SAT Pastpaper with Solutions

There is no doubt that Albert Einstein must have proved himself to be extraordinarily ______ in understanding some of the most abstract concepts in theoretical physics---in 1921, his groundbreaking contributions were recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.

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

The following text is adapted from Jane Austen's 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet and her friend Charlotte are visiting the countryside.
"I simply cannot decide which one to take," said Elizabeth, standing by a table full of books and reaching out to pick up one of the volumes. "This one looks particularly intriguing---do try it, Charlotte!" She smiled, offering it to her friend.

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

Renowned for his innovative approach to design, architect Zaha Hadid has a _______ creating futuristic buildings that defy traditional architectural conventions, such as the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics.

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

A student is writing a research paper on the role of technology in agriculture in the United States, specifically focusing on the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops in the 1990s. The student claims that GM crops have become especially important in regions of the U.S. where traditional farming methods struggle due to factors like soil quality and climate.

Which quotation from a study of American agriculture best supports the student's claim?

Text 1
The creation of lime plaster marks a significant advancement for several human civilizations. This material allowed for collecting and preserving rainwater in plaster-lined cisterns. Analyses of burial sites at Nahal Ein Gev II in the Jordan Valley demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of lime plaster production. Infrared spectroscopy reveals the lime plaster covering these burials as having incredible purity and consistently uniform quality. The site dates to 12.000 years ago, at least 2,000 years earlier than any other civilization showed such skill. The results point to a significantly advanced culture that may have been the first to emerge from the Paleolithic period.
Text 2
Multiple cultures were capable of creating lime plaster long before the material was used for water preservation. The identification of lime plaster at the Nahal Ein Gev II (NEG II) burial ground is evidence of lime production. However, it is not certain proof of large-scale lime production or an understanding of how to consistently create high-quality plasters. The age of the deposits means that the orderly structure of the lime may be due to natural processes over the course of thousands of years rather than cultural proficiencies. Moreover, the excavations of NEG II have revealed no further evidence of lime plaster being used for practical purposes. It is likely that lime was only used for ceremonial burial purposes at NEG II, and so the presence of lime does not signal a significant technological advancement.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Text 1's claim about the discovery in Nahal Ein Gev II?

On painter William H. Johnson's return to the United States in 1938 after a decade in Europe, his style underwent an abrupt transformation. Turning away from landscapes painted in an expressionist style-a style that often involves using fluid, distorted shapes and thick, textured brushstrokes to express the artist's subjective experience of reality-Johnson began painting portraits of Black Americans in a bold new way. Evocative of African sculpture and American and Scandinavian folk art, these portraits feature flat, deliberately oversimplified figures in a vibrant but limited color palette.

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

The Modernist arts movement challenged the stifling guidelines of traditionalists and pushed for radical new visions. But by the mid-twentieth century, the fundamental questions of Modernism had been thoroughly explored and answered. In The Language of Post Modern Architecture, critic Charles Jencks declared. "Modern Architecture died in St Louis, Missouri, on July 15, 1972, at 3:32 p.m. or thereabouts when the infamous PruittIgoe [apartment buildings] were given the final coup de grace by dynamite." By this time. Modernist trends seemed outdated. and the optimistic curiosity of the movement was replaced by a wiser but more cynical understanding of art. Later, Jencks revised his book several times as he struggled to suggest future paths for architecture. Other artists and critics joined him in confusion over how to progress beyond Modernism.

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

The culture of Japan during the 17th century is reputed as being both harshly militaristic and creatively artistic---influences that are both contradictory and rooted in the nation's history. Many of the nation's cultural traditions, such as the tea ceremony, were established during the Sengoku period. which ended with the civil war that led to the Tokugawa shogunate's rule in the early 17 th century. A military government, the Tokugawa shogunate did not support the arts. The preservation of artistic culture was left to the merchants and artisans. To prevent further military tensions, the shogunate isolated the nation from foreign influences and strictly controlled the economy. It was these government initiatives that, despite the shogunate's disinterest in the arts. allowed prosperous citizens to support the nation's artistic traditions.

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

The bar chart below illustrates the average annual job growth rates (%) in the renewable energy sector over a span of five years before and after three countries---Germany, Brazil, and India---implemented significant renewable energy policies. To critically assess the impact of these policies on job growth, a student posits that such initiatives consistently result in an uptick in job growth rates.

Which choice best describes data from the graph that undermines the student's claim?

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have also seen a significant rise in popularity, driven by their efficiency, eco-friendliness, and convenience. A transportation research company analyzed the sales data of electric bicycles (e-bikes) from different manufacturers over a five-year period. The table presents the approximate number of units sold for various e-bike models. A market analyst is assessing the performance of the EcoRide Series. They discover that the approximate number of units sold was approximately _________.

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

The table provides a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between daily sunshine duration and its influence on tourist attendance across regions characterized by diverse altitudinal variations. A prominent hypothesis proposed by a tourism expert suggests that extended periods of daily sunshine are positively associated with higher tourist turnout, as visitors tend to be drawn to destinations that offer sunnier and more inviting climates, thereby enhancing their overall travel experience.

Which of the following statements most effectively supports the tourism expert's hypothesis?

Scientists conducted a study examining the impact of three fertilization methods---organic compost, synthetic nitrogen-based fertilizers, and no fertilization---on the yield of three crops: tomatoes, potatoes, and lettuce. The experiment was carried out in three different regions: the Andes Mountains (Peru), the Great Plains (USA), and the Loire Valley (France) over a five-year period. A student analyzing the data identified a surprising trend for lettuce in the Loire Valley when no fertilization was applied. The data suggests that in the absence of fertilization, lettuce yields in the Loire Valley were notable because ________.

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

In her groundbreaking art installation The Echo of Time, artist Maya Rivera incorporated elements of ancient Aztec mythology into her work. For instance, the vibrant murals in the installation depict scenes of the gods of creation, such as Quetzalcoatl, whose feathered serpent form symbolizes the unity of heaven and earth, while the geometric patterns on the walls mirror the shape of the temples________.

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

For several years, Dr. Carter has been working with local farmers to develop eco-friendly irrigation techniques that reduce water usage. His efforts, particularly those with farmer Maria Gonzalez, have led to a breakthrough in the use of biodegradable pipes in arid regions. As a result, Dr. Carter and his team were invited to present their findings at the United Nations Climate Conference in Paris, where Dr. Carter,_________,shared their innovative solutions.

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

Every spring, Toyama Bay in Japan hosts an underwater light show thanks to the Watasenia scintillans, also known as firefly squids. These compact squids, each only three inches long, leave their deep sea home and travel to the coast to breed. Firefly squids are also capable of bioluminescence: the________shallow water.

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

What is the correct pronunciation of Versailles? In French, the "ll" is silent, and the final "s" is not pronounced, adhering to the typical rules of French phonetics; as a result, the palace's name________ pronounced "Vehr-sigh," not "Ver-sales," when spoken correctly.

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

Katrina Vera Wong's Frankenflora, whose name alludes to Mary Shelley's classic novel,________as playful arrangements of dried flowers but now has blossomed into an elaborate work of speculative botany, with each new specimen given a thorough ecological backstory.

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

The Renaissance period produced some of the most influential works of art, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's David, which were completed in 1503 and________these masterpieces had a lasting impact on art history.

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

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (often abbreviated as AMR or AR) are strains of bacteria that have evolved mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics. After years of extensive research and testing, scientists have developed a new drug that effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria. __________ healthcare providers have begun incorporating the drug into treatment regimens, leading to improved patient outcomes in areas previously plagued by resistance.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

The advent of the internet has revolutionized communication, making it faster and more accessible than ever before. In the early days of the web, however, only a limited number of people had access to it, primarily in North America and Europe._________internet access was not widespread in other parts of the world, and many countries had little infrastructure for online services.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

Contemporary German photographer Alma Haser has created a series of prints where she explores the representation of identical twins in a compelling and unusual________Hauser takes two portraits of these twins, transfers the images onto identical jigsaw puzzles, and then swaps pieces with each other. The result emphasizes the differences between the images, as changes in the positioning and alignment of the swapped pieces distort the facial features, creating a surreal and thought-provoking effect.

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

Although the Asian elephant population has decreased dramatically in recent years, conservation programs in countries like Thailand and Sri Lanka have made significant strides in preserving the species. Wildlife experts and local communities are working together on efforts that---through habitat restoration and wildlife_________aim to ensure the survival of these majestic animals.

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

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

· The Grand Canyon is located in the state of Arizona, USA.

· It is about 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.

· The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited natural attractions in the world.

· It was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River.

· The canyon is home to diverse wildlife and plants.

The student wants to describe the dimensions of the Grand Canyon. 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:

· Grand Prismatic Spring is a geothermal feature located in Yellowstone National Park.

· It is the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world.

· The spring's vivid colors are caused by microbial mats that thrive in the hot water.

· These mats produce bright hues of orange, yellow, and green, which contrast with the deep blue of the spring's center.

· The water temperature in the center of the spring is too high to sustain microbial life.

The student wants to explain what causes the striking colors of Grand Prismatic Spring. 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:

· A banjo is a four-or-five-stringed instrument that uses a drum head resonator to amplify the sound.

· The banjo is associated with Appalachian folk and bluegrass music.

· The banjo originated from Africa, and the originals used a turtle shell to form the body.

· Other world cultures have stringed instruments with drum heads similar to the banjo.

· The Chinese sanxian is a three-stringed instrument with a snake-skin drum head.

The student wants to introduce the sanxian to an audience already familiar with the banjo. 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:

· Ultrasound is an non-invasive method to examine internal soft tissues.

· Ultrasound uses a wand placed on the skin in order to measure how pulses of sound move through the body and to capture useful images.

· Xuanhe Zhao, a mechanical engineer at MIT, has developed a new method of implementing ultrasound.

· Zhao's method uses special stickers to affix transducers to the patient and they transmit information wirelessly.

· The stickers are only 2 square centimeters in area and can be worn for up to 48 hours.

The student wants to present how Zhao's innovation functions differently than traditional ultrasound. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?