The Digital SAT and You

SAT Session 1 The Digital SAT and You A New and Improved SAT The digital test includes tools such as: • a built-in graphing calculator • text annotation tools • a timer • a zooming tool • a “cross out” tool for answer choices you want to eliminate SAT Structure • The digital SAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, plus a 10-minute break. • The Math and Reading and Writing sections are each divided into two modules, for a total of 4 modules. • The test is adaptive; your performance on the first module in each section determines the difficulty of the second module. o The first Math and Reading and Writing Module is called the Routing Module o Your score on the Routing Module determines whether you receive the harder or easier second module Timing and Question Count Section Module Allotted Time (minutes) Reading and Writing Module 1 32 Total Time (minutes) Question Count 27 64 Math Total Module 2 32 Module 1 35 Module 2 35 54 27 70 134 1 Total Question Count 22 22 44 98 SAT Scoring • You will receive one score ranging from 200–800 for Reading and Writing and another for Math • Your overall SAT score is the sum of these scores for a cumulative score range of 400– 1600 • You can only earn the top score if you get the more difficult second module in both sections • The exact scoring formula is proprietary to the College Board, but you can still get a competitive score with the easier second module. The SAT Math Section The Basics • There are 22 questions per module: 20 scored, 2 unscored research questions • You can use your own calculator or the built-in calculator on any question • Most questions are multiple-choice; about 25% will have a student-produced response. • You have, on average, about a minute and a half per question. Student-Produced Responses (SPRs) • • • • • Enter your answer into the SPR box (above) for these questions A fraction may be entered, provided that it fits. Otherwise, a number or decimal equivalent should be entered. Positive numbers: 5 characters, including the decimal point or / for a fraction Negative numbers: 6 characters, including the negative sign Rounding or truncating at the final digital is allowed Math Question Types • • 1 About 3 of the questions will be word problems; the rest are straightforward math. Four major content areas: o Algebra o Advanced Math o Problem-Solving and Data Analysis o Geometry and Trigonometry How to Do SAT Math After this lesson, you will be able to: • Efficiently apply the Math Method to SAT Math questions • Apply the Backsolving strategy • Apply the Picking Numbers strategy 2 How to Do SAT Math Question 1 7 If 2𝑥 + 2 = 3 + 𝑥, what is the value of 2𝑥? (A) (B) (C) 1 3 1 2 2 3 (D) 1 The Method for SAT Math Step 1. What is the question asking? Step 2. What does the question tell me? Step 3. What strategy is best for me? • • • • • Backsolve Pick numbers Do the traditional math Estimate Take a strategic guess Step 4. Am I Done? How to Do SAT Math Question 2 𝒙 𝒇(𝒙) 2 65 3 50 4 35 5 20 If the data in the table can be modeled by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏, which of the following could be the value of 𝑏? 3 (A) −40 (B) 0 (C) 95 (D) 300 How to Do SAT Math Question 3 If 𝑓(𝑥) = √13𝑥 − 51, which of the following could be in the domain of 𝑓(𝑥)? (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4 How to Do SAT Math Question 4 Month Cumulative number of applicants January 10 February 17 March 24 April 28 (A) 4 (B) 7 (C) 14 (D) 24 The table shows the CUMULATIVE number of applicants to a certain job over several months. Which of the following represents the number of applicants in March? Backsolving Backsolving means substituting the answer choices for a variable or unknown in the question. • When backsolving, it’s often wise to start with (B). Backsolving Question 1 Khalid completed 52 more anagrams than Beatrice did. If they completed a combined total of 138 anagrams, how many anagrams did Beatrice complete? 4 (A) 38 (B) 43 (C) 72 (D) 95 Backsolving Question 2 A provider charges a one-time fee of $525 for the latest phone, plus 𝑛 dollars for unlimited service each month. If a customer pays $837 for the first six months, including the cost of the phone, what is the value of 𝑛? (A) 52 (B) 60 (C) 63 (D) 74 Backsolving Question 3 Rohit will rent a carpet cleaning machine for $8 per hour and must purchase the cleaning solution for $24. If Rohit has budgeted $56 for all the costs to clean his carpets and can only rent the carpet cleaning machine for a whole number of hours, what is the maximum number of hours for which he can rent the carpet cleaning machine? (A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 7 Backsolving Question 4 If a kindergarten teacher gives each child in her class 5 crackers, she will have 4 crackers left over. In order to give each child 6 crackers with no crackers left over, she will need 13 additional crackers. How many crackers does the teacher have? (A) 77 (B) 84 (C) 85 (D) 89 Picking Numbers Picking Numbers means substituting a concrete value for a variable in a question. • Pick numbers that are permissible and manageable. • When working with percents, pick 100. 5 Picking Numbers Question 1 3𝑟 5𝑠 If 2𝑠 = 3, what is the value of 2𝑟? (A) (B) (C) (D) Picking Numbers Question 2 Steve buys a 15-day fishing license. The price of a 15-day fishing license is 30 percent of the price of a 1-year fishing license. In addition, Steve pays an 8 percent sales tax. If 𝑐 represents the price of a 1-year fishing license, which of the following represents Steve’s total cost, in dollars, in terms of 𝑐? 2 3 5 4 4 3 15 2 (A) 0.324𝑐 (B) 0.3𝑐 + 0.08 (C) 𝑐 − 0.62𝑐 (D) 1.38𝑐 Picking Numbers Question 3 The number of flowers that bloomed in 2016 was 60 percent of the number that bloomed in 2015. However, the number that bloomed in 2017 was 20 percent greater than in 2016. The number that bloomed in 2018 was 25 percent greater than in 2017. How many flowers bloomed in 2018 as a percent of the original 2015 number? (A) 71% (B) 81% (C) 90% (D) 105% Picking Numbers Question 4 𝑎= 𝑏2 𝑐 It is given that 𝑎, 𝑏, and 𝑐 > 0. If 𝑎 is doubled and 𝑐 is tripled, by what factor does 𝑏 change for the equation to remain true? 6 (A) 1 6 (B) √6 (C) 1 √6 (D) 6 Resource Walkthrough • • • • • Your course comes with four practice tests. Be sure to take them all. There are additional questions in your online account. Use as a checkpoint to you understanding of the material. Be sure to check out video lessons of important concepts. For extra practice, visit the QBank in your account. If you miss a class, you can view the class you missed. The SAT Reading and Writing Section The Basics • There 27 questions per module: 25 scored, 2 unscored research questions • All questions are 4-option multiple-choice • You have, on average, about a minute and 10 seconds per question Question Types • Questions can have one short passage, or they might have two short passages about the same topic • Some questions may have a list of notes about a topic • Some passages may also feature a graph or table • Passage topics are drawn from literature, history/social studies, the humanities, and science • Four major content areas: Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions How to Do SAT Reading and Writing After this lesson, you will be able to: • Apply the Method for SAT Reading and Writing Questions 7 How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 1 Many of the entries in the 2022 Outwin Portrait Competition explore the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on their subjects. For example, the winning portrait, Anthony Cuts under the Williamsburg Bridge, Morning, by Alison Elizabeth Taylor features a Brooklyn-based hairstylist who gave haircuts on the streets when his salon was closed during lockdown to raise funds for social justice advocacy. Another finalist in the competition, Marianna T. Olague’s Customer Service Representative, also showcases a particular person—a cashier in a convenience store—whose work helped keep society running during the pandemic. Which choice best states the main idea of the text? (A) Workers who were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic included hairstylists and customer service representatives. (B) Taylor and Olague both had paintings that were finalists or winners in the 2022 Outwin Portrait Competition. (C) Anthony Cuts under the Williamsburg Bridge, Morning was the most acclaimed piece in the 2022 Outwin Portraits Competition. (D) Some portraits in the 2022 Outwin Competition showed how individuals were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Method for SAT Reading and Writing Step 1: What is the question asking? • Standard English Conventions questions ONLY: look at the answer choices for clues Step 2: What do I need to look for in the passage? Step 3: What answer strategy is best? • Predict and Match • Eliminate 8 How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 2 A student is writing a paper that examines an ancient Egyptian text that recounts the 1275 B.C.E. battle of Qadesh between the Egyptians and the Hittites, including the role of the Egyptian pharaoh Rameses II. Since the Egyptian text seems to exaggerate the achievements of Rameses II, describing how the ruler singlehandedly defeated hundreds of Hittite soldiers, the student asserts that Rameses II influenced the writing of the text in order to make himself appear favorably. 9 Which finding, if true, would most directly support the student’s claim? (A) An Egyptian artist’s visual representation of the battle of Qadesh was created during the same time period as the written text. (B) Rameses II was known to have commissioned artworks and writings, and there is evidence that he specifically commissioned this one. (C) Many historians have cited the difficulty of determining the precise events of the battle of Qadesh due to a lack of sources from the Hittite side. (D) Letters written by the Egyptian soldiers who participated in the battle of Qadesh mention that Rameses II participated in the battle. How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 3 College chemistry student William Perkin ______ with creating a malaria treatment from coal tar when he made an interesting discovery: while his process was unsuccessful in synthesizing the malaria treatment quinine, it did result in the accidental creation of the first synthetically created organic dye—mauve—leading to an explosion of developments in organic chemistry. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? (A) experiments (B) was experimenting (C) has been experimenting (D) will experiment How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 4 Psychologist William von Hippel argues that, in contrast to Homo erectus’s capacity to plan ahead, Homo habilis’s lack of ability to ______ future needs resulted in their failure to transport tools they had fashioned from one location to another. 10 Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) forsake (B) chronicle (C) anticipate (D) tolerate How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 5 The following text is from Elizabeth Von Arnim’s 1922 novel The Enchanted April. Mr. Wilkins is a solicitor, or lawyer, in England in the 1920s. [Mrs. Wilkins] was always with [Mr.] Wilkins, that clean-shaven, fine-looking man, who gave a party, merely by coming to it, a great air. . . . He was known to be highly thought of by his senior partners. His sister’s circle admired him. He pronounced adequately intelligent judgments on art and artists. He was pithy; he was prudent; he never said a word too much, nor, on the other hand, did he ever say a word too little. . . . And he was so obviously reliable that it often happened that people who met him at these parties became discontented with their own solicitors, and after a period of restlessness extricated themselves and went to Wilkins. According to the text, what is true about Mr. Wilkins’s reputation? (A) Wilkins is widely respected. (B) Wilkins is considered handsome but a poor speaker. (C) Wilkins makes people feel unhappy. (D) No one wants to do business with Wilkins. How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 6 Male red kangaroos routinely engage in physically challenging activities, such as jumping with a powerful stride for long periods of time as they search for food and participating in intense boxing matches with other kangaroos. ______ some red male kangaroos develop very muscular physiques. 11 Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? (A) As a result, (B) For instance, (C) However, (D) Similarly, How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 7 The Bering Land Bridge refers to land that was exposed during the Last Glacial Maximum ice age that permitted migration between Asia and North ______ analysis of nitrogen isotopes found on the current seafloor, researchers in a 2022 study determined that the land bridge likely developed more recently than had previously been estimated. 12 Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? (A) America, through (B) America so through (C) America through (D) America. Through How to Do SAT Reading and Writing Question 8 While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: • The San Diego Zoo houses numerous wildlife species that are classified as threatened or endangered. • The zoo’s threatened or endangered species are native to locations from throughout the world. • The zoo’s Andean bear is classified as threatened. • The Andean bear is native to the Andes Mountains of South America. • The zoo’s Fiji iguana is classified as critically endangered. • The Fiji iguana is native to the islands of Fiji and Tonga in the Pacific Islands. The student wants to emphasize a difference in the origins of the two species. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal? (A) The Andean bear is a species at the San Diego Zoo that is classified as threatened; however, the Fiji iguana species at the San Diego Zoo is classified as critically endangered. (B) The San Diego Zoo houses the Fiji iguana, which is classified as a critically endangered species and is native to Fiji and Tonga, islands located in the Pacific Ocean. (C) The Andean bear, a species at the San Diego Zoo that is classified as threatened, is native to South America, while the Fiji iguana, a critically endangered species at the zoo, is native to the Pacific Islands. (D) The San Diego Zoo houses wildlife species that are classified as threatened or endangered, such as the Andean bear and the Fiji iguana. Reading and Writing Strategy After this lesson, you will be able to: • Identify useful keywords and use them to answer questions Match Your Strategy to the Question • Different questions will require a different focus in Step 2 of the Method: What do I need to look for in the passage? 13 Look for different types of keywords in the texts, such as: • Opinion • Contrast • Emphasis • Cause and effect • Example • Sequential • Continuation Reading and Writing Strategy Question 1 In 1984, great fanfare and optimism accompanied the funding of an ecosystem research project called “Biosphere 2,” a sealed habitat that was supposed to support a human crew without contact with the outside world. However, the project became plagued by heavy criticism. For instance, the media reported that the project had violated its principles by allowing an injured member to leave and return. Critics further blasted the project when it was learned that the project had been pumping oxygen inside due to a failure in the biosphere’s systems. Ultimately, doubts regarding the integrity of Biosphere 2’s scientific data hampered the perceived value of the overall project. 14 Which choice best states the main idea of the text? (A) The Biosphere 2 was a colossal waste of money since its data was ultimately compromised due to outside influences. (B) The Biosphere 2 was intended to show how humans could survive in isolation from the outside world. (C) Issues with the Biosphere 2 project led to a more negative view of the project over time. (D) Large-scale projects like Biosphere 2 are impractical due to the unpredictability of the many factors involved. Reading and Writing Strategy Question 2 The creation of fossils in shale requires a rather incredible sequence of circumstances. For instance, a footprint of a dinosaur might have become fossilized after the animal stepped in semisoft mud. In mud that was too soft, the footprint would simply disappear as the mud leveled out, while mud that was too dry would not take a print at all. ______ under the right circumstances, the print would be captured in the drying dirt when the sun came out. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? (A) However, (B) Similarly, (C) For example, (D) Therefore, Strategic Reading For unfamiliar vocabulary, look for word parts that you do know: • Prefixes • Suffixes • Roots Word Parts Drills • The school is enacting a (foresighted/retroactive) attendance policy, in which students’ past absences will count against them. • The writer’s exaggerated, dismal description of daily life in the city made the place almost sound like a (dystopia/sanctum). • She hoped that the vacation would be relaxing, but the stress of losing her luggage made the entire trip a (deleterious/salubrious) experience. • The principal delivered a (disparaging/laudatory) speech at graduation that enumerated the graduates’ many impressive accomplishments. • The weather reporter’s accuracy at forecasting the next day’s weather made her seem almost (prescient/omniscient). • The calming walk through the beautiful gardens made for (a felicitous/an insidious) experience. • The (obdurate/obsequious) employee continually ignored the manager’s reprimands. • The lack of evidence in the research paper ultimately renders its thesis (insensate/untenable). 15 Reading and Writing Strategy Question 3 Sculptor Barbara Hepworth developed the “pierced form” technique in her abstract works. Since the pierced form entails carving a large hole the entire way through a sculpture, the raw material used must be relatively ______. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) luminous (B) malleable (C) impenetrable (D) displeasing Reading and Writing Strategy Question 4 Koalas have such a ______ for only certain kinds of eucalyptus leaves that they seek out just a few dozen of the hundreds of eucalyptus varieties. Even among these preferred varieties, koalas will only eat a small selection of leaves from each branch, so zookeepers must provide koalas with many more pounds of leaves than the choosy animals will actually consume each day. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) malediction (B) disinclination (C) callosity (D) proclivity Incorrect Answer Choices Out of Scope • contains a statement that is too broad, too narrow, or beyond the purview of the passage Extreme • contains language that is too strong (all, never, always, every, none) to be supported by the passage Distortion • based on details or ideas from the passage but distorts or misstates what the author says or implies Opposite • directly contradicts what the correct answer must say 16 Misused Detail • accurately states something from the passage but in a manner that incorrectly answers the question Reading and Writing Strategy Question 5 Many past historians assumed that the Hun invaders of Rome in the fifth century C.E. were primarily motivated by a quest to acquire treasure. A new study, however, employs climate data, such as analysis of tree rings, to investigate this period. Significantly, researchers found evidence that the years in which major Hun attacks occurred coincided with summers when agriculture was disrupted by extreme droughts in the Huns’ homelands. Therefore, the researchers propose that the motivation behind the Hun attacks ______ Which choice most logically completes the text? (A) likely matches the assumptions of past historians. (B) can only be accurately determined by climate data analysis. (C) was at least partly related to a quest for food resources. (D) reflects the Huns’ innovative use of trees in battle technology. Reading and Writing Strategy Question 6 The following text is from E.M. Forster’s 1907 novel The Longest Journey. Some people spend their lives in a suburb, and not for any urgent reason. This had been the fate of Rickie. He had opened his eyes to filmy heavens, and taken his first walk on asphalt. . . . He had himself become part of the gray monotony that surrounds all cities. There was no necessity for this—it was only rather convenient to his father. 17 Based on the passage, why does Rickie live in the suburbs? (A) His parents enjoyed the sense of urgency. (B) The arrangement makes things a little easier for his father. (C) His mother thought the location would make things difficult for his father. (D) The suburban streets were the sites of his early childhood memories. Reading and Writing Strategy Question 7 Text 1 A plant or animal species is considered invasive when it spreads to an area where it does not naturally occur, causing economic or environmental harm. Policy in the United States, however, is not acting swiftly enough in response to this serious threat. A responsible approach requires identifying and decisively eliminating all invasive species in the early stages, when containment or eradication is still feasible. Text 2 Responses to the appearance of invasive species are often reactionary and alarmist. Recently, for instance, the discovery of a single non-native snakehead fish in one lake prompted officials to drain and refill the lake at a cost of more than $10,000, yet no additional snakeheads were even found there. Instead of taking drastic and expensive measures every time a potential problem is reported, we should strive for a balance between environmental protection and economic responsibility. 18 Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the arguments of author of Text 1? (A) By admitting that responses to invasive species are often not costeffective (B) By agreeing that U.S. policy does not take the issue of invasive species seriously enough (C) By countering that environmental concerns are not as important as economic concerns (D) By insisting that the responses to invasive species require analysis on a case-by-case basis Reading and Writing Strategy Question 8 While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: • In the past, many religious and cultural texts of India were composed in Sanskrit, a classical language of Southeast Asia. • The ancient scholar Pāṇini developed a system for Sanskrit grammar. • Scholars have been unable to fully understand how to apply the rules of Pāṇini’s grammar system. • PhD student Rishi Rajpopat has discovered the principle that will enable scholars to use Pāṇini’s grammar system. • His discovery may make it possible to digitize Pāṇini’s grammar system and thus study its language in new ways. The student wants to emphasize the significance of Rajpopat’s discovery. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal? (A) Rajpopat’s discovery will enable scholars to use and perhaps digitize Pāṇini’s grammar system, allowing for new study of Sanskrit. (B) In the past, scholars were aware of Pāṇini’s grammar system but did not know how to use it in practical applications. (C) Rajpopat discovered a new component of the ancient IndoEuropean language of Sanskrit. (D) The importance of Pāṇiniʼs grammar system is due to the fact that it systemizes Sanskrit, the language of many classic religious and cultural texts of To Improve Your Reading Skills • READ more! • Vocabulary builders can also be helpful. Words in Context After this lesson, you will be able to: • Use surrounding context to infer the meaning of a word • Identify the word that best conveys the intended meaning Words in Context questions will ask you to use the context of the passage to determine the meaning of the word or phrase in question. • Stems: “As used in the text, what does the word X most nearly mean?” and “Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?” • Pay careful attention to any transition keywords, transition punctuation, and other clue words. 19 Words in Context Question 1 Oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle found her passion for marine science when a strong wave washed over her as she was playing by the shoreline as a child. As an adult, she continues to spend her time ______ the water studying sea life, exploring oceans, and dreaming of ways to help protect the sea’s fragile ecosystem. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) submerged in (B) tripping over (C) shrinking from (D) terrified by Words in Context Question 2 The following text is adapted from by H. L. Mencken’s 1919 collection of work Prejudices, First Series. It is [the art critic’s] business to provoke the reaction between the work of art and the spectator. The spectator, untutored, stands unmoved; he sees the work of art, but it fails to make any intelligible impression on him; if he were spontaneously sensitive to it, there would be no need for criticism. But now comes the critic with his catalysis. He makes the work of art live for the spectator; he makes the spectator live for the work of art. Out of the process comes understanding, appreciation, intelligent enjoyment—and that is precisely what the artist tried to produce. 20 As used in the text, what does the word “sensitive” most nearly mean? (A) Callous (B) Delicate (C) Responsive (D) Concern Words in Context Question 3 In 1848, during a workplace accident at the construction site of an American railroad, a 3.5-foot-long tampering rod pierced through the head of foreman Phineas Gage, resulting in the loss of an eye and significant damage to his brain’s frontal lobe. Gage’s ______ survival and notable personality changes became one of the most significant case studies in history of neuroscience. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) dubious (B) innocuous (C) duplicitous (D) miraculous Words in Context Question 4 Access to clean water for drinking and sanitation purposes is generally accepted as a fundamental human right. Nonetheless, even in developed countries, with industrial filtration systems and water processing plants, clean water is ______ resource in some locations. 21 Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) an unobtainable (B) a modern (C) an excessive (D) a valuable Words in Context Question 5 The following text is adapted from L. Margaret Penrose’s novel The Campfire Girls of Roselawn. The characters Jessie and Amy are paddling their canoe up a lake toward Jessie’s house, which shows the aftermath of a thunderstorm. One of the tallest of the trees was split from near its top almost to the foot of the trunk. The white gash looked like a wide strip of paper pasted down the stick of ruined timber. As used in the text, what does the word “dash” most nearly mean? (A) Elegance (B) Burst (C) Attempt (D) Ruin “Isn’t that too bad?” said Amy, staring. But suddenly Jessie drove her paddle deep into the water and sent the canoe in a dash to the landing. She fended off skillfully, hopped out, and began to run. “What is the matter, Jess?” shrieked Amy. “You’ve left me to do all the work.” Words in Context Question 6 The bubonic plague, colloquially referred to as the Black Death, is one of the most devastating pandemics to have ravaged the world. Though this disease peaked from 1347 to 1351, today’s researchers are still investigating the genetic side effects of surviving the bacteria, Yersinia pestis, that affected most of Afro-Eurasia. For example, an international interdisciplinary team of scientists has identified that the genetic variations that demonstrate ______ Y. pestis are highly associated with the risk of present-day autoimmune disorders. 22 Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) affiliation with (B) resistance to (C) appreciation of (D) susceptibility to Words in Context Question 7 Tribal nations and educational institutions need to be equal participants in developing a culturally-inclusive environment at schools that serve indigenous populations. One example of collaboration is the Manitoba Indigenous Inclusion Directorate’s Smudging Protocol and Guidelines for School Divisions, which _______ this necessary partnership: tribal representatives worked alongside school officials to design an education and training document to help facilitate a culturally-inclusive environment. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) empowers (B) ridicules (C) emulates (D) fragments Words in Context Question 8 Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation artist and activist Edgar Heap of Birds _______ the pervasive repression of Native peoples’ history from the recent and distant past: his recent print series uses harsh, true references to unacknowledged historical trauma, interspersed with words culled from contemporary social issues, in a bold disavowal of the current narrative. 23 Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? (A) aggrandizes (B) concedes (C) substantiates (D) repudiates Math Answers and Explanations How to Do SAT Math 1. C Difficulty: Easy Strategic Advice: Do not autopilot this question. The traditional math approach will work, but it is not the most efficient route. Getting to the Answer: Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Remember Step 4 of the Kaplan Method for SAT Math Questions. The question asks for the value of 𝑏. Step 2. What does the question tell me? Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? A strategic test-taker notices the question asks for 2𝑥, not 𝑥. Step 2. What does the question tell me? The question presents a straightforward algebra equation. Step 3. What strategy is best for me? Combine like terms and solve for 𝑥: 7 +𝑥 3 7 𝑥+2= 3 6 7 𝑥+ = 3 3 2𝑥 + 2 = 𝑥= Step 1. What is the question asking? 1 3 The table is modeled by 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏. Step 3. What strategy is best for me? Recall that the 𝑦-intercept occurs when 𝑥 = 0. Observe the pattern in the table. As 𝑥 increases, 𝑓(𝑥) decreases. Therefore, as 𝑥 decreases, 𝑓(𝑥) must increase. Since 𝑓(2) = 65, the 𝑦-intercept must be greater than 65. Eliminate (A) and (B). Although the 𝑦-values are increasing as 𝑥 decreases, they are increasing at a relatively modest rate. Estimate that choice (D) is much too large. On test day, pick (C) and move on. But for the record, you can see from the table that every time the 𝑥value decreases by 1, the 𝑦-value increases by 15. Therefore, the 𝑦-value at 𝑥 = 0 is 65 + 15 + 15 = 95. Step 4. Am I done? Step 4. Am I done? Before choosing (A), pause and be sure that you answered the right question. The question asks for 2𝑥, not 𝑥, so multiply You answered the correct question; (C) is correct. 1 2 your answer by 2: 2 (3) = 3. Choice (C) is correct. 2. C Difficulty: Medium Category: Algebra 24 3. D Difficulty: Medium Category: Advanced Math Strategic Advice: Remember that domain values are the same as 𝑥-values. Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The question asks for which of the answer choices could be a value of 𝑓(𝑥) = √13𝑥 − 51. Step 2. What does the question tell me? Think carefully about the function 𝑓(𝑥). You cannot take the square root of a negative number, so the expression underneath the square root must be greater than or equal to 0. Step 3. What strategy is best for me? Set up an inequality and solve for 𝑥: 13𝑥 − 51 ≥ 0 13𝑥 − 51 ≥ 51 𝑥 ≥ 3.923076 … Since 4≥ 3.923076, (D) is correct. If you were short on time on test day, this is a great question for strategic guessing. You do not want the expression inside of the square root to be negative, so picking the largest number is a safe bet. Again, you would be led to (D). Step 4. Am I done? You've determined the which of the answer choices could be a value of the function; (D) is correct. here. Unpacking the word “cumulative” is critical to understanding this question. Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? Your job is to find the number of applicants in March. Step 2. What does the question tell me? You are presented with a table of the cumulative number of applicants. In other words, the 17 next to February represents the number of applicants in both February and January. Similarly, the 24 represents the number of applicants in January, February and March. Step 3. What strategy is best for me? To find the number of applicants in March, subtract the cumulative number of applicants in February from the cumulative number of applicants in March. Essentially, you are calculating (January + February + March) – (January + February) = March. This yields 24 − 17 = 7, so (B) is correct. Step 4. Am I done? You’ve calculated the cumulative number of March’s applicants; (B) is correct. Backsolving 4. B Difficulty: Medium 1. B Difficulty: Easy Category: Problem-Solving and Data Analysis Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Steps 1 and 2 of the Kaplan Method are particularly important 25 Strategic Advice: Remember that the answer choices represent the number of anagrams that Beatrice completed. Getting to the Answer: The question gives two unknowns and enough information to create a system of equations. Therefore, it could be solved with a traditional algebraic approach. However, using the answer choices may be more efficient for you. Backsolve by checking the answer choices against the known information. Start with (B). If Beatrice completed 43 anagrams, then Khalid completed 43 + 52 = 95 anagrams. Now see if Beatrice’s and Khalid’s anagrams add up to 138. Since 43 + 95 = 138, (B) is correct. There is no need to check any other choices. 2. A Difficulty: Medium Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Backsolve by plugging the choices in for 𝑛 to determine which one matches the given price of six months of membership. Getting to the Answer: Check the answer choices, starting with (B). If the one you chose is too large or too small, you’ll know which direction to go when testing the next one. Multiply the value in the choice by the six months and then add the $525 for the phone. $60 (B): hour × 6 hours = $360. $360 + $525 = $885. The customer paid $837, so this answer choice results in a number that is too big. Choice (A), the only smaller choice, must be correct. 3. A Difficulty: Medium 26 Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Backsolve by plugging in the choices for the number of hours. Eliminate incorrect choices as you go. Getting to the Answer: Since the question asks for a maximum value, you would usually start testing with (D). However, if you recognize that (D) is the number of hours that Rohit could rent the machine without purchasing the cleaning solution, you can immediately eliminate (D) as too large. Then work backward through the choices, starting with (C). (C): Renting the machine for 6 hours makes the rental cost 6 × $8/per hour = $48. Adding the cost of the cleaning solution, you arrive at $48 + $24 = $72, more than the budgeted $56. (B): If Rohit rents the machine for 5 hours, $8 his rental cost is 5 hours × hour = $40. The cost of the cleaning solution is $24. Thus, his total cost is $40 + $24 = $64. This is greater than his budget of $56, so (A), the only smaller choice, must be correct. 4. D Difficulty: Medium Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Setting up algebra equations would be difficult. Instead, use Backsolving to test the answer choices. Getting to the Answer: The choices represent the number of crackers that the teacher originally has. You may use either statement given in the question to start testing the choices. The first sentence says that the number of crackers divided by 5 will have a remainder of 4. Since a remainder is the part that is “left over” after you divide, subtract 4 from each answer choice and eliminate the ones that are not divisible by 5: (A) 77 − 4 = 73 Eliminate (B) 84 − 4 = 80 Keep (C) 85 − 4 = 81 Eliminate (D) 89 − 4 = 85 Keep The second sentence says that when 13 is added to the correct choice, that choice will be evenly divisible by 6. With (A) and (C) eliminated, you only need to test either Choice (B) or Choice (D). Testing (B), 84 + 13 = 97 and 97 does not divide evenly by 6. Choice (D) must be correct. On test day, mark (D) and go on. But for the record, 89 + 13 = 102 and 102 + 6 = 17. 1. B Difficulty: Medium Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: You have two variables but only one equation, so solving for each variable is not possible. Instead, pick a number for either 𝑟 or 𝑠 and then determine what the other variable must be to make the given equation true. Getting to the Answer: Start by picking a simple, manageable number for 𝑟. Then figure out what 𝑠 would have to equal in the original equation. Let 𝑟 = 2. Then you 3(2) 2𝑠 6 = 3, which simplifies to 2𝑠 = 3. To 27 Now plug these values of 𝑟 and 𝑠 into get 5(1) 2(2) 5𝑠 2𝑟 to 5 = . Thus, (B) is correct. 4 You could also solve this algebraically as follows: 3𝑟 =3 2𝑠 3𝑟 = 3(2𝑠) 3𝑟 = 6𝑠 𝑟 = 2𝑠 Now substitute 𝑟 = 2𝑠 into the expression: 5𝑠 2𝑟 = 5𝑠 2(2𝑠) = 5𝑠 4𝑠 5 = . Once again, (B) is 4 correct. 2. A Difficulty: Medium Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: Pick a manageable number for 𝑐, the price of the 1-year fishing license, and then calculate the cost of Steve’s license in relation to that price. Picking Numbers have solve for 𝑠, multiply both sides by 2𝑠 and get 6 = 6𝑠. Thus, 𝑠 = 1. Getting to the Answer: With a percent question, 100 is generally a good number to pick. Let 𝑐 = 100. If 𝑐 = 100, 30% of 𝑐 is 0.30 × 100 = $30 for the price of the 15-day license. Next, add the 8% sales tax: $30 + 0.08($30) = $32.40. Now plug 100 for 𝑐 into each answer choice and see which equals 32.40, eliminating answers that do not. (A): 0.324 × 100 = 32.4; this looks good, so keep it and check the other choices to be sure that none of them also yields the correct value. (B): 0.3 × 100 + 0.08 = 30.08. Eliminate. (C): 100 − 0.62(100) = 100 − 62 = 38. Eliminate. (D): 1.38 × 100 = 138 Choice (A) is correct. 3. C Difficulty: Hard Category: Problem Solving and Data Analysis Strategic Advice: Since you don’t know the original number of flowers and the changes are stated as percents, choose 100 as the starting number and work through the changes from year to year. Getting to the Answer: If there were 100 flowers in 2015, then there were only 60% of that, or 60, in 2016. A 20% increase in 2017 would have resulted in 1.20 × 60 = 72 flowers. The subsequent 25% increase meant that there were 1.25 × 72 = 90 flowers in 2018, which is 90% of the original number. Choice (C) is correct. Note that (D) is merely the result of adding 60% + 20% + 25% rather than applying these individual percent changes to the then current number of flowers. 4. B Difficulty: Hard Category: Algebra Strategic Advice: This question is quite abstract. Picking numbers can make it more concrete. 28 Getting to the Answer: To make this problem easier, use the picking numbers strategy. Pick numbers that are manageable and permissible. There are many possible number sets to choose from. For example, 𝑎 = 8, 𝑏 = 4, and 𝑐 = 2 will make the equation work, but perhaps the simplest numbers that satisfy the equation are 𝑎 = 1, 𝑏 = 1, and 𝑐 = 1. Now apply the changes described in the question. The value of 𝑎 is doubled, so it is now 2(1) = 2. The value of 𝑐 is tripled, so it is now 3(1) = 3. Plug these new values into the given equation and solve for 𝑏: 𝑏2 𝑐 𝑏2 2= 3 6 = 𝑏2 √6 = 𝑏 𝑎= Since 𝑏 was originally 1 and is now √6, it must have been multiplied by √6. Choice (B) is correct. Reading and Writing Answers and Explanations How to Do SAT Reading and Writing 1. D Difficulty: Easy Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The question stem asks for the main idea of the passage. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Focus your reading on the author’s main point as you read the passage. The first sentence of the passage identifies the author’s topic (entries in a 2022 portrait competition) and the author’s main point about that topic (many entries were about how the pandemic impacted individual portrait subjects). The rest of the passage supports this main point by giving two examples of specific portraits that were about the impact of the pandemic. Based on the question stem, focus on the main idea rather than these specific details. Step 3. What answer strategy is best? Predict that the main idea is that many entries in the portrait competition were about how the pandemic impacted the portrait subjects. This prediction matches (D), which is correct. Alternatively, you could eliminate answer choices that fail to summarize the author’s main point about the entries in the portrait competition. Choice (A) can be eliminated 29 because it does not focus on the portrait competition. Choice (B) may be tempting, since it mentions the competition and the two provided examples, but it should be eliminated because it does not match the author’s particular focus on how the portrait subjects were impacted by the pandemic. Choice (C) can be eliminated because it focuses on just one of the examples in the passage. Further, it makes a claim about the portrait that goes beyond what can be supported by the passage; the portrait won the competition, but it was not necessarily the “most acclaimed.” This leaves (D), the correct answer. 2. B Difficulty: Medium Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The question stem asks you which answer choice would support the student’s claim. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Target your reading to locate the claim as you read the passage during. The last sentence contains the student’s “assert[ion]”: Rameses II influenced the text to make himself look good. Step 3. What answer strategy is best? It might be difficult to make a specific prediction, so evaluate the answer choices and eliminate any that do not directly support the claim. Choice (A) can be eliminated, since just knowing about the existence of an artwork that depicts the battle is irrelevant to the claim that Rameses II influenced the writing of the text. In (B), however, evidence that Rameses II commissioned the text does logically support the claim that he influenced the writing to make himself look good; (B) is correct. Choice (C) is incorrect because a lack of Hittite sources is irrelevant to the question of whether Rameses II was involved in the writing of the text. Choice (D) would support the claim that Rameses II was in the battle, but it is irrelevant to whether or not he influenced the text about the battle. 3. B Difficulty: Easy Category: Standard English Conventions Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? (Standard English Conventions questions ONLY: look at the answer choices for clues) The question stem concerns Standard English Conventions, so look at the answer choices before you read the passage. The choices indicate that the question is testing verb tense. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Use context to determine what verb tense is correct. Other verbs in the passage indicate that the action happened in the past: “made,” “was,” “did result.” Step 3. What answer strategy is best? 30 Predict that the correct answer will be in the past tense; “was experimenting” in (B) is correct, as it describes a past action that occurred at the same time as another past action (when he made an interesting discovery). Alternatively, you could eliminate answer choices that use the incorrect verb tense. Choice (A) can be eliminated because “experiments” is a present tense verb. Choice (C) can be eliminated because “has been experimenting” indicates action that began in the past and continues into the present. Choice (D) is incorrect because “will experiment” is in the future tense. 4. C Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The question stem asks for a word that logically fits in the blank. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Target your reading to focus on the meaning of the missing word as you read the passage. The keywords “in contrast to” indicate that Homo habilis must have not had the “capacity to plan ahead,” so this was the reason they did not transport their tools with them. Step 3. What answer strategy is best? Predict that the missing word reflects the idea that Homo habilis lacked the ability to plan for or predict future needs. This prediction matches (C), “anticipate,” which is correct. Choice (A) is incorrect because “forsake,” which means leave behind, is the opposite of the required meaning. Choice (B) is incorrect because “chronicle” means to record, while the passage indicates nothing about the ability to record ideas. Choice (D) is incorrect because “tolerate,” which means to allow, is unrelated to the concept of planning ahead. 5. A Difficulty: Medium Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The stem asks for something true about Wilkins’s reputation. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Target your reading to focus on this specific detail as you read the passage. The passage provides many details about Wilkins, so look specifically for those that reflect how he is viewed by others: many positive descriptors are used to describe him (pithy, prudent, etc.), and he is “highly thought of” by senior partners, “admired” by his sister’s friends, speaks neither “too much” nor “too little,” and is so “obviously reliable” that people want him as their solicitor. Step 3. What answer strategy is best? 31 Predict that Wilkins has a positive, respectable reputation. This prediction matches (A), which is correct. Alternatively, you could eliminate answer choices that fail to accurately describe Wilkins’s reputation. Choice (B) can be eliminated because the middle of the passage states that “he never said a word too much, nor, on the other hand, did he ever say a word too little”—in other words, he always speaks the appropriate amount. Choices (C) and (D) can be eliminated because they distort the ideas of the passage: Wilkins makes people feel “discontented with their own solicitors,” not with him. Rather, people want Wilkins to be their solicitor since he is “so obviously reliable.” This leaves (A), the correct answer. 6. A Difficulty: Medium Category: Expression of Ideas Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? The question stem asks for a transition that logically fits in the blank. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Target your reading to focus on the relationship between the ideas before and after the transition as you read the passage. The details before the blank describe the kangaroos’ “physically challenging activities.” The idea after the blank is that some male kangaroos develop “muscular physiques.” The muscular physiques must develop due to the kangaroos’ physical activities, Step 3. What answer strategy is best? Predict that the missing transition is a cause-and-effect transition. This prediction matches (A), “As a result,” which is correct. Choice (B) is incorrect because the muscular physiques are not an example of (For instance) the physically challenging activities mentioned in the previous sentence. Choice (C) is incorrect because the ideas do not contrast (However). Choice (D) is incorrect because the muscular physiques are not similar to the physically challenging activities; rather the physiques result from the physical activities. refers to land . . . ,” is a complete idea. After the blank, the phrase “Through analysis . . .” also connects to the complete idea “researchers . . . determined . . . .” Step 3. What answer strategy is best? Predict that the correct answer will be a way to punctuate between two complete thoughts; the period in (D) is correct. Alternatively, you could eliminate answer choices that do not contain a way to punctuate between complete ideas. Choice (A) can be eliminated because connecting two complete ideas with only a comma results in a run-on. Choices (B) and (C) can be eliminated because placing no punctuation between two complete ideas also results in a run-on. 7. D Difficulty: Medium 8. C Difficulty: Medium Category: Standard English Conventions Category: Expression of Ideas Getting to the Answer: Getting to the Answer: Step 1. What is the question asking? (Standard English Conventions questions ONLY: look at the answer choices for clues) Step 1. What is the question asking? The question stem concerns Standard English Conventions, so look at the answer choices before you read the passage. The choices indicate that the question is testing how to punctuate the connection between ideas. Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? Step 2. What do I need to look for in the passage? As you read the passage, determine whether the ideas before and after the blank are complete ideas. The clause before the blank, “The Bering Land Bridge 32 The question stem asks for a difference in the origin of the two species. Target your reading to focus on identifying a difference as you read the bullet points. The fourth and last bullet points identify the species’ origins, or where they are “native to”: the Andean bear is from the Andes in South America and the Fiji iguana is from Fiji and Tonga in the Pacific. Step 3. What answer strategy is best? Use those details as your prediction. This prediction matches (C), which summarizes the difference in the species’ origins and accurately reflects the information in the bullet points, so this choice is correct. Alternatively, you could eliminate answer choices that fail to accurately identify a difference in the species’ origins. Choice (A) can be eliminated because it focuses on the difference in the species’ classifications as threatened or endangered, not a difference in their origins. Choice (B) is incorrect because it describes only one species. Choice (D) can be eliminated because it addresses neither a difference nor the species’ origins. • • • Strategic Reading Word Part Drill Answers • Moreover: The continuation transition identifies an additional reason why the speaker enjoys the beach. • Therefore: There is a cause-andeffect relationship between not putting gas in a car and the car breaking down. • retroactive: Retro means backward, so “retroactive” means applying to the past and makes sense in the context of counting past absences against students. Fore means before, so “foresighted” means aware of the future. • dystopia: Dys means faulty or abnormal, and you may have heard of a utopia, an ideal place. “Dystopia” thus means a negative imaginary 33 • • place. Sanct means holy, and you may have heard of words like sanctuary or sanctify. “Sanctum” means a sacred or private place. deleterious: “Deleterious” may make you think of delete and seems to have a negative connotation. The word means harmful in an unexpected way. Salu means healthy, and “salubrious” means healthful. laudatory: Laud means praise, and “laudatory” may make you think of the word applause. “Laudatory” means expressing praise. “Disparage” means criticize. The prefix dissuggests the word’s negative connotation. prescient: Pre means before, and sci means to know, so “prescient" means to know before. Omni means all, and sci means to know, so “omniscient” means knowing everything. The sentence suggests that the weather reporter knows one thing (the weather) about the future, not that she knows everything at all times. a felicitous: “Felicitous” means well suited or pleasant. It may make you think of the related word felicity, and it seems to have a positive connotation. “Insidious” means waiting to entrap, and it seems to have a negative connotation. obdurate: “Obdurate” means stubborn, and it may remind you of the word obstinate. “Obsequious” means overly attentive or submissive, and it may remind you of the word • obey. The word part sequ means to follow, as in sequence. untenable: “Untenable” means not able to be defended. Its word parts might make you think of not (un) + tenets, which means beliefs. “Insensate” means lacking feeling or awareness. Its word parts may make you think of not (in) + senses. Choice (B) is incorrect because it is a misused detail. This choice accurately identifies the purpose of the project, but the author’s main idea concerns perceptions about the project. Choice (D) is incorrect because it is out of scope. The passage concerns the Biosphere 2 project, not large-scale projects in general. 2. A 1. C Difficulty: Easy Difficulty: Medium Category: Expression of Ideas Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: This question asks you to determine which transition word logically connects the ideas in the passage. Keywords throughout the passage can help you determine how its ideas are related. The first sentence contains the emphasis keyword “incredible,” and the phrase “For instance” in the second sentence signals that the passage gives an example of an “incredible” way fossils could have been created. The third sentence identifies two ways that footprints would not have been fossilized. The last sentence contrasts with the previous sentence, identifying a way that footprints would have become fossilized. Predict that a contrast transition is needed; (A) is correct. Getting to the Answer: Since the question asks for the passage’s main idea, look for the author’s main point about Biosphere 2 as you read the text. The emphasis keywords “great fanfare and optimism” in the first sentence indicate that the project was initially viewed very positively. The contrast word “However” in the second sentence signals a shift to the project being heavily criticized. The next few sentences give examples of the criticism, as indicated by the keywords “For instance” and “further.” The keyword “Ultimately” signals the author’s conclusion: doubts about the data caused the value of the project to be questioned. Overall, predict that the author explains why the project was eventually viewed negatively. Choice (C) summarizes this main idea and is correct. Choice (A) is incorrect because it is extreme; the author concludes that the perceived value of the project was “hampered,” but the author never goes so far as to express the opinion that the project was “a colossal waste of money.” 34 The other answer choices use illogical transition words in context. Choices (B) and (C) are incorrect because the circumstances that create the footprint fossil are not similar to or an example of the situations that do not create footprint fossils. Choice (D) is incorrect because the circumstances that create the fossil footprint are not the result of the situations that do not create the footprint fossils. 3. B Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: Look for clues to help you determine the meaning of the missing word in context. The word “Since” signals a cause-and-effect relationship between the idea of carving a large hole through a sculpture and something that must be true about the sculpted material itself. Predict that the missing word must mean something related to able to be carved. Choice (B) is correct; “malleable” means able to be shaped. If unsure of the meaning, note that the word part malle is likely related to the word mallet. Choice (A) is incorrect because “luminous” means glowing with light; it is related to the words lumen and illuminate. Choice (C) is incorrect because it is the opposite of the required meaning. “Impenetrable,” with the prefix im- meaning not, means unable to be penetrated. Choice (D) is incorrect because “displeasing,” which means not pleasing, is unrelated to the idea of a material that can be carved. 4. D Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: Look for clues to help you determine the meaning of the missing word in context. The word is related to the idea that koalas eat only a few types of eucalyptus leaves. The next 35 sentence states that the koalas are selective “Even among these preferred varieties,” so use preference as your prediction. Choice (D), “proclivity,” means attraction or inclination, so this is the correct choice. If you are unfamiliar with the specific meaning of “proclivity,” you might note that the prefix pro- suggests a positive connotation in favor of something. Choices (A) and (B) are incorrect because they both suggest a negativity toward, rather than a preference for certain leaves. For (A), the word part mal means bad, and “malediction” specifically means curse. Likewise, in (B), the prefix dis- in “disinclination” causes the word to mean not inclined toward. The word part callos in (C), “callosity,” suggests being “callous,” or having no emotion or feeling. Indeed, “callosity” is incorrect because it means a lack of feeling. 5. C Difficulty: Medium Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: Based on the last sentence of the passage, the correct answer will be a conclusion (Therefore) that can be logically made about the Huns’ motivation for attacking. The keywords in the passage can help you determine how its ideas are logically connected. The keyword “however” in the second sentence indicates that the new analysis of climate data differs from the previous assumption that the Huns were motivated by treasure. The keyword “Significantly” in the next sentence signals an important detail: the new analysis showed that the attacks happened when droughts occurred. Predict that the new analysis suggests that the motivation for the attacks must be related to the droughts. Choice (C) reflects a motivation that is logically related to droughts and is correct. Choice (A) is incorrect because it is opposite; the keyword “however” indicates that the new analysis led to a conclusion about the Huns’ motivation that differs from the past historians’ assumptions. Choice (B) is out of scope; the passage never makes the claim that climate data is the only way to determine the Huns’ motivations; further, the use of “only” is extreme. Choice (D) is incorrect because it distorts a detail from the passage; trees are mentioned in relation to the researchers’ climate data analysis, not in relation to the Huns’ battle techniques. 6. B Difficulty: Easy Category: Information and Ideas Getting to the Answer: As you read the passage, look for the specific detail required by the question stem: the reason Rickie lives in the suburbs. The first two sentences indicate that Rickie, like some other people, lives in the suburbs “not for any urgent reason.” The last sentence builds on the idea that there is no strong reason, or “necessity,” for him to live in the suburbs, except that it was somewhat good, or “only rather convenient,” for his father. Thus, predict that Rickie lives in the suburbs due to his father, but not for any 36 particularly strong reason; choice (B) is correct. Choice (A) is incorrect because it distorts details from the passage. The use of the word “urgent” refers to the idea that some people live in the suburbs “not for any urgent reason”; further, the passage refers to the suburbs as “gray monotony,” not as a place of urgency. Choice (C) is incorrect because it is the opposite of the idea expressed in the last sentence; Rickie living in the suburbs was “convenient” to his father. Choice (D) is a misused detail. Rickie has early memories of the suburban streets, but these memories are not the reason Rickie lives in the suburbs. 7. D Difficulty: Hard Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: Since the question stem asks you to compare the views of both authors, use the annotation tools to help you highlight each author’s argument. The view of the author of Text 1 is found in the last part of the passage, which refers to invasive species as a “serious threat” that requires “decisively eliminating” all of them. Note the keywords in Text 2 that signal how this author’s view differs: responses to invasive species are often “reactionary and alarmist” and should not be so “drastic and expensive.” In the last sentence, the author of Text 2 advocates for a “balance” between environmental and economic goals. Predict that the author of Text 2 would consider the view in Text 1 about eliminating all invasive species to be too extreme, and evaluate the answer choices with this prediction in mind. Choice (A) is incorrect because the author of Text 2 already argues that responses to invasive species are often “drastic and expensive” and thus would not need to “admit” that responses are “often not costeffective.” Choice (B) is incorrect because it is opposite; the author of Text 2 thinks current responses are often “alarmist,” so the author would be unlikely to agree that U.S. policy is not strong enough. Choice (C) distorts the view of the author of Text 2, who calls for a “balance” of environmental and economic concerns. Choice (D) is correct. Since Text 2 emphasizes a “balanced” approach to invasive species, Text 2’s author would likely agree with the author of Text 1 that invasive species can be threats but would disagree that every instance of invasive species must automatically be eliminated without careful analysis of the situation. 8. A Difficulty: Hard Category: Expression of Ideas Getting to the Answer: Since the question stem indicates that the correct answer will emphasize the significance of Rajpopat’s discovery, look for this detail as you read the bullet points. You might use the annotation tools to highlight the ideas in the last two bullet points, which identify the content of Rajpopat’s discovery and a possible use of the discovery, respectively. Together, these ideas identify the significance of the discovery: the new 37 understanding of Pāṇini’s grammar system might allow scholars to digitize it and then use it to better study Sanskrit. Choice (A) summarizes the significance and is correct. Choice (B) is incorrect because it does not specifically address Rajpopat’s discovery. Choice (C) mentions the discovery but is incorrect because it does not describe its significance. Choice (D) is incorrect because it identifies the significance of Pāṇini’s grammar system rather than the significance of Rajpopat’s discovery. Words in Context 1. A Difficulty: Easy Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: For this Words in Context question use the context of the passage to determine the best strategy for this question. The sentence that contains the blank refers to how Dr. Sylvia Earle “continues to spend her time . . . studying . . . exploring . . . dreaming” about aspects of marine life, so predict that she must be in or near the water to complete those actions. Choice (A) matches that prediction; being “submerged in” the water would mean she is able to explore the ocean habitats. Choice (B), “tripping over,” would not logically complete the sentence because she is not stumbling over the water. Choice (C) is incorrect because “shrinking from” is the opposite of “studying” and “exploring” marine habitats; she is actively engaging with the ocean, not holding back from it. (D) is also incorrect; Earle has a “passion” for the water, not a fear of it. 2. C Difficulty: Easy Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: For this Words in Context question, use the context of the passage to determine the best strategy for this question. Summarizing the immediate context of the word “sensitive” reveals that “if [the art spectator] were to” have spontaneous sensitivity, “there would be no need” for an art critic. Without an art critic, the spectator would remain “unmoved” and works of art would “fail” to impress him. Using the summarized context, predict that “sensitive” most nearly means moved or responsive. Choice (C) is correct. Choice (A) means insensitive, which is the opposite of what is needed. While choices (B) and (D) are other meanings of “sensitive,” none of them logically fit the context of the passage. The presence of the spectator’s insensitivity (A), fragility (B), and regard (D) would not indicate a response or engaged reaction to the art, the absence of which creates the need for the art critic’s critique. 3. D Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: The blank is an adjective describing a characteristic of Phineas Gage’s “survival,” which is paired with his “notable” changes. The previous 38 sentence states that Gage’s injury was a long rod passing through this head leaving severe brain damage and loss of an eye. Predict a word or phrase that reflects the magnitude or incredible occurrence of surviving a life-threatening injury. This prediction matches (D), the correct answer. None of the other choices logically complete the sentence, so they are all incorrect. There are no context clues in the passage that indicate his survival was doubtful (A), harmless (B), or deceptive (C). 4. A Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: The sentence that contains the blank begins with the contrast word “Nonetheless” indicating that the sentence’s content will contrast with the claim in the previous sentence: that “access to clean water . . . is a fundamental human right.” Predict that the contrasting idea is that water is a “resource” that is not accessible to some people. Choice (A) is correct because “unobtainable” means not available, which matches the prediction and is correct. Nothing in the passage indicates that “clean water” is a new or contemporary “resource,” so (B) is incorrect. Incorrect choice (C), which means exceeding the necessary, does not logically fit the passage. Because the passage states that “water” is a “fundamental” right, of great worth (D) does not logically contrast with that claim. 5. B Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: The paragraph that contains the noun in question has a few clues about the fast and frantic nature of Jessie’s actions: “Suddenly Jessie drove her paddle deep . . . hopped out, and began to run.” Use this context of the passage to help infer that “dash” must also be a sudden rush of activity. Eliminate (A) because, although is it another meaning of “dash,” it does not convey the urgency of Jessie’s actions. Choice (B), which can mean a sudden state of movement, matches the prediction and is correct. On test day, select this choice and move on to the next question. For reference (C) is incorrect because “attempt,” or an unsuccessful effort, would create an illogical inconsistency; Jessie is able to hop out of the boat and begin running, implying that she was successful in her dash to the landing. Choice (D) may be eliminated because “ruin” reflects neither the urgency nor the outcome of Jessie’s actions. 6. B Difficulty: Hard Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: The immediate context of the missing word reveals that the correct choice will reflect the connection between the “genetic variations” and “Y. pestis,” a bacteria. The preceding sentence states that the researchers were “investigating the genetic implications of surviving the bacteria.” Because the connection is “One example” 39 of the side effects of surviving the bacteria, predict that the correct answer will reflect the ability to survive exposure to the bacteria. Eliminate choice (A); “affiliation with” would imply an association between the two, which does not logically fit the context of the passage. Choice (B) logically completes the text because “resistance to” would indicate that the genetic variations showed an ability to resist the bacteria. On test day, select choice (B) and move on to the next question. Incorrect choice (C), which means thankful for, does not logically complete the sentence. Choice (D) is incorrect because open to influence is the opposite of what the passage says. 7. C Difficulty: Medium Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: The context immediately around the blank indicates that the missing word is a verb that relates an “example of collaboration” to the “necessary partnership;” since this isn’t enough information to make a prediction, examine the context of the entire passage for more clues about the collaboration and partnership. The rest of the passage identifies an instance of “tribal representatives” and “school officials” working together to create an effective “training document” for cultural inclusion. Predict that the example thus models or imitates a necessary partnership; this matches (C). Choice (A) is incorrect because the example does not enable the partnership. Incorrect choices (B) and (D) are the opposite of what the passage suggests: the example neither makes fun of (B) nor divides (D) the collaboration. 8. D Difficulty: Easy Category: Craft and Structure Getting to the Answer: In this passage, the missing word is a verb that refers to what artist Edgar Heap of Birds does with “the pervasive repression . . . of recent and distant” Native history. A summary of his work states that his recent print series is a “bold disavowal of the current narrative.” From this, predict that the missing verb will logically convey his rejection (disavowal) of this historic repression. Eliminate choice (A) because Heap of Birds does not enhance or make grander the repression. Choice (B), which means to accept as true can be eliminated; it does not logically support Heap of Birds’ disavowal of the repression. Similarly, choice (C) is incorrect because he is not giving substance to or verifying the repression, rather he is rejecting it. (D) best fits the passage and the prediction; Heap of Birds “repudiates,” or refuses to accept the historic repression. https://pjlibrary.org/ 40