SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 5

In the logbook of cosmic exploration, Daniella Della Giustina, a tenacious custodian of knowledge, inscribes a chapter of unparalleled courage. Confronting the unforeseen labyrinth of a terrain adorned with bouldere puzzles, OSIRIS-REx stood as an emblem of audacity, ingeniously _______ a trove of the surface’s essence. A symphony of precision and daring choreography unfolded, birthing a collection of fragments destined to reunite with Earth’s embrace. This narrative resonates as a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding thirst for discovery, underscoring the infinitude of the unexplored and the remarkable journey we undertake to quench it.

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

The following excerpt is taken from Mark Twain’s humorous essay ‘Fenimore Cooper’s Literary Offenses.’ Twain takes a satirical approach in critiquing the works of James Fenimore Cooper, a renowned novelist.

In this spirited essay, Twain scrutinizes Cooper’s storytelling and character development. He doesn’t shy away from pointing out what he sees as inconsistencies, implausibilities, and lack of attention to detail in Cooper’s narratives. Twain’s sharp wit and playful mockery serve as a commentary on the literary conventions of his time, making ‘Fenimore Cooper’s Literary Offense an insightful and humorous exploration of storytelling craftsmanship.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

The lines below are excerpted from Robert Frost’s famous poem ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.’ The speaker, captivated by a tranquil scene, contemplates the allure of nature’s embrace.

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

Text 1 

Historical narratives often portrayed the Renaissance as a linear progression, with art and culture evolving in a linear trajectory from medieval to modern. This perspective suggests a clear sequence of artistic styles, each building upon the other. The shift from Gothic to Renaissance art, for instance, has been characterized as a dramatic departure that marked a definitive break from the past.

Text 2

In a recent revisionist analysis, art historians Sarah Martinez and Diego Vega challenge the notion of a neat linear evolution in artistic styles. Their 2022 research contends that artists of the Renaissance displayed a dynamic interplay between traditional and innovative elements. They argue that the transition from Gothic to Renaissance was not abrupt but rather a complex process involving hybrid forms and gradual shifts. Martinez and Vega’s findings highlight how artists of the time embraced experimentation and incorporated diverse influences, creating a more intricate tapestry of artistic development.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the discussion in Text 1?

In the symphony of life, each note resonates with the harmony of existence, just as the colors of a painter’s palette dance upon the canvas in a mesmerizing choreography of light and shadow. As a skilled conductor guides an orchestra through the intricate rhythms of a composition, so too does the conductor of our experiences lead us through the passages of time. Like a delicate bird spreading its wings to embrace the open sky, our aspirations take flight when nurtured by the winds of inspiration. Just as a bird without air beneath its wings finds itself grounded, our dreams too find themselves anchored when deprived of the breath of possibility.

Based on the passage, how does the conductor of our experiences parallel the role of a skilled conductor guiding an orchestra through the intricate rhythms of a composition?

Throughout the dynamic landscape of Post-War and Contemporary art, the year 2022 illuminated the United States as a towering presence. With a commanding presence on the global stage, the United States carved out the highest share of auction revenue, researchers’ claim. This accomplishment speaks to the nation’s unwavering influence and prominence within the art market. The United States’ remarkable achievement in securing the top spot in Post-War and Contemporary art auction revenue is a testament to its thriving art ecosystem. The country’s galleries, collectors, artists, and institutions have collectively contributed to this monumental success. Their dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic expression has propelled the nation to the forefront of the global art scene.

Geographical distribution of Post-War and Contemporary art auction revenue worldwide in 2022

Which choice best describes data from the table that supports the researchers’ claim?

Several ancient manuscripts discovered within the archives of medieval monasteries reveal depictions of monks diligently transcribing texts illuminated by candlelight. Certain researchers have contended that the presence of illuminated manuscripts indicates the deep spiritual significance of this practice, as the manuscripts often contained religious texts. However, art historian Maria Rodriguez posits that illuminated manuscripts may also signify the reverence for knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom that monks held dear. The fact that such meticulous attention was given to the illumination of texts, therefore, __________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

Over the past few decades, climate change has become a critical concern for scientists and environmentalists worldwide. One of the ecosystems most vulnerable to these changes is coral reefs. These intricate marine environments are under threat due to rising sea temperatures and increasing ocean acidity. Research indicates that coral bleaching, a phenomenon caused by stress from warming waters, has become more frequent and severe. As temperatures rise, coral reefs struggle ________ from these bleaching events, leading to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem health. It is essential for us to understand the complex relationship between climate change and coral reef degradation to implement effective conservation strategies.

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

In the face of climate change and depleting fossil fuel reserves, the significance of renewable energy sources cannot be overstated. Unlike non-renewable sources like coal and oil, renewable energy options such as solar, wind, and hydropower offer sustainable alternatives that minimize environmental harm. By harnessing these sources, _____________ greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate air and water pollution, and decrease our reliance on finite resources. Embracing renewable energy not only addresses the pressing issue of climate change but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and ecologically balanced future.

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

The Renaissance, a period of cultural rebirth in Europe spanning from the 14th to the 17th century, marked a profound shift in artistic and intellectual pursuits. The revival of classical learning and the exploration of humanism led to remarkable achievements in art, science, and philosophy. Visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci epitomized this era’s interdisciplinary spirit, with his contributions to anatomy, engineering, and art. The Gutenberg printing press facilitated the spread of knowledge______________. As a result, the Renaissance transformed Europe’s societal landscape, laying the groundwork for modernity.

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

The advent of social media has revolutionized how we connect_________ without its complexities. On one hand, these platforms enable us to maintain relationships across vast distances and share moments with a global audience. Friendships forged online can transcend geographical barriers. However, the virtual nature of interactions can sometimes dilute the richness of face-to-face communication. The pressure to curate a perfect online persona can lead to a disconnect between the online and offline selves. Moreover, the immediacy of digital communication can create misunderstandings due to the absence of tone and body language.

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

Exploring the realm of astronomical wonders, an astrophysicist presents the following intriguing findings:

• The Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbor, is hurtling towards the Milky Way at a staggering pace.
• Within the heart of a black hole, the known laws of physics seem to break down, leading to what scientists term the “singularity.”
• The discovery of exoplanets—planets beyond our solar system—has ignited hopes of finding Earth-like worlds that might support life.
• The cosmic microwave background radiation, a faint glow present throughout the universe, provides a glimpse into the aftermath of the Big Bang.

How might the astrophysicist effectively illuminate the significance of the cosmic microwave background radiation to an audience with limited exposure to the complexities of cosmology and the Big Bang theory?