SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 16

The philosophical contemplations of Descartes centered around the foundational concept of cogito, ergo sum: “I think, therefore I am.” This dictum encapsulated his belief in the primacy of reason, asserting that one’s existence is _______ through conscious reflection.

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

Within the world of finance, the intricacies of fiscal policy are often predicated on the country’s economic health. Balancing inflation rates, employment, and growth requires a _______ orchestration of various monetary tools.

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

Economic models, by their very nature, attempt to simulate the multifaceted dynamics of real-world markets. Though mathematical in structure, these models often incorporate sociological and psychological variables to enhance their accuracy. However, the inherent limitation of such models lies in their inability to predict anomalies arising from unforeseen geopolitical events. Policymakers, hence, often couple these models with qualitative analyses to ensure comprehensive economic forecasting.

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

Passage 1

Historical materialism, in its pursuit to comprehend societal evolution, predicates itself on the dialectical relationship between the superstructure and the base. The latter, comprising the forces and relations of production, plays a pivotal role in shaping the ideological and institutional framework—the superstructure. Nonetheless, one must caution against embracing a reductive determinism; the interplay isn’t merely unidirectional. Though the base frequently molds the superstructure, the converse also holds veracity, albeit to a lesser degree.

Passage 2

Any rigorous analysis of societal change must be predicated upon the dynamics between the economic foundations and the emergent societal ideologies. These two, though intrinsically entwined, don’t always exhibit a straightforward causal relationship. While the economic substrate often acts as a catalyst for societal norms, to argue that ideologies, in turn, never influence economic modalities would be an oversimplified postulation. The flux is cyclical, not linear.

Given the two passages, which of the following statements about the relationship between economic foundations and societal ideologies would the author of Passage 1 most likely disagree with the author of Passage 2?

In the arcane echelons of modern financial epistemology, the oscillation between fiduciary responsibility and aggressive portfolio expansion represents a persistent conundrum. On one spectrum, adherence to prudent fiscal principles safeguards stakeholders’ interests, often leading to the preservation of capital. Contrarily, the other spectrum extols the virtues of audacious financial adventurism, beckoning investors to venture into uncharted territories in the pursuit of maximized returns. This duality, subtly underpinned by the age-old battle between fear and greed, further finds its roots embedded in behavioral economics, suggesting a confluence of cognitive biases and emotional predilections influencing investment decisions. Indeed, the quest to harmonize these seemingly dichotomous paradigms continues to elude even the most seasoned financiers, necessitating a perpetually evolving strategic approach.

Which of the following inferences is most closely aligned with the underlying sentiment of the passage?

In the annals of economic historiography, one discerns a subtle yet profound tension between proponents of free-market capitalism and those espousing regulated interventions. The inexorable momentum of globalization, bolstered by technological advancements, has dramatically widened the chasm between the affluent and the penurious. This glaring economic bifurcation, some scholars argue, is an unpalatable consequence of laissez-faire economics, wherein market forces operate uninhibited. Others, however, posit that periodic downturns, such as recessions, are not the mere offspring of deregulation but arise from multifarious factors, including geopolitical dynamics and fiscal imprudence. Yet, in the crucible of economic debate, the clarion call remains: is unfettered capitalism inherently predisposed to engendering disparities, or are there other shadowy actors at play?

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

In the intricate corridors of economic philosophy, the notion that wealth creation is an end in itself has often been juxtaposed against the belief that wealth is but a means to achieving societal harmony. The former, referred to as the ‘Affluent Paradigm’, posits that nations ought to maximize their economic output without undue emphasis on equitable distribution. Such an emphasis, it claims, would stifle innovation and deter capital accumulation. The latter perspective, termed the ‘Equitable Doctrine’, asserts that mere accumulation of capital, devoid of its just distribution, results in societal discord and eventually erodes the very fabric of a nation. The tug-of-war between these doctrines has shaped fiscal policies across epochs, influencing the destinies of nations and the prosperity of their denizens.

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

The complexities of income inequality pose obtrusive challenges for both policymakers and global societies. The multidimensional conundrum of income inequality entails more than just a skewed distribution of wealth and resources. The adjunct issues of unequal opportunities and varying living standards barely receive the attention they should. Income inequality has grave and debilitating ramifications. Income disparities cause arrested social mobility and challenge political and economic stability. The crux of the problem is that there is no effective consensus, within and among economies, as to how to mitigate these inequalities, whether to optimize a “trade-off” approach or laissez-faire orientation, which can potentially topple anything orderly. The problem with aggressively redistributive policy is that it can stymy innovation.

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

During the Renaissance era, humanism, a cultural movement ______, emphasized the value and agency of human beings, often in opposition to religious dogma and institutionalized practices.

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

Supply-side economics, an economic theory popularized in the late 20th century ______ argues that reducing taxes and regulations can stimulate economic growth. It postulates that when businesses are less burdened, they can invest and expand more freely.

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

In the study of cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort felt when one holds contradictory beliefs or values ______ is examined extensively. This discomfort often leads individuals to modify one of the conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

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

While perusing the domain of modern management thought, Priya made the following notes:

• Dr. Leah Remington is a leading voice in contemporary management theory.
• Her work has inspired numerous companies to change their operational tactics.
• She emphasizes the value of collaborative leadership.
• Her book ‘Synchronous Synergies’ (2012) advocates for collaborative team structures.
• Another, ‘Echelons of Empowerment’ (2014), underscores leadership that empowers at all hierarchical levels.

Priya seeks to highlight the common leadership philosophy in these books. Which option most effectively uses the data from the notes to achieve this objective?