SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 6

Artistic innovation, the act of breaking conventional boundaries to create novel expressions, has been a hallmark of Renaissance painters. This spirit is brilliantly exemplified in the works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who pushed the boundaries of their time with their masterpieces. However, when it comes to literary figures, this level of innovation is somewhat _______ in traditionalists like Jane Austen. This contrast has spurred literary scholars to delve into Austen’s nuanced narratives and explore the subtleties that define her unique contributions to the world of literature.

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

The excerpt below is taken from Mary Shelley’s classic novel ‘Frankenstein.’ Dr. Victor Frankenstein, consumed by his scientific ambitions, reflects on the implications of his creation.

It was on a dreary night of November that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils. With an anxiety that almost amounted to agony, I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet. It was already one in the morning; the rain pattered dismally against the panes, and my candle was nearly burnt out, when, by the glimmer of the half-extinguished light, I saw the dull yellow eye of the creature open; it breathed hard, and a convulsive motion agitated its limbs.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Text 1

For generations, the field of astronomy has captivated humanity’s imagination. Observing the cosmos from the vantage point of our planet, astronomers have meticulously charted the positions and movements of celestial bodies. Ancient cultures gazed at the night sky, finding patterns and stories woven among the stars, while modern telescopes unveil the mysteries of distant galaxies.

Text 2

Language, a cornerstone of human communication, has evolved in nuanced and intricate ways throughout history. From ancient pictographs etched on cave walls to the complex grammar structures of today, language adapts to suit the needs of diverse societies. Linguists unravel the threads of this evolution, deciphering the roots and connections that underpin our ability to convey thoughts and emotions.

Which choice best describes a difference between the author of Text 1 and the author of Text 2?

The excerpt below is taken from Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective novel “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’s faithful companion, is on his way to Baskerville Hall to investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville.

As the carriage made its way along the desolate moor, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease that settled upon me. The mist clung to the landscape, casting an eerie veil over the terrain. I gazed out of the window, my thoughts consumed by the legends of the phantom hound that had haunted the Baskerville family for generations. The very air seemed heavy with the weight of the past, and my curiosity mingled with trepidation. Arriving at the ominous mansion, the darkness of the night seemed to seep into my bones, and I found myself embarking on a journey into the unknown, driven by a mixture of rational investigation and a creeping sense of the supernatural.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

In the coastal waters of Australia, scientists have uncovered a fascinating phenomenon among two distinct populations of dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins inhabiting these waters display intriguing variations in their vocalizations and social behaviors. While both groups share the same habitat, a unique difference has emerged between them—one group engages in a complex series of clicks and whistles, while the other emits simpler and shorter vocal patterns.

Which finding, if true, would most directly explain the distinct variations in vocalizations observed between the two populations of bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the coastal waters of Australia?

In the intricate dance of celestial bodies, meteors, and meteorites play a fascinating role in delivering extraterrestrial matter to our planet. A recent study has delved into the origins of meteoritic material and the processes that govern their interactions with Earth’s atmosphere. Led by renowned astrochemist Elena Rivera-Perez, a group of researchers embarked on a quest to unveil the mysteries surrounding the vaporization of cosmic matter during atmospheric entry.

Which finding, if true, would most directly shed light on the significance of meteors and meteorites in delivering extraterrestrial matter to Earth, as discussed in the passage about the recent study led by astrochemist Elena Rivera-Perez?

In the bustling heart of a vibrant city, a tapestry of human activity weaves together the urban landscape. Skyscrapers reach for the sky, their windows reflecting the stories of countless lives within. Amid the concrete and steel, a diverse array of people moves through the streets, each contributing to the dynamic rhythm of city life. The streets are alive with the energy of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, all playing a role in the intricate choreography of this modern metropolis. Neon signs and bustling market stalls add to the sensory symphony, creating a vibrant atmosphere. As the day unfolds, the cityscape becomes a canvas for the creativity and ingenuity of its inhabitants, who shape the skyline and cultural landscape, while also _____________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

The Silk Road, an extensive network of trade routes that connected the East and West, played a pivotal role in facilitating cultural exchange between civilizations. Stretching from China to the Mediterranean, this network enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. While the primary purpose was commerce, the Silk Road fostered the exchange of religious beliefs, artistic styles, and scientific knowledge. It allowed for the spread of Buddhism from India to East Asia and facilitated the transmission of paper-making techniques to the West. The Silk Road ________ as a testament to the enduring impact of cross-cultural interactions on the development of human societies.

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

The solar system, a fascinating expanse of celestial bodies, is composed of the Sun at its center, surrounded by _____________ and comets. Our understanding of this complex system has evolved significantly over time. Early astronomers like Galileo Galilei used telescopes to observe the planets and their moons. However, it was only in the 20th century that technological advancements enabled humans to explore beyond Earth, culminating in the historic Apollo moon landings. Today, sophisticated telescopes and space probes continue to unravel the mysteries of the solar system, expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.

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

Urbanization, the rapid expansion of cities, has far-reaching implications for the environment. As populations migrate to urban centers in search of opportunities, infrastructure development surges. However, this often comes at the cost of natural habitats and green spaces. _____________ traffic congestion, and pollution levels are byproducts of urban living. Balancing the convenience of urban life with ecological preservation poses a challenge. Sustainable urban planning, embracing green technologies, and promoting eco-friendly practices are imperative to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on the environment.

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

While studying the history of classical music, a music enthusiast has compiled the following details:

• Ludovico Mozart was a prodigy composer and pianist from the 18th century.
• He composed his first symphony at the age of 8.
• Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, completed in 1788, is considered one of his greatest works.
• The symphony features dramatic melodies and a minor key, reflecting Mozart’s emotional depth.

How can the enthusiast best introduce Symphony No. 40 to an audience unfamiliar with Mozart’s musical achievements?

Delving into the realm of literature, an aspiring literary scholar has gathered the following insights:

• Mary Shelley’s novel ‘Frankenstein’ was published in 1818, marking the beginning of science fiction.
• The story explores themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition.
• The novel’s structure is framed within multiple narratives, adding complexity to its storytelling.
• ‘Frankenstein’ has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations.

How can the literary scholar best introduce the enduring impact of ‘Frankenstein’ to an audience unfamiliar with Mary Shelley’s contribution to literature?