SAT Reading & Writing Practice Test 4 (Module 2)

Sociologists have long grappled with the conundrum of social structures. These intricate systems of relationships and hierarchies often exhibit a kind of _______ durability, persisting through generations despite shifts in political or cultural climates.

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

Modern art, often characterized by its abstract motifs and forms, is a realm where artists endeavour to transcend traditional aesthetic boundaries. Through their creations, they aim to evoke a profound, often _______ response from the observer, challenging conventional perceptions.

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

In an epoch dominated by avant-garde aesthetics, 20th-century Russian literature saw the juxtaposition of two seemingly disparate narratives: the socio-political upheavals and the burgeoning Modernist literary movement. While many authors integrated the motifs of alienation and despair into their texts, the underlying solace found in these works was primarily derived from a deeper connection to a collective history. Paradoxically, despite the existential angst exhibited in these narratives, a palpable optimism permeates their essence, offering readers a unique lens through which to interpret Russia’s complex socio-cultural landscape.

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

Within the vast realm of art history, Impressionism stands as a testament to the radical departure from strict representational art. Originating in the 19th century, this movement was spearheaded by artists determined to capture fleeting moments, moods, and atmospheres. This paradigm shift, rather than just a mere stylistic evolution, marked a profound philosophical divergence, emphasizing the subjective perception of reality. Subsequent art movements, while varied in style and intent, owed much to the trailblazing spirit of the Impressionists.

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

The Renaissance, a period of unparalleled intellectual and artistic growth, witnessed the birth of humanism and a renewed interest in classical antiquity. Scholars and polymaths, spanning from Petrarch to Leonardo da Vinci, sought to amalgamate ancient knowledge with contemporary thought. Their endeavours laid the groundwork for modern scientific methodology, emphasizing empirical evidence and systematic inquiry. The period’s legacy, therefore, extends far beyond the realms of art and literature, influencing the very foundation of modern-day academia.

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

Passage 1

In the dialectics of art history, one confronts the intricate dance of form and substance. The Byzantine epoch, for instance, illustrated this tension vividly in its mosaics and frescoes, where form often subsumed content, leading to an opulent display of intricate patterns often overshadowing the intended narrative. This phenomenon, emblematic of the era’s proclivity for aesthetic grandeur, also mirrored the society’s predisposition towards valuing surface manifestations, sometimes at the expense of intrinsic meaning.

Passage 2

Art’s evolutionary trajectory has been punctuated by epochs wherein form and content engage in an enthralling tango. A salient example can be found in the modernist movement, where artists deliberately obfuscated content to emphasize form. This was not merely an aesthetic choice but a reflection of the zeitgeist—a world grappling with rapid change and seeking solace in the familiar, even if that meant prioritizing aesthetic over narrative. The inherent tension between appearance and essence, it seems, is perennial.

Based on the two passages, with which statement regarding the relationship between form and content in art would the author of Passage 1 most likely disagree with the author of Passage 2?

Passage 1

Within the cryptic annals of postmodern literary theory, there exists a subtle yet undeniable tension between the proponents of structuralism and those of deconstruction. Structuralists, advocating for an innate framework governing the organization and meaning of literary texts, argue that every text embodies an underlying structure, an invisible lattice of understanding. Contrarily, deconstructionists aver that meaning is inherently unstable and any attempt to identify a single, unified structure within a text is not only futile but also fallacious. This deconstructionist perspective underscores the multiplicities and ambiguities present in every text.

Passage 2

The intricate dance of literary interpretation is often colored by the theoretical lens through which one examines a text. While structuralist perspectives emphasize a text’s inherent design and preordained patterns, advancing the notion of a fixed literary scaffold, deconstructionists counter this by highlighting the fluidity and multiplicity of meanings. For the latter, a text is a chimerical entity, constantly shape-shifting and eluding any concrete definition.

Given the descriptions in the two passages, with respect to which of the following would the author of Passage 1 most likely disagree with the author of Passage 2?

In the esoteric realms of post-modernist historiography, a paradigmatic shift has been observed in the last half-century. This departure from conventional norms elucidates the increased weightage given to subaltern narratives over dominant discourses. These subaltern voices, which were previously muffled in the cacophony of grand historical retellings, have begun to find their place under the sun. Historians, armed with a more discerning and empathetic lens, are increasingly challenging the monolithic interpretations of history that have long held sway. It is in this landscape that the stories of marginalized communities, often devoid of written records and relegated to oral traditions, are gaining traction. This new wave, far from being a mere academic trend, reflects a societal recognition of the multiplicity of truths and the imperative to embrace diverse historical experiences.

Based on the passage, which of the following best captures the main idea conveyed by the author?

Postmodern literature has continually subverted the fundamental tenets of canonical narratology. In this avant-garde realm, authors deliberately eschew linear progressions and unequivocal denouements, prompting readers to grapple with the polysemous nature of textuality. This intentional deviation, quintessential to metafiction, invariably challenges the hegemony of traditional storytelling by foregrounding the very artifice of its own construct. Such disjunctions between the narrative and its inherent didacticism precipitate an epistemological rift, compelling the discerning reader to oscillate between suspended disbelief and heightened metacognition. However, it remains an incontrovertible fact that this experimental form of literature not only reconfigures the axiomatic structure of a story but also recasts the reader’s role, demanding a more participatory and reflexive engagement.

Which of the following can be inferred as the predominant effect of postmodern literature on its readers?

In the labyrinthine realms of socio-psychological dynamics, an emerging postulate posits that urban dwellers, despite their ostensible connectivity, grapple with pervasive existential isolation. The inexorable march of urbanization, while fostering technological innovation and cultural amalgamation, appears paradoxically to attenuate intimate human connections. Such a dichotomy emanates from an overreliance on digital interfaces, overshadowing face-to-face interactions. Moreover, high-density living, with its cacophony of stimuli, seems to inculcate a form of desensitization, rendering individuals impervious to the emotive resonances of their peers. Thus, the very edifice of modern metropolises, hailed as beacons of progress, might be fostering an age of unparalleled emotional estrangement.

Which one of the following, if true, would weaken the author’s claims in the passage?

In the intricate labyrinths of sociological theory, the dynamics of human interaction have often been analogized to the resonant frequencies of orchestral harmonies. When societal factions coalesce, they either create harmonious symphonies or dissonant cacophonies. Erudite scholars postulate that societal equanimity is not merely a product of enforced regulations or legislative diktats, but a sublime manifestation of collective consciousness and shared moral ethos. Contrarily, other intellectuals argue that societal discord is an inevitable outcome when individualistic pursuits overshadow communal welfare. The quandary thus remains: Does societal equilibrium emanate intrinsically from mutual resonance, or is it an external imposition borne out of the necessity to prevent chaos?

Which one of the following, if false, would strengthen the author’s claims in the passage?

The intricate interplay of socio-cultural matrices has perennially shaped human cognition, rendering most of our decisions a mere reflex to the ethereal cultural constructs. In philosophical realms, one might argue that individual agency is predominantly a mirage, a vestige of the overarching societal tapestry that persistently weaves its pattern on the loom of consciousness. Scholars of history can attest to the recurrent paradigms where civilizations, believing in their autonomy, were but marionettes dancing to the tunes of cultural imperatives. This pervasive influence of culture is not to be seen as deterministic, but rather as a subtle nudge, a gentle persuasion that shapes our ethos and, consequently, our actions.

Which one of the following, if true, would weaken the author’s claims in the passage?

The obfuscated realms of financial derivatives, specifically within the intricate dynamics of collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), pose a conundrum that isn’t facilely decipherable even to seasoned economists. These instruments, interwoven with a matrix of default swaps and tranche investments, burgeon in environments rife with unchecked speculative fervor. Consequently, their mercurial behavior often becomes the harbinger of economic meltdowns, evidenced by the labyrinthine causal pathways in numerous financial crises. Yet, the allure of these instruments, teetering on the precipice of high risk and reward, ensnares countless financiers, undeterred by the potential maelstrom they may catalyze.

What can be most accurately inferred about the role of financial derivatives, especially CDOs, in the economic landscape?

In economic deliberations, the Quintessential Capital Theory (QCT) posits that the foundational underpinnings of capital aren’t strictly tethered to tangible assets but also encompass intangible resources like knowledge and innovation. This departure from traditional economic paradigms, which prioritized physical assets, underscores the evolving dynamics of value creation in a post-modern era. Concurrently, the Ambient Economic Hypothesis (AEH) argues that modern economies, being deeply enmeshed in global networks, derive their strength not merely from domestic configurations but also from intricate external alliances and trade relationships. Distilled, while QCT underscores the augmented role of non-material assets, AEH emphasizes the external interconnections vital for contemporary economic prosperity.

Based on the passage, which of the following is a valid inference?

Tonalism, an artistic movement that dominated American art during the late 19th century, ______ the conventional bold, vivid colors of its time. This movement aimed to convey moods and emotions through diffused lights and muted tones, drawing inspiration from dusk or dawn scenes.

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

In the realm of investment banking, derivatives are complex financial contracts ______, like stocks or bonds, but derive their value from other assets.

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

Behaviorism, a psychological approach ______, focuses on observable behaviors and disregards unobservable internal mental processes.

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

The abstract expressionist movement, predominantly associated with New York in the mid-20th century. ______ provided a means to express themselves through spontaneous, non-representational means. This movement sought to bring the subconscious to the surface, allowing for a more direct interaction between artist and viewer.

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

High-frequency trading (HFT) which uses advanced algorithms to execute a large number of orders at extremely fast speeds ______ has been a contentious topic in finance. Critics argue that HFT can exacerbate market volatility.

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

Social mobility, the ability of an individual or family to improve (or decrease) their economic status in society ______ is often used as a measure of a society’s health and fairness. It’s a reflection of opportunities and barriers within that society.

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

Existential nihilism, the philosophical belief that life lacks intrinsic meaning or value ______ has been explored in literature and philosophy for centuries. Proponents argue that individuals must create their own meaning.

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

During a discourse on influential figures in philosophy, Emma jotted down these observations:

• Immanuel Kant was a pivotal figure in modern Western philosophy.
• His writings have been interpreted and discussed extensively across continents.
• Kant was a proponent of the critique of pure reason.
• ‘Aesthetics of Reality’ (1783) delved into the nature of reality and perception.
• ‘Moral Metrics’ (1785) investigated the foundation of ethics and moral reasoning.

Emma aims to establish a link in Kant’s methodological approach in these works. Which choice employs the information from the notes most effectively to achieve this?

Dr. Elise DeMarco has been studying the writings of the following authors:

• Marina Donovan is a Canadian novelist known for her intricate plots.
• Her novels have been translated into various languages and have sold millions globally.
• She frequently employs natural landscapes as key elements in her stories.
• Her book “Whispering Pines” (2015) utilized a dense forest setting and a secluded lake.
• Her novel “Beneath the Aurora” (2017) portrayed the remote, icy terrains of the Arctic.

Dr. DeMarco is keen on establishing a connection between the two books. Which option most effectively uses the pertinent information from the notes to achieve this goal?

While exploring avant-garde movements in the art world, David catalogued these observations:

• Elise Moran is a visionary in post-abstract expressionism.
• Her artwork is exhibited in major galleries in Brazil, Italy, Spain, and China.
• Moran frequently merges geometric and organic forms in her compositions.
• ‘Fractured Facades’ (2013) juxtaposes structured squares with fluid shapes, symbolizing conflict.
• ‘Convergence’ (2015) blends circles and undulating lines, representing harmony.

David aims to underline a consistent stylistic approach across these artworks. Which option most effectively draws from his observations to achieve this aim?

In neoclassical economics, rationality is often presupposed; agents are thought to act in their best interests. Yet, behavioral economics offers a contrast, positing that cognitive biases can impede rationality. While neoclassical models rely on mathematical precision, ______ behavioral economics often employs psychological insights.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Post-modernism in literature ushered in a rejection of grand narratives, preferring fragmented stories. Authors like Pynchon and DeLillo questioned linear history and deterministic models. In their audacious narrative shifts, ______, they defied conventions, presenting reality as subjective.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Quantum mechanics challenges our intuitive understanding of the physical world. While classical physics champions determinism, the quantum realm embraces probability. Yet, with its wave-particle duality, ______, quantum mechanics also showcases determinate properties under certain conditions.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?