SAT Pastpaper with Solutions

The following text is adapted from Ernest Hemingway's 1929 novel A Farewell to Arms. Lt. Frederic Henry and Catherine Barkley are talking about their future.
"We'll go to Switzerland," said Catherine, "and we'll be happy there." She looked at him, smiling, as he reached across the table to take her hand. "It will be beautiful," she added.

As used in the text, what does the phrase "reaching across the table" most nearly mean?

Marie Curie's remarkable discoveries in radioactivity suggest that she must have been exceptionally______in understanding complex scientific principles---her groundbreaking work earned her two Nobel Prizes.

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

The emergence of quantum computing in the 21st century has the potential to revolutionize fields ranging from cryptography to artificial intelligence. The advances made so far are considered by many to be an_______leap forward, yet the complexities and ethical concerns surrounding its development cannot be overlooked.

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

A student is writing a research paper on the history of public transportation in the United States, focusing on the development of subway systems in major cities like New York and Boston. The student claims that subway systems became especially important in densely populated cities where traffic congestion and limited road space made other forms of transportation less practical.

Which quotation from a study of U.S. urban transportation best supports the student's claim?

In Maori culture, the Tohunga are revered figures who hold knowledge and wisdom about the history and traditions of their people. They act as healers, navigators, and spiritual leaders, and are responsible for passing on their knowledge to future generations. While modernization has impacted the role of the Tohunga in contemporary society, they remain a crucial source of guidance and guardians of cultural heritage.

What choice best states the main idea of the text?

The male mole cricket may only be 3.3 centimeters long, but its song can travel up to 0.8 kilometers. Despite its________form, the creature can create such a loud sound by constructing its burrow in a way that functions similarly to the horn of a trumpet and thereby amplifying the sound.

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

The following text is adapted from T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" (1915):
In the room, the women come and go,
Talking of Michelangelo.
The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window panes
The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window panes
Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
And seeing that it was a soft October night,
Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined phrases in the text as a whole?

Text 1
Advancements in computer processing power allow geneticists to analyze the DNA sequences of hundreds of thousands of people using a single algorithm in a process known as a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Having that much data can help doctors to identify genetic variants that could increase an individual's risk of developing a particular disease. Doctors hope that this knowledge will allow patients and practitioners to engage in better preemptive care.
Text 2
A team of colleagues at the Baker Institute in Australia published research showing that a GWAS analyzing data from 500,000 participants would create 17.3 tons of carbon dioxide emissions: equivalent to 346 flights between New York City and Boston. The researchers note that upgrading the software used to a newer version would reduce this output by three-quarters.

Based on the text, what would the author of Text 2 most likely say about Text 1's characterization of the research using GWAS?

The following bar chart illustrates the average annual revenue growth rates for three technology companies over a five-year period before and after the launch of a major product line. The companies are Apple (iPhone), Samsung (Galaxy Series), and Google (Pixel). A market analysis report asserts that launching a new product line typically results in increased revenue growth for technology companies.

Which statement from the choices most effectively counters the report's assertion?

The table below delineates data on annual waste generation (measured in tons) alongside the percentage reduction achieved following the implementation of environmental policies in five prominent global cities in 2021. As part of a comprehensive study on the efficacy of these environmental policies, a student observes that Tokyo reported a waste generation of 1,000,000 tons with a reduction rate of 20 percent, whereas New York City generated 1,200,000 tons of waste, attaining a percentage reduction of_______.

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

The graphical representation elucidates the proportion of renewable energy's contribution to the aggregate electricity generation in three distinct nations: Germany, the United States, and India, spanning a decade from 2010 to 2020. During this interval, each of these countries instituted novel policies aimed at fostering the adoption of renewable energy sources. A meticulous student, delving into the ramifications of such policy implementations, discerns that between the years 2018 and 2020,_______.

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

The table provided offers a detailed summary of the average number of frost days observed per winter across various agricultural regions, with the data carefully compiled and analyzed over a five-year period to ensure accuracy and reliability. This information serves as a valuable resource for understanding the relationship between geographical factors and climatic conditions that impact agricultural productivity. An agronomist has put forth a hypothesis suggesting that regions situated at higher altitudes tend to experience a greater number of frost days each winter. This assertion is based on the premise that higher elevations are generally characterized by cooler temperatures and atmospheric conditions conducive to frost formation.

Which choice best describes the data in the table that supports the agronomist's hypothesis?

A towering figure in Renaissance art, Leonardo da Vinci is celebrated for his mastery in painting, sculpture, and engineering. Some of his works appear as_________"Studies of Water Movements," where da Vinci meticulously explores the physics of flowing water and its interaction with various surfaces.

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

Jean-Michel Basquiat, a prominent figure in the New York City street art scene in the 1980s, became known for his raw, expressive works that often incorporated text and imagery related to African American culture. Despite his significant influence on contemporary art, many of Basquiat's pieces---particularly those created during his early career---_______ dismissed by critics as chaotic and difficult to understand at that time.

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

On September 15, 2021, a team of biologists, including Dr. Emily Rashid, Dr. Liam Chen, and Dr. Anika Patel,_______genetic samples from various ecosystems in the Amazon Rainforest. Initial observations revealed that in the flooded regions, the pH level of the water was approximately 5.4, while in the drier areas, it reached up to 6.8.

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

What is the correct pronunciation of Qatar? In the Arabic language spoken by many residents of the nation, the letter "q" is pronounced with a deep glottal sound not found in English, while "t" is enunciated distinctly; as a result, the country's name ______ pronounced closer to "Gutter" than "Cutter" in English, reflecting its linguistic origin.

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

The complex relationship between nature and technology is explored in the writings of several authors, each of whom examines the issue through a distinct lens_______among these writers is Dr. Sarah Fields, whose research focuses on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

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

"Comprehend," like other verbs that share a Latin origin (e.g., "apprehend" and "extend"), ________ with "transcend" to illustrate the adaptability of language.

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

Literary critics have argued that Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein was deeply influenced by her marriage to Percy Shelley, who was known for his radical and progressive views, including his ideas about the potential of science and technology, the nature of life and the social implications of scientific advancements. Indeed, Percy's beliefs may have inspired Mary's exploration of consequences and ethical dilemmas in Frankenstein, but Frankenstein stands on its own as a work of literary genius. Thus, those who ascribe Percy's influence as the primary motivation for Frankenstein________.

What choice most logically completes the text?

The Clean Air Act of 1970 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are landmark achievements in US environmental policy _________ former establishing air quality standards and the latter protecting threatened and endangered species from extinction.

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

When the first smartphones were introduced, they were regarded as cutting-edge luxury items, accessible only to an affluent minority due to their high cost and limited availability.________advancements in technology, mass production, and increasing affordability have transformed smartphones into indispensable tools of modern life.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

In his novel 1984, George Orwell explores the dangers of totalitarianism, depicting a society where government surveillance and propaganda dominate every aspect of life.________rather than simply portraying a dystopian future, Orwell uses the novel as a warning about the potential consequences of unchecked political power.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Historical landmarks serve as tangible reminders of cultural, historical, or geographical significance, often distinguished by plaques or other commemorative markers. As historian Daniel Evans observes, the increasing public interest in preserving these landmarks has catalyzed efforts to shield culturally significant structures from destruction.________numerous cities have adopted stricter zoning regulations and heritage preservation initiatives to ensure the protection of these invaluable sites.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Fingerprinting is often used to settle fraud cases, but a suspect could claim that he or she handled a piece of paper before the fraudulent material was printed on it. By placing a layer of gelatin over a fingerprint and reacting it in a vacuum chamber, the fingerprint will appear "masked" if it was placed before anything was printed on the paper.________using this new technique, court cases will have more reliable evidence regarding a suspect's knowledge of the fraud that was committed.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

A student is researching the effects of plastic pollution on marine life. Below are the notes the student has gathered:

· Plastic pollution in the ocean is a growing environmental issue.

· Marine animals can mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion.

· Ingesting plastic can block the digestive systems of marine animals.

· The accumulation of plastic in the ocean also leads to long-term environmental damage.

· Plastic can take hundreds of years to break down in the ocean.

The student wants to explain why plastic pollution is harmful to marine life. 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 Colosseum in Rome is an ancient amphitheater built in 70-80 CE.

· It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as animal hunts and mock sea battles.

· The Colosseum could hold up to 50,000 spectators.

· The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theater built in Athens in 161 CE.

· It was primarily used for music concerts and theatrical performances.

· The Odeon could accommodate around 5,000 spectators.

The student wants to highlight a key difference between the Colosseum and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?