SAT Study Reading
Which point about the resources that will be highly valued in space is implicit in passage 1 and explicit in passage 2
Choice A is the best answer because both Passage 1 and Passage 2 indicate a belief that the resources most valued in space may differ from those most valued on our planet. Passage 2 says this explicitly in lines 74-76: "The resources that are valuable in orbit and beyond may be very different to those we prize on Earth." Meanwhile Passage 1 suggests that water mined from space may be more valuable than metals or other earth elements when creating an "off-plant economy" (lines 25-30). Choice B is incorrect because neither passage discusses, either implicitly or explicitly, the need for space mining to be inexpensive. Choice C is incorrect because Passage 2 does not specifically identify precious metals or rare earth elements but instead focuses on theoretical problems with space mining. Choice D is incorrect because diminishing resources on Earth is not discussed in Passage 2.
The "social psychologists" mentioned in paragraph 2 (lines 17-34) would likely describe the "deadweight loss" phenonmenon as
Choice A is the best answer. The "deadweight loss" mentioned in the second paragraph is the significant monetary difference between what a gift-giver would pay for something and what a gift-recipient would pay for the same item. That difference would be predictable to social psychologists, whose research "has found that people often struggle to take account of others' perspectives—their insights are subject to egocentrism, social projection, and multiple attribution errors" (lines 31-34). Choices B, C, and D are all incorrect because lines 31-34 make clear that social psychologists would expect a disconnect between gift-givers and giftrecipients, not that they would question it, be disturbed by it, or find it surprising or unprecedented.
The authors refer to work by Camerer and other (line 56) in order to
Choice A is the best answer. The paragraph examines how gift-givers believe expensive gifts are more thoughtful than less expensive gifts and will be more valued by recipients. The work of Camerer and others offers an explanation for the gift-givers' reasoning: "gift-givers attempt to signal their positive attitudes toward the intended recipient and their willingness to invest resources in a future relationship" (lines 57-60). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the theory articulated by Camerer and others is used to explain an idea put forward by the authors ("givers believe that bigger . . . gifts convey stronger signals"), not to introduce an argument, question a motive, or support a conclusion.
The central claim of the passage is that
Choice A is the best answer. Throughout the passage, Woolf advocates for more women to engage with existing institutions by joining the workforce: "We too can leave the house, can mount those steps [to an office], pass in and out of those doors, . . . make money, administer justice . . ." (lines 30-32). Woolf tells educated women that they are at a "moment of transition" (line 51) where they must consider their future role in the workforce. Choice B is incorrect because even though Woolf mentions women's traditional roles (lines 68-69: "while they stirred the pot, while they rocked the cradle"), she does not suggest that women will have to give up these traditional roles to gain positions of influence. Choice C is incorrect because though Woolf wonders how "the procession of the sons of educated men" impacts women's roles, she does not argue that this male-dominated society has had grave and continuing effects. Choice D is incorrect because while Woolf suggests educated women can hold positions currently held by men, she does not suggest that women's entry into positions of power will change those positions.
The author of passage 3 would likely respond to the discussion of the futrue of space mining in lines 18-28, Passage 1, by claming that such a furtue
Choice B is the best answer. In lines 18-28, the author of Passage 1 describes many of the possible economic benefits of space mining, including the 16 building of "an off-planet economy" (line 25). The author of Passage 2 warns that there may be ramifications to implementing space mining and building an "emerging off-world economy" (line 73) without regulation: "But miners have much to gain from a broad agreement on the for-profit exploitation of space. Without consensus, claims will be disputed, investments risky, and the gains made insecure" (lines 83-87). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does not suggest that the benefits to space mining mentioned in lines 18-28 of Passage 1 are unsustainable, unachievable, or will negatively affect Earth's economy. Rather, the author recognizes the benefits of space mining but advocates for the development of regulation procedures.
The main purpose of the passage is to
Choice B is the best answer. In this passage, Woolf asks women a series of questions. Woolf wants women to consider joining "the procession of educated men" (lines 56-57) by becoming members of the workforce. Woolf stresses that this issue is urgent, as women "have very little time in which to answer [these questions]" (lines 48-49). Choice A is incorrect because Woolf argues against the tradition of only "the sons of educated men" (lines 82-83) joining the workforce. Choice C is incorrect because Woolf is not highlighting the severity of social divisions as much as she is explaining how those divisions might be reduced (with women joining the workforce). Choice D is incorrect because Woolf does not question the feasibility of changing the workforce dynamic.
Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous quwstion
Choice B is the best answer. The answer to the previous question shows how Woolf characterizes the questions posed in lines 53-57 as momentous and pressing. In lines 48-49, Woolf describes these questions as "important," or momentous, and states that women "have very little time in which to answer them," which shows their urgency. Choices A, C, and D do not provide the best evidence for the answer to the previous question. Choices A and D are incorrect because lines 46-47 and line 62 suggest that women need to think about these questions and not offer trivial objections to them. Choice C is incorrect because line 57 characterizes only the need for urgency and does not mention the significance of the questions.
The central claim of passage 2 is that space mining has positive potential but
Choice B is the best answer. The author of Passage 2 recognizes that space mining may prove beneficial to humanity, stating that "we all stand to gain: the mineral bounty and spin-off technologies could enrich us all" (lines 50-52). The author also repeatedly mentions that space mining should be carefully considered before it is implemented: "But before the miners 15 start firing up their rockets, we should pause for thought" (lines 53-54); "But [space mining's] consequences—both here on Earth and in space—merit careful consideration" (lines 57-59). Choice A is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 concedes that "space mining seems to sidestep most environmental concerns" (lines 55-56) but does not imply that space mining will recklessly harm the environment, either on Earth or in space. Choice C is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does not address any key resources that may be disappearing on Earth. Choice D is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 admits that "resources that are valuable in orbit and beyond may be very different to those we prize on Earth" (lines 74-76) but does not mention any disagreement about the commercial viabilities of space mining discoveries.
According to the passage, Woolf chooses the setting of the brigde because it
Choice B is the best answer. Woolf argues that the "bridge over the River Thames, [has] an admirable vantage ground for us to make a survey" (lines 1-3). The phrase "make a survey" means to carefully examine an event or activity. Woolf wants educated women to "fix [their] eyes upon the procession—the procession of the sons of educated men" (lines 9-11) walking to work. Choice A is incorrect because while Woolf states the bridge "is a place to stand on by the hour dreaming," she states that she is using the bridge "to consider the facts" (lines 6-9). Woolf is not using the bridge for fanciful reflection; she is analyzing "the procession of the sons of educated men" (lines 10-11). Choice C is incorrect because Woolf does not compare the bridge to historic episodes. Choice D is incorrect because Woolf does not suggest that the bridge is a symbol of a male-dominated past, but rather that it serves as a good place to watch men proceed to work.
As used in line 1 and line 65, "directly" most nearly means
Choice C is the best answer. Akira "came directly, breaking all tradition," (line 1) when he approached Chie and asked to marry her daughter, and he "ask[ed] directly," without "a go-between" (line 65) or "mediation," because doing otherwise would have taken too much time. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in these contexts, "directly" does not mean in a frank, confident, or precise manner.
What functions does the discussion of water in lines 35-40 serve in passage 1?
Choice C is the best answer. Lines 29-30 introduce the idea that water mined in space may be very valuable: "water mined from other worlds could become the most desired commodity." Lines 35-40 support this assertion by suggesting how mined space water could be used "for drinking or as a radiation shield" (lines 36-37) or to make "spacecraft fuel" (line 38). Choice A is incorrect because the comparison in the previous paragraph (the relative value of gold and water to someone in the desert) is not expanded upon in lines 35-40. Choice B is incorrect because the question asked in the previous paragraph is also answered in that paragraph. Choice D is incorrect because no specific proposals are made in the previous paragraph; rather, an assertion is made and a question is posed.
Which choice provides the best evidenc for the answer to the previous question
Choice C is the best answer. Lines 63-65 suggest that the assumption made by gift-givers in lines, 41-44 may be incorrect. The gift-givers assume that recipients will have a greater appreciation for costly gifts than for less costly gifts but the authors suggest this relationship may be incorrect, as gift recipients "may not construe smaller and larger gifts as representing smaller and larger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration" (lines 63-65). Choices A and D are incorrect because lines 53-55 and 75-78 address the question of "why" gift-givers make specific assumptions rather than addressing the validity of these assumptions. Choice B is incorrect because lines 55-60 focus on the reasons people give gifts to others.
Which chouce most closely captures the meaning of the figurative "sixpence" referred to in lines 70 and 71?
Choice C is the best answer. Woolf writes that women "have thought" while performing traditional roles such as cooking and caring for children (lines 67-69). Woolf argues that this "thought" has shifted women's roles in society and earned them a "brand-new sixpence" that they need to learn how to "spend" (lines 70-71). The "sixpence" mentioned in these lines is not a literal coin. Woolf is using the "sixpence" as a metaphor, as she is suggesting women take advantage of the opportunity to join the male-dominated workforce. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in this context, "sixpence" does not refer to tolerance, knowledge, or perspective.
The authors indicate that people value gift-giving because they feel it
Choice D is the best answer. In lines 10-13, the authors clearly state that some people believe gift-giving can help a relationship because it "offers a powerful means to build stronger bonds with one's closest peers." Choice A is incorrect because even though the authors state that some shoppers make their choices based on "egocentrism," (line 33) there is no evidence in the passage that people view shopping as a form of self expression. Choice B is incorrect because the passage implies that shopping is an expensive habit. Choice C is incorrect because the passage states that most people have purchased and received gifts, but it never implies that people are required to reciprocate the gift-giving process.
As it is used in line 54, "convey" most nearly means
Choice D is the best answer. Lines 53-55 state that "Perhaps givers believe that bigger (i.e., more expensive) gifts convey stronger signals of thoughtfulness and consideration." In this context, saying that more expensive gifts "convey" stronger signals means the gifts send, or communicate, stronger signals to the recipients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in this context, to "convey" something does not mean to transport it (physically move something), counteract it (act in opposition to something), or exchange it (trade one thing for another).
Which statement best descirbes the realtionship between the passages
Choice D is the best answer. The author of Passage 1 is excited about the possibilities of space mining and how it can yield valuable materials, such as metals and elements (lines 19-20 and lines 41-42), water ice (line 35), and space dirt (line 44). The author of Passage 2, on the other hand, recognizes the possible benefits of space mining but also states that space mining should be thoughtfully considered before being implemented. Therefore, the author of Passage 2 expresses some concerns about a concept discussed in Passage 1. Choice A is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 does not refute the central claim of Passage 1; both authors agree there are possible benefits to space mining. Choice B is incorrect because the author of Passage 1 does not describe space mining in more general terms than does the author of Passage 2. Choice C is incorrect because the author of Passage 2 is not suggesting that the space mining proposals stated in Passage 1 are impractical.
The main purpose of the first paragraph is to
Choice D is the best answer. The first paragraph (lines 1-4) reflects on how Akira approached Chie to ask for her daughter's hand in marriage. In these lines, the narrator is wondering whether Chie would have been more likely to say yes to Akira's proposal if Akira had followed tradition: "Akira came directly, breaking all tradition. Was that it? Had he followed form—had he asked his mother to speak to his father to approach a go-between—would Chie have been more receptive?" Thus, the main purpose of the first paragraph is to examine why Chie reacted a certain way to Akira's proposal. Choice A is incorrect because the first paragraph describes only one aspect of Japanese culture (marriage proposals) but not the culture as a whole. Choice B is incorrect because the first paragraph implies a criticism of Akira's individual marriage proposal but not the entire tradition of Japanese marriage proposals. Choice C is incorrect because the narrator does not question a suggestion.
Based on the table, is the precentage of adenine in each organism's DNA the same or does it vary, and which statement made by the authors is most consistent with that data?
Choice D is the best answer. The table clearly shows that the percentage of adenine in each organism's DNA is different, ranging from 24.7% in E.coli to 33.2% in the octopus. That such a variability would exist is predicted in lines 41-43, which states that "in a long molecule many different permutations are possible." Choices A and B are incorrect because the table shows that the percentage of adenine varies between 24.7% and 33.2% in different organisms. Choice C is incorrect because lines 36-38 state that adenine pairs with thymine but does not mention the variability of the base composition of DNA.