SAT Pastpaper with Solutions

In 2021, the Pulitzer Prize for Music was awarded to the composer, who, in collaboration with several musicians, developed an innovative new work that blends classical and contemporary elements. The prize was given ______ for the groundbreaking collaboration that resulted in a unique and compelling performance.

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

The paintings of Frida Kahlo are often seen as emblematic of Mexican culture, blending indigenous traditions with modern artistic techniques. However, they are also _______ the broader global art movements of the 20th century, showcasing influences from surrealism and symbolism that transcend national boundaries.

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

In 1781, a jury in Sheffield, Massachusetts, ruled in favor of an enslaved woman, who would later take the name Elizabeth Freeman, granting her freedom. In 2022, the town of Sheffield _________ a statue of Freeman in front of the courthouse to memorialize an important moment in civil rights history.

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

First described in 1802 by astronomer William Herschel, "binary" stars are pairs that are gravitationally bound together. With conventional telescopes, these closely grouped stars are challenging to detect and few were discovered over the centuries. Recently, advances in spectra analysis have brought new data on hundreds of thousands of stars, and the results showed a surprising_________of binary stars. Based on the data, it's apparent that our solar system, with its singular central star, is actually quite unique. Up to 85% of star systems ever discovered have multiple stars orbiting their centers.

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

Winston Churchill is perhaps best known for his leadership during World War II, where he served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and delivered stirring speeches that helped rally the British people during their darkest hours. Churchill's steadfast determination and refusal to surrender to Nazi Germany made him a symbol of courage and resilience. However, his career was not without its criticisms. Before the war, his role in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I was widely regarded as a failure, and his views on the British Empire and colonialism were often seen as outdated and controversial. Despite these criticisms, Churchill's legacy as a wartime leader has endured, and he remains a celebrated figure in both British and global history.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

Lorraine O'Grady is a New York based conceptual artist who uses the diptych-art composed of two separate images displayed side-by-side-as her primary form. The diptych allows O'Grady to_________different ideas about identity, history, and culture within one piece of art.

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

The construction of the Great Wall of China was initiated by the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, Qin Shi Huang, around 221 BCE, but the wall we know today was mostly built during the Ming dynasty (1368--1644). The wall served multiple purposes, including military defense, border control, and protection from invasions by nomadic tribes. However, despite the wall's impressive structure, it did not always achieve its intended goal. In fact, historical records show that the wall was breached several times, including during the Mongol invasions, suggesting that________.

Which choice most logically completes the text?

Photographer and environmentalist David Liittschwager is known for his detailed and vibrant images that showcase the beauty of the natural world. His photographs often focus on endangered species, capturing the intricate patterns and colors of animals, plants, and insects. In his work, Liittschwager aims to raise awareness about biodiversity and the fragile ecosystems that sustain life. By bringing attention to the lesser-known species that are often overlooked, he hopes to inspire people to take action in protecting the environment.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

The table presents data on the annual carbon emissions (in million metric tons) for selected countries before and after the implementation of renewable energy initiatives in 2015 and 2020. While conducting research for a report on the effects of renewable energy policies, a student notes that Spain reduced its carbon emissions from 350 million metric tons in 2015 to ________.

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

To assess the impact of renewable energy policies on the growth rates of electricity generation, a researcher posits that such policies universally promote an increase in renewable energy production, irrespective of a country's geographic, economic, or infrastructural context.

Which of the following statements best challenges this claim?

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?

The table presented delineates the market share, expressed as a percentage, of three preeminent smartphone manufacturers---Apple, Samsung, and Huawei---spanning a four-year period from 2017 to 2020. Each denoted percentage signifies the fraction of global smartphone sales attributable to the respective brand for that year. A researcher analyzing the table observes a significant change in the market that_______

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

In 2010, the American author Erin Morgenstern, already praised for her debut novel The Night Circus (2011), began work on a new book that would capture the imagination of readers worldwide. The novel, The Starless Sea (2019), is often described as___________other works of fantasy; it blends elements of magic, adventure, and romance.

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

The following text is adapted from Dr. Elena Ramirez's 2023 essay The Art of Resilience: Stories from the Arctic. For weeks, biologist Lucas Yates observed the Arctic foxes with unwavering dedication. Despite the harsh winds and subzero temperatures, he meticulously recorded their hunting patterns and behaviors. Yates, who had trained for years to endure such conditions, seemed to thrive in the silence and solitude of the tundra, focusing on his research almost unremittingly.

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

The Grand Canyon, a natural wonder and one of the most visited national parks in the United States, __________ a symbol of natural beauty and geological significance, attracting millions of visitors each year.

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

The discovery of ancient manuscripts in the Egyptian desert, _______ scholars with new insights into early civilization, has significantly altered our understanding of history.

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

In her research as an environmental scientist, Dr. Elena Morales studies renewable energy systems in rural communities---specifically, how solar panels and wind turbines_______as transformative tools in promoting sustainability, economic development, and energy independence.

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

In his critical examination of the proliferation of digital media, Edward Morris delves into the ways in which online platforms, especially social networking sites,_______as formidable forces in sculpting public discourse, influencing political engagement, and shaping the construction of personal identities.

Which choice best completes the sentence to conform to the conventions of Standard English?

Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the 20th century's most influential and prolific architects. Despite his celebrity status, less than half of Wright's plans were ever built. Recently, Spanish architect David Romero has started to use computer-generated models to envision some of Wright's unbuilt ________ allows a new audience appreciate to Wright's innovative work.

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

Biomimetic design is the practice of engineering mechanical and robotic parts based on anatomical features of living things. While this has been popular for many macrostructures, such as limbs, wings, and feet, engineers have been learning to apply biomimetic designs to optics. ________ researchers at the University of Virginia have developed artificial compound eyes based on those of the praying mantis, an insect with exceptional depth perception for its small size.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

In 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled that American citizens could not be relieved of their citizenship without their consent in the case Afroyim v. Rusk. This case overruled another important case, Perez v. Brownell, which mandated the loss of citizenship after voting in an election in another country. _________Perez v. Brownell prompted a discussion about voluntary versus involuntary choices; according to the ruling, citizenship could not be removed for unintentional actions.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. It binds oxygen molecules in the lungs and releases them in tissues where oxygen is needed. ______ hemoglobin's structure is uniquely suited for this function, as its quaternary structure allows for cooperative binding, making it highly efficient at oxygen transport.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

The following text is adapted from Jack London's The Sea-Wolf.

For weeks, the crew battled the relentless waves, working almost constantly to keep the ship afloat. They adjusted the sails, bailed water from the deck, and secured the rigging, with barely a moment's rest. Their effort was unceasing, driven by the fierce storm that threatened to overtake them.

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

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

· Georgia O'Keeffe was an American painter known for her modernist works.

· Her painting Black Iris III was completed in 1926 and is an iconic depiction of a flower.

· Sky Above Clouds IV, completed in 1965, is a large-scale abstract work inspired by her view from an airplane.

· Both paintings use vibrant colors and bold forms, a hallmark of O'Keeffe's style.

· O'Keeffe's works often draw inspiration from nature and landscapes.

The student wants to highlight a similarity between Black Iris III and Sky Above Clouds IV.

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:

· In 1903, the Wright brothers completed the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

· The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet.

· The Wright brothers' achievement marked the beginning of modern aviation.

· In 2003, the 100th anniversary of the flight was celebrated with reenactments and ceremonies.

· A replica of the Wright brothers' plane was built for the anniversary celebrations.

The student wants to emphasize the distance of the Wright brothers' first flight. 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 process of photosynthesis allows plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.

· Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

· In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are used to produce glucose and oxygen.

· The process can be divided into two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions.

· The light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes, while the light-independent reactions take place in the stroma.

The student wants to explain where the light - dependent reactions occur. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?