SAT Pastpaper with Solutions

Throughout the 1990s, the culinary world was revolutionized by a radical injection of science. This era of "molecular gastronomy" reimagined classics and challenged traditions through implementations of chemistry. Though its reputation has grown stale, molecular gastronomy retains a significant influence on modern cooking. Agar agar, liquid nitrogen, and sodium alginate used to be limited to laboratories, but now they are commonly found in restaurant kitchens, as chefs have learned how to use chemistry to ________ their dishes.

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

Though the two species of birds are not closely related, the woodpecker has____________the honeyguide, such as its ability to tap on tree trunks and extract insects—behaviors that evolved independently in both species to fulfill similar ecological roles.

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

The following text is adapted from an analysis of African American music traditions.

"Although African American music encompasses a wide array of genres and styles, it is also marked by a deep thematic________: scholars have traced the influence of spirituals and work songs in shaping the evolution of blues, jazz, and hip-hop, demonstrating an enduring connection to cultural and historical roots."

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

The following passage is adapted from a scientific article:

"While many animals use their sense of smell to detect food, recent research has shown that some animals can detect food through vibrations in the ground. A team of scientists, led by Dr. Anita Wang, conducted an experiment to test whether certain rodents could detect food using ground vibrations. The team placed food in various locations and measured the rodents 'ability to locate it. The results showed that the rodents were able to identify the food's location based solely on the vibrations they felt through the ground. This discovery suggests that some rodents may rely on more than just smell to locate food."

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

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, was completed in 1889 and stood as the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930. Originally designed as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World's Fair, the tower was almost dismantled afterward. However, it became an iconic symbol of France and a popular tourist destination. Today, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors annually, who come to admire its architecture and the stunning views of Paris from the top.

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

Julia Tran is a writer from the Vietnamese-American community known for her ability to weave personal experiences with the cultural history of her ancestors. Her novels often explore themes of migration, identity, and family, blending the storytelling traditions of Vietnam with contemporary narrative techniques. Similarly, in his short stories, Minh Phan incorporates elements of Vietnamese folklore and history, merging them with modern settings to create compelling narratives that resonate with both younger and older generations.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

In numerous Indigenous cultures, storytelling transcends its role as mere entertainment or pedagogy; it is an indispensable vehicle for the preservation of historical memory, moral values, and collective traditions. These narratives, often transmitted orally across generations, function as dynamic and living archives of cultural identity. For instance, among the Navajo people, storytelling conveys not only spiritual beliefs and historical events but also the core principles that bind the community together. Although storytelling is a fluid process---adapting as it is retold by successive generations and individuals---it remains deeply rooted in the cultural ethos from which it arises. The conservation of these narratives is paramount not only for sustaining cultural continuity but also for fostering a profound, intergenerational bond with the land and the community. In contemporary times, there is an increasing recognition of the necessity to safeguard and document these oral traditions, particularly through the use of digital technologies, to ensure their transmission to future generations.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Aquaculture is the raising and harvesting of seafood, kelp, and algae for either direct consumption or for raw materials for other products. Dr. Rashid Sumaila and Dr. Muhammed Oyinlola have been tracking the global growth of aquaculture and have noticed that after a period of increase from 1950 to 2018, aquaculture has begun to globally decline. They claim that this may affect global food supplies, as studies from a range of Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAOs) indicate that _______.

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the conclusion?

In recent decades, researchers have made remarkable progress in understanding the migration patterns of ancient human populations, thanks to innovations in genetic analysis, such as DNA sequencing. One example is the discovery of the origins of the first human settlers in the Americas, which was significantly advanced by the ability to trace mitochondrial DNA across generations. However, earlier studies on human migration, such as those conducted in the early 20th century, were not equipped with such technologies and relied primarily on fossil records and archaeological digs. As a result, earlier theories about human migration were more likely to ________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

In order to be pollinated, zucchini plants depend on large numbers of ground-nesting squash bees.

Horticulturist Caitlin E. Splawski studied the impact of different types of mulch (ground cover used to insulate soil and control weeds) on pollinator bee populations. She found that some mulches prevented bees from emerging from their nests. Also, Splawski noted that some mulches affected plant growth and food production. possibly due to the substances they added to the top soil. Based on the results across two years of data collection. Splawski concluded that a blend of paper and grass mulch should be used for zucchini crops, despite the evidence that woodchips provided a preferable nesting ground for squash bees.

Which choice best describes data from the graph that support Splawski's conclusion?

Some historians studying African-American women literary figures have focused on the early- to mid-1900s, when authors such as Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen, Jessie Redmon Fauset, and Anita Loos were involved in one way or another with numerous literary works. Unfortunately, poor record keeping from this era makes it likely that the numbers of these four authors' contributions to literary canon should not be considered comprehensive; it's entirely possible, for example, that ________

Which choice most effectively uses the data from the table to complete the example?

In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of light exposure on leaf orientation in three different species of plants: Cascadia Fern, Alpine Violet, and Desert Sage. The researchers counted the number of leaf pairs showing opposite-side orientation versus same-side orientation under varying light conditions (full sunlight, partial shade, and full shade).

Which statement best describes the data collected from the study?

In a study of the global gaming console market, researchers compiled data on the approximate number of units sold for various consoles over a ten-year period. Below is the sales data of five popular gaming consoles. A researcher is analyzing the sales performance of different gaming consoles and is particularly interested in the approximate number of units sold for the Xbox One, manufactured by Microsoft. The researcher finds that the number sold was approximately _________.

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

The expedition team, __________ in remote regions of the Amazon rainforest, gathered invaluable ecological data that could shape future conservation efforts for endangered species such as the Jaguar and the Poison Dart Frog.

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

Both the Amazon rainforest, in South America, and the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, are recognized for their unparalleled biodiversity and environmental importance. As a result, these natural wonders are celebrated for their________ richness and unique wildlife.

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

In his renowned 1948 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, Jackson Pollock introduced his signature style of drip painting, which was a bold departure from traditional techniques. The revolutionary impact of Pollock's work can be________the nature of abstract expressionism, redefining the artist's role in the creative process, and challenging viewers to rethink the relationship between art and emotion.

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

Augusta Savage, a prominent sculptor of the Harlem Renaissance, gained recognition for her ability to depict human emotion with remarkable detail. Despite her undeniable talent, many of Savage's works---particularly her sculptures of African American figures---_______ overlooked by critics and art institutions during her lifetime due to racial and gender biases.

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

Blending minimalist design with sustainable materials, architect Maya Lin creates structures that harmonize with their surroundings while making bold statements about the environment. In 2021, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., ______ her latest installation, which drew widespread acclaim.

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

The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1975 Voting Rights Act are seen as pivotal moments in US civil rights _________ the former prohibiting discrimination in employment and the latter safeguarding the voting rights of minority groups.

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

The Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched in 1977, is the farthest human-made object from Earth, currently traveling through interstellar space. It carries a golden record with sounds and images representing life on Earth. ________ the record includes greetings in 55 languages, music from various cultures, and natural sounds like wind and thunder.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Helical _______ commonly observed in the structure of biological components, such as DNA, proteins, and cell membranes, often play a crucial role in maintaining their structural integrity and functionality.

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

Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. It absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red wavelengths, while reflecting green light, which gives plants their characteristic color. _______ chlorophyll plays a critical role in converting light energy into chemical energy, a process essential for plant growth and survival.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

The following text is adapted from Edith Wharton's 1911 novel Ethan Frome.

Ethan toiled ceaselessly on the unforgiving farm, braving the relentless demands of tending to the fields and livestock amidst the bleak, unrelenting winter. Day after day, he bore the crushing weight of his duties, rarely affording himself a moment of reprieve or introspection. His unwavering commitment to his labor seemed both a testament to his resilience and a reflection of the unyielding hardships that defined his existence.

As used in the text, what does the word "ceaselessly" most nearly mean?

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

· Fences is 1985 play written by August Wilson.

· Set in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, the play explores race relations and working-class struggles.

· The original Broadway production starred James Earl Jones as the main character, Troy Maxson.

· In 1987, Fences won a Tony award for Best Play and Jones won Best Leading Actor.

· In 2010, a revival of Fences won three Tony awards including Best Revival of a Play.

The student wants to provide an overview of the critical success of Fences. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

· The Secret Life of Trees is a book by forester and author Peter Wohlleben.

· The book explores the communication and interconnectedness of trees in forests.

· Chapter 2 discusses how trees share nutrients through their root systems.

· Chapter 7 explains how older trees protect younger ones by shielding them from harsh sunlight.

· In chapter 2, Wohlleben writes, "The roots of trees are not just anchors---they are lifelines, connecting and sustaining the forest as a whole."

The student wants to explain what Peter Wohlleben writes about in chapter 7. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

· Understanding the history of scientific exploration helps explain how discoveries are made.

· Rosalind Franklin was a British chemist born in 1920.

· She is known for her contributions to the discovery of DNA's double-helix structure.

· Mary Anning was a British paleontologist born in 1799.

· She is known for her discoveries of fossils in Lyme Regis, England.

Which choice most effectively uses information from the given sentences to emphasize a difference between Franklin and Anning?