SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 13

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?

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?

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

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?

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 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 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?