SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 15

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?