SAT Practice Questions

The following two passages deal with the political movements working for the woman’s vote in America.

Passage 1

The first organized assertion ofwoman’s rights in the United States was made at the Seneca Falls convention in 1848. The convention, though, had little immediate impact because of the national issues that would soon embroil the country. The contentious debates involving slavery and state’s rights that preceded the Civil War soon took center stage in national debates. Thus woman’s rights issues would have to wait until the war and its antecedent problems had been addressed before they would be addressed.

In 1869, two organizations were formed that would play important roles in securing the woman’s right to vote. The first was the American Woman’s Suffrage Association (AWSA). Leaving federal and constitutional issues aside, the AWSA focused their attention on state-level politics. They also restricted their ambitions to securing the woman’s vote and downplayed discussion ofwomen’s full equality. Taking a different track, the National Woman’s Suffrage Association (NWSA), led by Elizabeth Stanton and Susan Anthony, believed that the only way to assure the long-term security of the woman’s vote was to ground it in the constitution. The NWSA challenged the exclusion ofwoman from the Fifteenth Amendment, the amendment that extended the vote to African-American men. Furthermore, the NWSA linked the fight for suffrage with other inequalities faced by woman, such as marriage laws, which greatly disadvantaged women.

By the late 1880s the differences that separated the two organizations had receded in importance as the women’s movement had become a substantial and broad-based political force in the country. In 1890, the two organizations joined forces under the title of the National American Woman’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA). The NAWSA would go on to play a vital role in the further fight to achieve the woman’s vote.

Passage 2

In 1920, when Tennessee became the thirty-eighth state to approve the constitutional amendment securing the woman’s right to vote, woman’s suffrage became enshrined in the constitution. But woman’s suffrage did not happen in one fell swoop. The success of the woman’s suffrage movement was the story of a number of partial victories that led to the explicit endorsement of the woman’s right to vote in the constitution.

As early as the 1870s and 1880s, women had begun to win the right to vote in local affairs such as municipal elections, school board elections, or prohibition measures. These “partial suffrages’ demonstrated that women could in fact responsibly and reasonably participate in a representative democracy (at least as voters). Once such successes were achieved and maintained over a period oftime, restricting the full voting rights of woman became more and more suspect. If women were helping decide who was on the local school board, why should they not also have a voice in deciding who was president of the country? Such questions became more difficult for non-suffragists to answer, and thus the logic of restricting the woman’s vote began to crumble.

According to the first passage, the National Woman’s Suffrage Association focused their efforts on:

DIRECTIONS: Each passage below is accompanied by a number ofquestions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression ofideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions.

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.

After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of standard written English. Many questions include a “NO CHANGE“option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.

Read the passage and answer question (2).

Dark Snow

Most of Greenland’s interior is covered by a thick layer of ice and compressed snow known as the Greenland Ice Sheet. The size of the ice sheet fluctuates seasonally: in summer, average daily high temperatures in Greenland can rise to slightly above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, partially melting the ice; in the winter, the sheet thickens as additional snow falls, and average daily low temperatures can drop (1) to as low as 20 degrees.

Typically, the ice sheet begins to show evidence of thawing in late (2) summer. This follows several weeks of highertemperatures. (3) For example, in the summer of2012, virtually the entire Greenland Ice Sheet underwent thawing at or near its surface by mid-July, the earliest date on record. Most scientists looking forthe causes of the Great Melt of2012 have focused exclusively on rising temperatures. The summer of2012 was the warmest in 170 years, records show. But Jason (4) Box, an associate professor ofgeology at Ohio State believes that anotherfactor added to the early (5) thaw; the “dark snow“problem.

According to Box, a leading Greenland expert, tundra fires in 2012 from as far away as North America produced great amounts of soot, some (6) of it drifted over Greenland in giant plumes of smoke and then (7) fell as particles onto the ice sheet. Scientists have long known that soot particles facilitate melting by darkening snow and ice, limiting (8) it’s ability to reflect the Sun’s rays. As Box explains, “Soot is an extremely powerful light absorber. It settles over the ice and captures the Sun’s heat.“The result is a self-reinforcing cycle. As the ice melts, the land and water under the ice become exposed, and since land and water are darker than snow, the surface absorbs even more heat, which (9) is related to the rising temperatures.

Box’s research is important because the fires of2012 may not be a one-time phenomenon. According to scientists, rising Arctic temperatures are making northern latitudes greener and thus more fire prone. The pattern Box observed in 2012 may repeat (10) itselfagain, with harmful effects on the Arctic ecosystem. Box is currently organizing an expedition to gatherthis crucial information. The next step for Box and his team is to travel to Greenland to perform direct sampling of the ice in orderto determinejust how much the soot is contributing to the melting of the ice sheet.

Members of the public will be able to track his team’s progress - and even help fund the expedition - through a website Box has created. (11)

Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences at the underlined portion?

If X = 1 - y and 3x = 8 - 5y, what is the value of x?

DIRECTIONS: Each passage below is accompanied by a number ofquestions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression ofideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions.

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.

After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality ofwriting in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions ofstandard written English. Many questions include a 'NO CHANGE' option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.

Read the passage and answer question (2).

Whey to Go

Greek yogurt - a strained form of cultured yogurt - has grown enormously in popularity in the United States since it was first introduced in the country in the late 1980s.

From 2011 to 2012 alone, sales of Greek yogurt in the U S increased by 50 percent. The resulting increase in Greek yogurt production has forced those involved in the business to address the detrimental effects that the yogurt-making process may be having on the environment. Fortunately, farmers and others in the Greek yogurt business have found many methods ofcontrolling and eliminating most environmental threats. Given these solutions as well as the many health benefits of the food, the advantages of Greek yogurt (1) outdo the potential drawbacks of its production.

[1] The main environmental problem caused by the production of Greek yogurt is the creation of acid whey as a by-product. [2] Because it requires up to four times more milk to make than conventional yogurt does, Greek yogurt produces larger amounts of acid whey, which is difficult to dispose of. [3] To address the problem of disposal, farmers have found a number of uses for acid whey. [4] They can add it to livestock feed as a protein (2) supplement, and people can make their own Greek-style yogurt at home by straining regular yogurt. [5] If it is improperly introduced into the environment, acid-whey runoff (3) can pollute waterways, depleting the oxygen content of streams and rivers as it decomposes. [6] Yogurt manufacturers, food (4) scientists; and government officials are also working together to develop additional solutions for reusing whey. (5)

(6) Though these conservation methods can be costly and time-consuming, they are well worth the effort. Nutritionists consider Greek yogurt to be a healthy food: it is an excellent source ofcalcium and protein, serves (7) to be a digestive aid, and (8) it contains few calories in its unsweetened low- and non-fat forms. Greek yogurt is slightly lower in sugar and carbohydrates than conventional yogurt is. (9) Also, because it is more concentrated, Greek yogurt contains slightly more protein per serving, thereby helping people stay (10) satiated for longer periods oftime. These health benefits have prompted Greek yogurt’s recent surge in popularity. In fact, Greek yogurt can be found in an increasing number of products such as snack food and frozen desserts. Because consumers reap the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt and support those who make and sell (11) it, therefore farmers and businesses should continue finding safe and effective methods of producing the food.

Which choice provides the most relevant detail?

Thus far, predictions that global _____ would lead to mass starvation have proven false; however, in the years to come, population-______ may yet prove to be one of the world’s greatest problems.

DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered (x). The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. if you think the original version is the best, choose 'NO CHANGE'.

Read the passage and answer question (15).

The Spine

Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body’s organs, and receives (1) the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, (2) thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body.

There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born (3) with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant (4) brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition (5) when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened (6) when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss offunction in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body’s natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which (7) decreases the spines (8) ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, orjumping.

Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties ofways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its (9) natural curve during the night. When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. (10)

Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced (11) foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty (12) ofwaterto keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen. While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The (13) sunshine is a body’s best source. At least ten minutes of day (14) sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body’s systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. (15)

This passage would most likely be part of

DIRECTIONS: Each passage below is accompanied by a number ofquestions. For some questions, you will consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression ofideas. For other questions, you will consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table or graph) that you will consider as you make revising and editing decisions.

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.

After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality ofwriting in the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions ofstandard written English. Many questions include a 'NO CHANGE' option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.

Read the passage and answer question (6).Coworking: A Creative SolutionWhen I left my office job as a website developer at a small company for a position that allowed me to work full-time from home, I thought I had it made: I gleefully traded in my suits and dress shoes for sweatpants and slippers, my frantic early-morning bagged lunch packing for a leisurely midday trip to my refrigerator. The novelty of this comfortable work-from-home life, however, (1) soon got worn off quickly. Within a month, I found myself feeling isolated despite having frequent email and instant messaging contact with my colleagues. Having become frustrated trying to solve difficult problems, (2) no colleagues were nearby to share ideas. It was during this time that I read an article (3) into coworking spaces.

The article, published by Forbes magazine, explained that coworking spaces are designated locations that, for a fee, individuals can use to conduct their work. The spaces are usually stocked with standard office (4) equipment, such as photocopiers, printers, and fax machines. (5) In these locations, however, the spaces often include small meeting areas and larger rooms for hosting presentations. (6) The cost of launching a new coworking business in the United States is estimated to be approximately $58,000.What most caught my interest, though, was a quotation from someone who described coworking spaces as 'melting pots ofcreativity.' The article refers to a 2012 survey in which (7) 64 percent of respondents noted that coworking spaces prevented them from completing tasks in a given time. The article goes on to suggest that the most valuable resources provided by coworking spaces are actually the people (8) whom use them.[1] Thus, even though I already had all the equipment I needed in my home office, I decided to try using a coworking space in my city. [2] Because I was specifically interested in coworking’s reported benefits related to creativity, I chose a facility that offered a bright, open work area where I wouldn’t be isolated. [3] Throughout the morning, more people appeared. [4] Periods of quiet, during which everyone worked independently, were broken up occasionally with lively conversation. (9)I liked the experience so much that I now go to the coworking space a few times a week. Over time. I’ve gotten to know several of my coworking (10) colleagues: another website developer, a graphic designer, a freelance writer, and several mobile app coders. Even those of us who work in disparate fields are able to (11) share advice and help each other brainstorm. In fact, it’s the diversity of theirtalents and experiences that makes my coworking colleagues so valuable.

The writer is considering deleting the underlined sentence. Should the sentence be kept or deleted?

(1) On my nineteenth birthday, I began my trip to Mali, West Africa. (2) Some 24 hours later I arrived in Bamako, the capital of Mali. (3) The sun had set and the night was starless. (4) One of the officials from the literacy program I was working was there to meet me. (5) After the melee in the baggage claim, we proceeded to his car. (6) Actually, it was a truck. (7) I was soon to learn that most people in Mali that had automobiles actually had trucks or SUVs. (8) Apparently, there notjust a convenience but a necessity when you live on the edge of the Sahara. (9) I threw my bags into the bed of the truck, and hopped in to the back of the cab. (10) Riding to my welcome dinner, I stared out the windows of the truck and took in the city. (11) It was truly a foreign land to me, and I knew that I was an alien there. (12) “What am I doing here?“I thought.

(13) It is hard to believe but seven months later I returned to the same airport along the same road that I had traveled on that first night in Bamako, and my perspective on the things that I saw had completely changed. (14) The landscape that had once seemed so desolate and lifeless now was the homeland of people that I had come to love. (15) When I looked back at the capital, Bamako, fast receding on the horizon, I did not see a city foreboding and wild in its foreignness. (16) I saw the city which held so many dear friends. (17) I saw tea-drinking sessions going late into the night. (18) I saw the hospitality and open-heartedness of the people of Mali. (19) The second time, everything looked completely different, and I knew that it was I who had changed and not it.

Sentence 13 (reproduced below) would best be revised to which of the following choices?

It is hard to believe but seven months later I returned to the same airport along the same road that I had traveled on that first night in Bamako, and my perspective on the things that I saw had completely changed.

Passage 1 is adapted from Catharine Beecher, Essay on Slavery and Abolitionism. Originally published in 1837. Passage 2 is adapted from Angelina E. Grimke, Letters to Catharine Beecher. Originally published in 1838. Grimke encouraged Southern women to oppose slavery publicly. Passage 1 is Beecher’s response to Grimke’s views. Passage 2 is Grimke’s response to Beecher.

Passage 1

Heaven has appointed to one sex the superior, and to the other the subordinate station, and this without any reference to the character or conduct of either. It is therefore as much for the dignity as it is for the interest offemales, in all respects to conform to the duties of this relation... But while woman holds a subordinate relation in society to the other sex, it is not because it was designed that her duties or her influence should be any the less important, or all pervading. But it was designed that the mode of gaining influence and of exercising power should be altogether different and peculiar...

A man may act on society by the collision of intellect, in public debate; he may urge his measures by a sense of shame, by fear and by personal interest; he may coerce by the combination of public sentiment; he may drive by physical force, and he does not outstep the boundaries of his sphere. But all the power, and all the conquests that are lawful to woman, are those only which appeal to the kindly, generous, peaceful and benevolent principles.

Woman is to win everything by peace and love; by making herself so much respected, esteemed and loved, that to yield to her opinions and to gratify her wishes, will be the free will offering of the heart. But this is to be all accomplished in the domestic and social circle. There let every woman become so cultivated and refined in intellect, that her taste and judgment will be respected; so benevolent in feeling and action; that her motives will be reverenced; - so unassuming and unambitious, that collision and competition will be banished; - so 'gentle and easy to be entreated,' as that every heart will repose in her presence; then, the fathers, the husbands, and the sons, will find an influence thrown around them, to which they will yield not only willingly but proudly...

A woman may seek the aid ofco-operation and combination among her own sex, to assist her in her appropriate offices of piety, charity, maternal and domestic duty; but whatever, in any measure, throws a woman into the attitude of a combatant, either for herself or others - whatever binds her in a party conflict - whatever obliges her in any way to exert coercive influences, throws her out of her appropriate sphere. If these general principles are correct, they are entirely opposed to the plan of arraying females in any Abolition movement.

Passage 2