SAT Practice Questions

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

Read the following passage and answer the question.

But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed, because his soul is deathless and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy for the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives they withdraw from the brink.

In the author's opinion:

This passage is adapted from Bryan Walsh, 'Whole Food Blues: Why Organic Agriculture May Not Be So Sustainable.' ©2012 by Time Incorporated.

When it comes to energy, everyone loves efficiency. Cutting energy waste is one of those goals that both sides of the political divide can agree on, even if they sometimes diverge on how best to get there. Energy efficiency allows us to get more out of our given resources, which is good for the economy and (mostly) good for the environment as well. In an increasingly hot and crowded world, the only sustainable way to live is to get more out of less. Every environmentalist would agree.

But change the conversation to food, and suddenly efficiency doesn’t look so good. Conventional industrial agriculture has become incredibly efficient on a simple land to food basis. Thanks to fertilizers, mechanization and irrigation, each American farmer feeds over 155 people worldwide. Conventional farming gets more and more crop per square foot ofcultivated land - over 170 bushels of corn per acre in Iowa, for example - which can mean less territory needs to be converted from wilderness to farmland. And since a third of the planet is already used for agriculture -destroying forests and other wild habitats along the way - anything that could help us produce more food on less land would seem to be good for the environment.

Of course, that’s not how most environmentalists regard their arugula [a leafy green]. They have embraced organic food as better for the planet - and healthier and tastier, too - than the stuff produced by agricultural corporations. Environmentalists disdain the enormous amounts ofenergy needed and waste created by conventional farming, while organic practices-forgoing artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides - are considered far more sustainable. Sales of organic food rose 7.7% in 2010, up to $26.7 billion - and people are making those purchases for their consciences as much as their taste buds.

Yet a new meta-analysis in Nature does the math and comes to a hard conclusion: organic farming yields 25% fewer crops on average than conventional agriculture. More land is therefore needed to produce fewer crops - and that means organic farming may not be as good for the planet as we think.

In the Nature analysis, scientists from McGill University in Montreal and the University of Minnesota performed an analysis of66 studies comparing conventional and organic methods across 34 different crop species, from fruits to grains to legumes. They found that organic farming delivered a lower yield for every crop type, though the disparity varied widely. For rain watered legume crops like beans or perennial crops like fruit trees, organic trailed conventional agriculture by just 5%. Yet for major cereal crops like corn or wheat, as well as most vegetables - all of which provide the bulk of the world’s calories - conventional agriculture outperformed organics by more than 25%.

The main difference is nitrogen, the chemical key to plant growth. Conventional agriculture makes use of 171 million metric tons ofsynthetic fertilizer each year, and all that nitrogen enables much faster plant growth than the slower release of nitrogen from the compost or cover crops used in organic farming. When we talk about a Green Revolution, we really mean a nitrogen revolution -along with a lot of water.

But not all the nitrogen used in conventional fertilizer ends up in crops - much of it ends up running offthe soil and into the oceans, creating vast polluted dead zones. We’re already putting more nitrogen into the soil than the planet can stand overthe long term. And conventional agriculture also depends heavily on chemical pesticides, which can have unintended side effects.

What that means is that while conventional agriculture is more efficient - sometimes much more efficient - than organic farming, there are trade-offs with each. So an ideal global agriculture system, in the views of the study’s authors, may borrow the best from both systems, as Jonathan Foley of the University of Minnesota explained:

'The bottom line? Today’s organic farming practices are probably best deployed in fruit and vegetable farms, where growing nutrition (notjust bulk calories) is the primary goal. But for delivering sheer calories, especially in our staple crops ofwheat, rice, maize, soybeans and so on, conventional farms have the advantage right now.

Looking forward, I think we will need to deploy different kinds of practices (especially new, mixed approaches that take the best of organic and conventional farming systems) where they are best suited - geographically, economically, socially, etc