SAT Reading & Writing Practice Set 9

In Keynesian economics, the principle of the multiplier effect suggests that a small initial change in autonomous expenditures can lead to a much larger change in ______.

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

In the annals of Romantic literature, the Byzantine confluence of idealism and raw emotional expression has often been juxtaposed with classical restraint. Writers of this era, in their fervent embrace of nature and spontaneous sentiment, sought an apotheosis of the human spirit, frequently rebelling against stringent societal mores. It was a divergence from the Enlightenment era’s veneration of reason and empiricism, steering literature towards uncharted terrains of the heart. The Romantic epoch, in essence, resonated with the undulating passions of its proponents, acting as a counterpoint to the stoic rationality that preceded it.

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

As the fiscal fabric of the late 20th century evolved, the world saw the emergence of intricate economic derivatives. These financial instruments, known for their volatility, became the linchpin of global finance. However, with their growing ubiquity, these derivatives soon catalyzed unprecedented market anomalies, leading to heightened systemic risks. The subsequent years witnessed regulatory bodies grappling with the quagmire of ensuring market stability while fostering innovation.

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

Passage A:

Deconstructionist approaches to literature advocate for a meticulous examination of text, unraveling inherent power structures and undermining traditional interpretations. This perspective views every literary piece as a site of conflict, where dominant narratives are challenged and destabilized. For adherents of this paradigm, absolute meaning is elusive, as texts are always mediated by the limitations and prejudices of language and culture.

Passage B:

Canonical interpretations, grounded in time-honored traditions, believe that literature serves as a mirror to society, capturing the zeitgeist of an epoch. Such interpretations uphold the notion of universal themes and timeless truths, asserting that certain texts possess inherent values and lessons that remain constant despite changing societal norms. These texts, they argue, are repositories of wisdom and should be revered and preserved for posterity.

Based on the perspectives presented in Passage A and Passage B, what would the author of Passage A most likely disagree with regarding the author of Passage B’s perspective?

In the intricate realm of socio-financial stratagems, the nexus between economic equity and communal inclusivity has often been obfuscated by layers of technical jargon and fiscal opacity. When one delves into the granularities of wealth redistribution, there’s an incipient realization that monetary policies, while ostensibly designed for equitable growth, often cater to entrenched financial oligarchies. This hegemony, subversively embedded within capitalist infrastructures, predicates the proletariat’s perpetual struggle for economic emancipation. Such paradigms, redolent of Marxian critiques, raise unsettling questions about the genuineness of purportedly inclusive fiscal agendas in contemporary financial landscapes.

What underlying critique can be inferred regarding contemporary economic policies from the passage?

In the domain of art finance, the commodification of aesthetic entities remains an enigma wrapped in a conundrum. Over the last few decades, art pieces, instead of being mere expressions of creativity, have been transformed into tradable financial assets. The surge of ultra-wealthy collectors and institutional investors speculating in this market has led to an unprecedented inflation of artwork valuations. Such valuations often detach from intrinsic artistic merit and are largely based on the perception of rarity and prestige. This metamorphosis of art into an investable commodity underscores a paradigmatic shift in societal values: from appreciating art for its emotional and philosophical evocations to valuing it based on its potential monetary returns.

Which one of the following statements, if true, would be the most direct extension of the arguments in the passage?

In the labyrinthine corridors of art history, the “Kintsugi Paradigm” stands as an emblematic testimony to the resilience of art forms. Stemming from the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, the paradigm challenges the predominant conceptions that value the pristine. Instead, it underscores the aesthetic and philosophical significance of scars and breaks, emphasizing that imperfections, when treated with reverence, can metamorphose into symbols of beauty and strength. This divergent appreciation necessitates a reconsideration of the linear narratives that dominate mainstream discourses on art valuation, arguing for a holistic understanding where beauty is not merely skin deep, but emanates from the profundity of experiences.

Based on the passage, which of the following can be most accurately inferred about the “Kintsugi Paradigm”?

The dialectical intricacies of Cartesian dualism, particularly in its juxtaposition with the monist worldview, have been a quandary for ages. Delving into the metaphysical realms, René Descartes propounded that the mind and body were two distinct entities. However, in engaging with the nuances of this perspective, ____ and the corporeal realm in such a manner that might challenge the veracity of the pure dualist standpoint.

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

The intricacies of the human psyche have always been an enigma. Sigmund Freud, in his pioneering work, hypothesized the existence of the id, ego, and superego. These elements, when analyzed, ____ the multifaceted dimensions of human behavior.

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

In the intricate dance of stock market fluctuations, quantitative analysis stands out. Algorithms, ____ employed by financial institutions, utilize vast amounts of data to predict potential market movements.

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

The existential quandaries posed by philosophers like Sartre and Camus remain perennial. The notion of absurdism, ____ central to their thought, challenges individuals to confront life’s inherent meaninglessness.

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

Amidst a comprehensive review of theatre, a critic noted the following:

• Miguel Santos, a renowned Spanish playwright, frequently dabbles with themes of existentialism and the human condition.
• His plays have been staged in Spain, Italy, Brazil, and the USA, amongst other nations.
• He continually questions the essence of human existence and societal norms.
• “Shadows Within” (2003), a play by Santos, revolves around characters grappling with societal expectations and their own desires.
• “Echoes of Desolation” (2005) portrays individuals confronting existential crises and seeking purpose.

Considering the profundity of Santos’s theatrical works, which choice aptly encapsulates the overlapping thematic motifs in both plays?