increased prices.
Question 5
Combine these sentences to make one compound, complex, or compound-
complex sentence:
Some farmers choose to sell their land in spite of regrets. They
can become wealthy by selling their land. They cannot become
wealthy by farming it.
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
The American bison is a member of the bovid family. This family also includes
cattle, sheep, and goats.
Question 2
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
The bison is the largest land animal in North America. Females are
considerably smaller than males.
(A) The bison is the largest land animal in North America, but
females are considerably smaller than males.
(B) The bison is the largest land animal in North America even
though females are considerably smaller than males.
Question 3
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
Question 4
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
Question 5
The bison was nearly extinct at one time. They are no longer endangered.
Today most bison live in national parks or on privately owned land.
(A) The bison was nearly extinct at one time, they are no longer
endangered, today most bison live in national parks or on privately owned
land.
Question 6
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
Privately owned bison herds are found in nearly every state. Historically, their
natural range was more limited.
(A) Privately owned bison herds are found in nearly every state
although, historically, their natural range was more
limited.
Question 7
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
A female bison usually has just one calf at a time. Occasionally two calves
are born at the same time.
(A) A female bison usually has just one calf at a time, and
occasionally two calves are born at the same time.
(B) A female bison usually has just one calf at a time; however,
occasionally two calves are born at the same time.
Bison are massive and heavy. They are excellent swimmers. They are very
buoyant.
(A) Bison are massive and heavy, and they are excellent
swimmers, and they are very buoyant.
(B) Bison are massive and heavy, yet they are excellent
swimmers because they are very buoyant.
Question 9
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Bison can survive in snowy conditions. They use their hooves and heads to
scrape snow off of vegetation.
(A) Bison can survive in snowy conditions, and they use their
hooves and heads to scrape snow off of vegetation.
(B) Bison can survive in snowy conditions since they use their
hooves and heads to scrape snow off of vegetation.
Question 10
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Bison most often live on plains. They sometimes live in wooded areas. One
sign of their presence is tree bark worn smooth by a bison's rubbing.
(A) Bison most often live on plains, but they sometimes live in
wooded areas, where they wear the tree bark smooth by
rubbing it.
(B) Although, bison most often live on plains, they sometimes live in wooded
areas, and it is here that they wear the tree bark smooth by
rubbing it.
What word could you use to make the second sentence a dependent clause?
What kind of conjunction could best be used to join the two sentences?
What kind of conjunction could best be used to join the two sentences?
Hint for Question 10:
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is A.
The American bison is a member of the bovid family, which also includes cattle,
sheep, and goats.
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is A.
The bison is the largest land animal in North America, but females are considerably
smaller than males.
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is B.
One large, free-ranging herd of bison lives in Yellowstone National Park, where
visitors can see them grazing on the open plains.
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is A.
A bison's horns are permanent, bony growths, unlike a deer's antlers, and both
male and female bison have them.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
The bison was nearly extinct at one time, and while they are no longer
endangered, today most bison live in national parks or on privately owned land.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is A.
Privately owned bison herds are found in nearly every state, although
historically, their natural range was more limited.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is B.
A female bison usually has just one calf at a time, but occasionally two calves
are born at the same time. (coordinating conjunction; compound sentence)
Question 8.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is B.
Bison are massive and heavy, yet they are excellent swimmers because they are very
buoyant. (1 dependent and 2 independent clauses; compound-complex sentence)
Question 9.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is B.
Bison can survive in snowy conditions, since they use their hooves and heads to
scrape snow off of vegetation. (subordinating conjunction; complex
sentence)
Question 10.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is A.
Bison most often live on plains, but they sometimes live in wooded areas, where
one sign of them is tree bark worn smooth by a bison's rubbing. (1 dependent and
2 independent clauses; compound-complex sentence)
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
(B) Riding the subway is fast and inexpensive, but it is not always pleasant.
Question 2
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
I take the subway to school. There is a stop right across the street.
(A) I take the subway to school since there is a stop right across the street.
(B) I take the subway to school, and there is a stop right across the street.
Question 3
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
(A) If I stay after school, I take a cab, or sometimes I take a bus home.
Question 4
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
(A) Yesterday it was raining hard, so my friend's dad drove us both to school.
Question 5
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound-complex
sentence?
(A) Next year I hope to get my driver's license, and I plan to take
driver's education first to lower my insurance rate.
(B) Next year I hope to get my driver's license, and I plan to take
driver's education first because it will lower my insurance
rate.
Question 6
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound-complex
sentence?
I have to pass driver's education. Then my mom will let me use her car. My
dad will pay for my insurance.
Question 7
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
I hope to go to the University of Chicago. My mom went there. She loved it.
Question 8
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Question 9
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
I was a volunteer for a political campaign last year. That experience will
strengthen my application.
Question 10
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Last week I met a business school graduate. He told me that he had four
job offers.
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is B.
Riding the subway is fast and inexpensive, but it is not always pleasant.
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is A.
I take the subway to school since there is a stop right across the street.
Question 3.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is B.
If I stay after school, I take a cab or a bus home.
Question 4.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is A.
Yesterday it was raining hard, so my friend's dad drove us both to school.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
Next year I hope to get my driver's license, and I plan to take driver's education first
because it will lower my insurance rate.
The answer is B.
If I pass driver's education, my mom will let me use her car, and my dad will pay
for my insurance.
Question 7.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is B.
I hope to go to the University of Chicago because my mom went there loved it. (1
dependent and 2 independent clauses; compound-complex sentence)
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is A.
I may major in political science, or I may pursue a double major in political
science and business. (coordinating conjunction; compound sentence)
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is A.
I was a volunteer for a political campaign last year, an experience which will
strengthen my application. (relative pronoun; complex sentence)
Question 10.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is B.
Last summer I met a business school graduate, who told me that he had four job
offers. (relative pronoun; complex sentence)
Studyguide for the SATSkiII Quiz C: Sentence Variety
el
iz Time!
c000fo
Question 1
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
Question 2
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
Question 3
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
In the spring, I attended a game at the stadium. Then I applied for the job.
(A) I applied for the job after I attended a game at the stadium in the spring.
(B) I applied for the job and then attended a game at the stadium in the spring.
Question 4
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound-complex
sentence?
Question 5
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a complex sentence?
I plan to major in law enforcement. I will write about the job in my college
application essay.
Question 6
Which of the following combines these sentences to make a compound sentence?
Question 7
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Question 8
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Question 9
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
Question 10
Which of the following most effectively combines these sentences?
0
Answers!
°©o®©
Question 1.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 1:
The answer is A.
Last summer I worked at a stadium, where I learned about security procedures.
Question 2.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 2:
The answer is A.
A security consultant gave a seminar for employees, and I was allowed to attend.
Question 3.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 3:
The answer is A.
I applied for the job after I attended a game at the stadium in the spring.
Question 4.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 4:
The answer is B.
When there was nothing for me to do, I watched security officers monitor the
cameras, and I learned the codes for security alerts.
Question 5.
The answer is (B).
Explanation for Question 5:
The answer is B.
Since I plan to major in law enforcement, I will write about the job in my college
application essay.
Question 6.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 6:
The answer is A.
I may specialize in electronic security, or I may discover a different area that
interests me even more.
Question 7.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 7:
The answer is A.
My uncle works for the FBI, and my mom is a sheriffs deputy. (coordinating
conjunction; compound sentence)
Question 8.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 8:
The answer is A.
I hope to do internships before graduation, because experience is a big help in
getting a job. (subordinating conjunction; complex sentence)
Question 9.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 9:
The answer is A.
Law enforcement depends on technology, which is changing rapidly, so I will
continue to learn throughout my career. (1 dependent and 2 independent clauses;
compound-complex sentence)
Question 10.
The answer is (A).
Explanation for Question 10:
The answer is A.
My parents support my plans to enter law enforcement, although they are concerned
about my safety. (subordinating conjunction; complex sentence)
*Throughout this documentation, and the software: "College Board" and "SAT" are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board.
"PSAT/NMSQT" is a trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. "ACT" is a trademark of ACT, Inc. None of
these entities are affiliated with the production of, nor endorse these materials.
Review Time
Because your SAT essay will be a draft, it will probably not be
completely free of errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. You
should, however, try to avoid the types of errors that can make your
writing less clear and lower your score. These include the following:
Sentence fragments
Incorrect example: They began to flee. Running away as fast as
they could. (The second phrase is a fragment since it has no subject.)
Correct example: They began to flee, running away as fast as
they could. (Combining the sentences eliminates the fragment, making
"they" the subject.)
Agreement errors
A subject and verb must agree in number. If your subject is plural, the
verb that goes with it must reflect that. A pronoun must agree with its
antecedent in number and in gender.
You should refer to the Multiple Choice Writing Section for more
instruction on this subject.