Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Questions - Sample - 2024
Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Questions - Sample - 2024
The questions are in the SAT style and well explained and they cover most question types on
the Digital SAT.
I appreciate the order of the questions with the divisions (Information and Ideas/ Craft
and Structure/Expression of Ideas/Standard English Conventions) and their subdivisions. I
believe that for a student or a teacher helping students, these divisions are of great benefit.
I also appreciate the different kinds of genres depicted in the questions. The “key
explanations” for the correct answers were on point and I appreciate the inclusion of the
distractor explanations as well. The inclusion of the “difficulty level” and “Skill/Knowledge” is
great.
Overall, because of the breadth, depth, and organization, I would recommend this book to
students and teachers
Digital SAT
®
1 full-length Reading
and Writing test
Overview of the
Digital SAT®
Practice Questions
Second Edition
© 2024, By Vibrant Publishers, USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any
form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior permission of the publisher.
This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered.
The Author has made every effort in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information. However,
information in this book is sold without warranty either expressed or implied. The Author or the Publisher will not be liable
for any damages caused or alleged to be caused either directly or indirectly by this book.
Vibrant Publishers books are available at special quantity discount for sales promotions, or for use in corporate training
programs. For more information please write to [email protected]
SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.
Table of Contents
Command of Evidence 54
Inferences 83
Transitions 218
Module 2 284
Answers 299
Dear Student,
Thank you for purchasing Digital SAT® Reading and Writing Practice Questions. We are committed to publishing
books that are content–rich, concise and approachable enabling more students to read and make the fullest use of
them. We hope this book provides the most enriching learning experience as you prepare for your SAT exam. Should
you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Thanks again for
your purchase. Good luck for your Digital SAT!
ACT/SAT
Books in Test Prep Series
www.vibrantpublishers.com
How to use this book
The second edition of Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Questions is designed to empower you to approach
your SAT Reading and Writing section with boldness. The information and questions presented here will not only
make you fully understand every aspect of the section but also prepare you to achieve a high score on your SAT test.
This improved edition is filled with better questions and explanations which are in line with the actual SAT.
Before starting your practice, read the About the Digital SAT chapter to get acquainted with the various features of
the digital test. From this chapter, you will learn in detail the differences between the paper-based SAT and the digital
one. After reading this chapter, move on to the next chapter and understand the different SAT question types on the
Reading and Writing section. This chapter contains a plethora of information on the different question types that will
be asked in the Reading and Writing section and helpful tricks and tips to easily answer them.
Start with practicing the Central Ideas and Details questions first. You may create a study plan of your own and
answer a certain number of questions per day. Compare your answers with the ones given in the “Answers” section.
Regardless of your answer being correct or incorrect, read the answer explanation and distractor explanations to
comprehend the logic behind the answer. You can also practice a few questions first and check your answers to know
whether you have understood the question. If not, you can read about the question type and what the SAT expects
you to do in it. The explanations can also be of great help here. After you have got a good grip of the question type,
answer a few more questions and check if you are not making the same errors again. Repeat this process for all
question types and create a study schedule for completing your practice of the Reading and Writing section.
At the end of the book, you will find a full-length Reading and Writing test – 54 questions divided into 2 modules –
that will simulate the real exam experience. Though not a digital test, it is created just in the style of the actual SAT
with a mix of all types of questions and varied difficulty levels. Time yourself when you start giving this short test
and aim to complete it within the allotted time frame. But, don’t worry if you can’t complete the test on time for now.
You can practice with more full-length practice tests in the Practice Tests For The Digital SAT (2024 edition) book and
Mock Tests by Vibrant Publishers later. As there are two sections on the Digital SAT, you also need to simultaneously
practice for the Math section. You can pick up the Digital SAT Math Practice Questions (2024 edition) for doing this.
Best of luck!
Chapter 1
About the
Digital SAT
Introduction
Now that you have made the important decision to head to college/university, there is one last thing you need to
do to achieve your goal—taking the SAT. Most universities or colleges, including the IVY league schools such as Yale,
Harvard, and others expect you to have a good SAT score to secure admission in any course of your choice.
But, there is a major change in how students will give the SAT. The College Board has decided to transition the
famous pencil–and–paper test into a fully digital one. The College Board’s decision to go digital is based on giving a
fair testing experience to students. The digital test will be easier to take, easier to administer, will be more secure, and
more relevant.
For giving the new test, you need to be aware of the format of the test, the time that will be given to you to answer
each question, the possible complexity of the questions, and the scoring method employed to assess your performance
in the test. In this chapter, you will discover important information all that including the SAT policy of inclusive
accessibility, the newly introduced Multistage Adaptive Testing feature, the modular format of the test, and much
more.
The College Board has also streamlined the method of delivery of the digital SAT. With the latest test delivery
platform for the digital SAT Suite assessments, students can have access to all their tests and their content, as well
as enjoy the chance of practicing with the full–length, adaptive practice test offered for free on the platform so that
students can be aware of their knowledge levels before taking the real tests. More so, every question on the digital SAT
Suite is in a discrete (standalone) format. This indicates that test takers can answer each question independently. They
don’t necessarily need to refer to a common stimulus such as an extended passage.
If you are attempting the SAT for the first time, it could be scary not knowing exactly what to expect in the test.
This is why this book is specifically designed to expose you to everything you need to know about successfully taking
the Digital SAT Suite test.
The main difference between the linear and adaptive testing modes is that for the linear testing mode, students are
given a test form that contains some questions that have already been set before the test day and do not change during
testing, irrespective of the student’s performance.
On the other hand, the adaptive testing model makes it possible for the test delivery platform to adjust the
questions’ difficulty level based on the performance of the individual test takers. Therefore, each student will be given
test questions that match their level of understanding.
The set of an administered first–stage module and its second–stage module are referred to as a panel.
Module 1 Module 2
A mix of easy, Mix of questions
medium, and varying in difficulty
hard questions based on the
performance in the
first module
Embedded Pretesting
The digital SAT Suite also includes embedded pretesting in its design. What this means is that a small number
of pretest (unscored) questions are incorporated among the operational (scored) questions. Even though they are
not administered for a score, students may not be able to distinguish these pretest questions from the operational
questions on which their scores are based. It is advisable that students pay maximum attention and effort to these
questions, which can be used in estimating their understanding levels to the difficulty of the questions. The number of
pretest questions is few so you will not be asked to focus mainly on questions that won’t be used to estimate your final
SAT score. It is important to note that answers to pretest questions won’t contribute to your final score. The pretest
questions are mainly used to gather students’ performance information so that it can be utilized later to assess if these
questions are appropriate for operational use later.
Discrete Questions
One interesting aspect of the Digital SAT is that all their questions are in discreet format; that is they are
standalone. You can answer each question on its own, which doesn't necessarily require any reference to a common
stimulus such as an extended passage. This is one of the striking differences between the paper–and–pencil SAT and
the Digital SAT in the sense that the former uses both discrete and question sets. In practice, the question sets expect
you to reference a common stimulus.
Scoring
Students will obtain a section score based on their final performance on the Reading and Writing and Math
section. For the SAT, students can get a score between 400–1,600. Hence, for each of the tests of the Digital SAT, there
will be 3 scores reported: (1) A Reading and Writing section score; (2) A Math section score; (3) A total score, which
is the sum of the two section scores. It is important to note that the scales for these scores have the same ranges as for
the paper–based SAT Suite. This indicates that the digital SAT total score is on the familiar 400–1,600 scale.
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Overall Test Specifications
The Digital SAT is made up of two sections: A Reading and Writing (RW) section and a Math section. In the
linear model, the test has separate sections for Reading and Writing. However, in the Digital SAT, both the Reading
and Writing tests are combined in one section. The questions in these two sections concentrate primarily on the skills
and knowledge that students need to use in college and/or for getting ready for their careers. The main parts of the
digital SAT tests are similar to those of the paper–and–pencil SAT test assessments. More so, all the testing programs
within the digital SAT Suite, whether it is the SAT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9, or PSAT/NMSQT have similar designs.
Although, these tests allow for differences in test takers’ ages and levels of understanding.
Content domains Information and Ideas, Craft and Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem–
Structure, Expression of Ideas, Solving and Data Analysis,
Standard English Conventions Geometry and Trigonometry
Test Length
There are a total of 54 questions for the Reading and Writing section. These 54 questions are divided into two
equal–length modules; that is, one for each of the section’s two stages. Out of the 27 questions for each module, 25
questions are operational—which means that test takers’ performance on them is used to calculate their section
score, and 2 questions are pretests.
For the Math section, the first module has 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions. Then the second
module consists of 20 operational questions and 2 pretest questions. In total, the Math section will comprise 44
questions.
Mode of administering the test Reading and Writing section is designed according to the Multi-
stage Adaptive model and administered through two modules
that are timed differently.
Average time per question Each question will take 1.19 minutes to be completed.
Question format used The question format is discreet, with four multiple-choice
options..
Passage subject areas Passages are based on social studies, science, literature, history,
and humanities.
Word count by passage Each passage is between 25 and 150 words, containing at least 6
characters per word.
Informational graphics Informational graphs can include line graphs, tables, and bar
graphs.
Informational graphics
You will find some informational graphics in certain passages in the Reading and Writing section. They are
basically provided to assess your ability to identify and interpret data. Some examples of informational graphics
include bar graphs, tables, and line graphs, being the most common methods of displaying information/data in the
subjects the questions are prepared from. However, you are not required to perform any mathematical calculations
on the provided data in the informational graphics. In fact, you will not be allowed to bring in calculators while
appearing for this section. You need to use your quantitative and literary skills to discover the relevant information in
the graphics, interpret it, and then use that information to make a reasonable conclusion about the appropriate answer
for each question.
Domain structure
The questions in the Reading and Writing section depict one of four content domains, which are as follows:
• Information and Ideas: This requires you to utilize your knowledge, comprehension, and analytical skills
to understand what is stated and implied in texts. You must use the associated informational graphics to
identify, interpret, evaluate, and process the information and ideas.
• Craft and Structure: In this case, you are expected to use your synthesis, comprehension, vocabulary,
analysis, and reasoning skills and knowledge to discover the meaning of high-utility academic words and
phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make supportable connections between multiple topically
related texts.
• Expression of Ideas: For this, it is important that you use your revision skills and knowledge to make the
written expression effective based on the expected rhetorical goals.
• Standard English Conventions: You will be expected to utilize your editing skills and knowledge which
should be in accordance with the core conventions of Standard English sentence usage, structure, and
punctuation.
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Tips for the Reading and Writing section
To achieve a high score in the SAT Reading and Writing section, pay attention to these tips:
• Learn to identify the context and the main theme in a passage: Almost all questions on the digital SAT are
based on context. Even questions that require you to choose the correct punctuation mark require context.
Therefore, practice recognizing the context and the main theme in all texts that you read. The main theme
is usually the subject that is being discussed and you can easily identify it. Look for the subject that is being
described, criticized, or expanded upon. For example, read this text taken from Jane Austen’s novel, Sense
and Sensibility (this passage is taken from a sample test provided by the College Board).
Elinor, this eldest daughter, whose advice was so effectual, possessed a strength of understanding, and coolness
of judgment, which qualified her, though only nineteen, to be the counsellor of her mother, and enabled her
frequently to counteract, to the advantage of them all, that eagerness of mind in Mrs. Dashwood which must
generally have led to imprudence. She had an excellent heart;–her disposition was affectionate, and her
feelings were strong; but she knew how to govern them: it was a knowledge which her mother had yet to learn;
and which one of her sisters had resolved never to be taught.
Here, the passage is describing Elinor’s qualities like her coolness of judgment, her understanding, and her
affectionate nature at a young age which led her to advise her mother on matters. Therefore, the main theme
of the passage is Elinor’s maturity at a young age.
• Eliminate 3 wrong answers: Each question in the Reading and Writing section has 4 answer options. You
need to train yourself to eliminate 3 wrong answers from the 4 answers provided. Watch out for answers
that are: (i) not related to the question; (ii) not specifically addressing the point raised in the question (not
supporting the point in the question); (iii) not grammatically correct; and (iv) expressing an opposing view
to the point in the question. While it is tricky knowing which answer is correct, these suggestions can guide
you to choose the correct answer out of the available four options.
• Recognize the question stems to answer questions quickly: SAT questions have a pattern of question stems
that they follow. For example, for Central Ideas and Details questions, the question stem is usually “What
is the main idea of the text?” or “Which choice best states the main idea of the text?” Studying and learning
to recognize question stems can even help you avoid confusion. Questions for Text Structure and Purpose
questions ask questions like “Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?” which can be confusing
at times as you may think it is asking for the central idea of the passage.
• Improve your reading skills: You can improve your level of reading comprehension by practicing with
some passages included in this guide. To do this, you should pay attention to these elements of a passage:
Its big picture, words, and phrases in context, perspective, word choice, textual evidence, inference, and its
details. If you analyze each passage, you will discover that they all have the elements mentioned above, and
familiarizing yourself with them will help you analyze the passage appropriately.
• Finish with extra time and double-checking: If you can finish with extra time on your hand, use that time
to double-check. You may be able to discover some mistakes you have committed in the course of answering
the test questions.
• Work on your vocabulary: Though SAT tests your analytical and reasoning abilities, it also requires you to
have a working knowledge of the English language. You have to answer vocabulary questions and therefore,
need to have a strong vocabulary. You can improve your vocabulary by reading books, articles, journals,
blogs, etc. Mind you that though reading fictional novels is a good way to enhance your vocabulary, reading
For questions in the Information and Ideas content domain, your skills will be tested in these ways:
Do you understand the central idea in a text? Are you able to interpret the details used to support the central
idea? When reading a passage, it is most likely that the main idea is expressed in the first sentence while the other
sentences provide additional information about the main or central idea. Sometimes it is not arranged in that
fashion, especially when the passage starts with a dialogue. However, the central idea of a passage is what the
entire passage is all about, and you should be able to identify it after reading the entire passage. If the passage is
difficult to understand due to its structure and content, you may ask yourself “What is this passage all about?” In
this way, you may be able to decode what the passage is trying to tell you.
Sample Question
El Niño refers to a climate pattern characterized by the abnormal warming of surface waters in the eastern
tropical Pacific Ocean. It represents the "warm phase" within the broader phenomenon known as the El Niño-
Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Conversely, La Niña represents the "cool phase" of ENSO and denotes the atypical
cooling of surface waters in the same region. El Niño and La Niña constitute the oceanic component of ENSO,
while the Southern Oscillation pertains to the associated atmospheric alterations.
Key: A
Level: Medium | Domain: INFORMATION AND IDEAS
Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas and Details
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Key Explanation: Choice A is correct because it accurately captures the main idea of the text. It states that El
Niño and La Niña are climate patterns that are part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), with El Niño
representing the warm phase and La Niña representing the cool phase of this phenomenon. This option accurately
summarizes the key information provided in the passage.
Distractor Explanations: Choice B is incorrect because it suggests that El Niño and La Niña are caused by
atmospheric changes, whereas the passage states that El Niño and La Niña represent the oceanic part of the El
Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), while the Southern Oscillation describes the atmospheric changes. Choice
C is incorrect because it states that the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) occurs due to the unusual cooling
of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. However, the passage mentions that La Niña represents
the cool phase, indicating the cooling of surface waters, not the entire ENSO phenomenon. Choice D is incorrect
because it states that the Southern Oscillation describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern
tropical Pacific Ocean. While the passage mentions that the Southern Oscillation is associated with the ENSO, it
represents the atmospheric changes rather than the warming of surface waters.
Command of Evidence
Every passage in the SAT Reading and Writing section has some evidence, details, facts, data, etc. that you, as the
test taker, must patiently understand and properly interpret to answer the questions at the end of the passage.
Sometimes, you may be given an informational graphic such as a bar graph, pie chart, table, or figure, and the
purpose of it is that you will be able to accurately interpret the data and utilize it in answering the questions for
that particular passage. You may also be given an explanation of a poem or a specific line where you just need to
select the appropriate line that matches the explanation (see sample question).You may also encounter text-based
passages related to scientific experiments where you need to use your reasoning skills to choose the correct option
related to the experiment. You don’t necessarily need to be very good at math to interpret pie charts, tables, bar
charts, etc. You will discover that the data provided are simple and understandable enough if you understand
what the passage is all about.
Sample Question
“Ode to the West Wind” was written by English poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem addresses the west wind as a
formidable force of death and degeneration. However, he also believes that rebirth will happen through the decay
brought about by the west wind: ________
Which quotation from “Ode to the West Wind” most effectively illustrates this idea of rejuvenation?
A) A heavy weight of hours has chain'd and bow'd / One too like thee: tameless, and swift, and proud.
B) Thou on whose stream, mid the steep sky's commotion / Loose clouds like earth's decaying leaves are shed /
Shook from the tangled boughs of Heaven and Ocean,
C) Be through my lips to unawaken'd earth / The trumpet of a prophecy! O Wind, / If Winter comes, can Spring
be far behind?
D) What if my leaves are falling like its own! / The tumult of thy mighty harmonies
Key: C
Level: Hard | Domain: INFORMATION AND IDEAS
Skill/Knowledge: Command of Evidence (Textual)
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect as it only describes how time has left the poet tired, even though
he used to be fast like the west wind. Choice B is incorrect as it talks about the damaging effects of the west wind.
Choice D is incorrect as it only voices the poet’s comparison of how he is declining, just as the leaves of the forest
are falling, too.
Inferences
It is not every time that you can find the direct answer to a passage’s question from the information or details
provided in the passage. In this case, you will be expected to make an inference about what could be the correct
answer according to the information you have at hand. Take for instance, if you read in a passage that all teenagers
like to eat ice cream. So, if James is a teenager, you could possibly infer that James likes to eat ice cream. Why?
Because James is a teenager! This is how you can make inferences from information or data provided in a certain
passage.
Sample Question
Ocean trenches, the deepest parts of the ocean, are long, narrow depressions on the seafloor. The Pacific Ocean
hosts the deepest trenches, forming part of the "Ring of Fire" along with active volcanoes and earthquake zones.
Ocean trenches result from tectonic activity, the movement of Earth's rigid outer shell called the lithosphere.
Tectonic plates, large pieces of the lithosphere, interact at plate boundaries. Therefore, ocean trenches form at
________.
Key: A
Level: Hard | Domain: INFORMATION AND IDEAS
Skill/Knowledge: Inferences
Key Explanation: Choice A is the best choice. The passage discusses ocean trenches as a result of tectonic activity
and mentions that convergent plate boundaries involve the collision or subduction of tectonic plates, which leads
to the formation of ocean trenches. Therefore, Choice A aligns with the information provided in the passage and
completes the text in a logical manner.
Distractor Explanations: Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the depth of the ocean floor rather than
the process of trench formation. While the passage mentions that ocean trenches are the deepest parts of the
ocean, the text is specifically discussing the formation of trenches through tectonic activity, not the depth of the
ocean floor itself. Choice C is incorrect because it introduces the concept of the former seafloor rising through
volcanoes, which is not directly related to the formation of ocean trenches. The passage does not mention that
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ocean trenches are formed by the rising of the former seafloor through volcanoes. Choice D is incorrect because
the text does not indicate that ocean trenches are formed by a specific type of continental crust.
Words in Context
When reading passages, you have to discover the meaning of some words in them, and these are commonly used
academic words. You would also need to understand what a phrase means in context and utilize that vocabulary
in a correct and contextual manner. Doing this is easy if you understand the passage you are reading; but when
dealing with difficult passages, you need to first identify the key phrases and academic words and then try to find
out what they mean exactly.
Sample Question
Human language is far more complex than that of even our nearest and most intelligent relatives, apes. We can
comprehend complex beliefs, express subtle emotions, and discuss abstract concepts such as the past and future.
What is astonishing is that we do this following a set of man-made structural rules that govern how we speak a
language. These rules are known as ________. Do only humans use an innate system of rules to govern the order
and usage of words?
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) linguistic theory
B) grammar
C) language
D) phonetics
Key: B
Level: Hard | Domain: CRAFT AND STRUCTURE
Skill/Knowledge: Words in Context
Key Explanation: Choice B is correct because “grammar” refers to “the rules of a language governing the sounds,
words, sentences, and other elements, as well as their combination and interpretation.” The second paragraph
clearly points to the set of rules that “govern how we speak a language.”
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect because linguistics or linguistic theory refers to the scientific
study of language and not the rules that govern the language itself. Choice C is incorrect because the question is
what word describes the rules that govern the speaking of a language. Choice D is incorrect because phonetics is
the study of how people produce sounds while speaking a language.
You are required to analyze the structure of a text or passage and discover what the main purpose of the text or
passage is. Ask yourself these helpful questions to determine the exact purpose of a text or passage: (1) What is
this passage talking about? (2) Why is it addressing such a topic? (3) How important is the topic being addressed
in the passage? (4) What are the phrases in the passage/text? (5) How do the phrases help in better understanding
the text? When dealing with a difficult passage, you need to quickly use the above-mentioned questions to help
you identify the central purpose of the test.
Sample Question
Australia has established itself as a global leader in tobacco control, successfully reducing the adult smoking
rate from 26.7% in 1998 to 12.9% in 2019. Notably, the rates of smoking among young people have also seen
significant declines, with only 3% of 12–15-year-olds and 9% of 16–17-year-olds reporting smoking in 2017.
These figures represent the lowest rates since the first national survey in 1984. These positive outcomes highlight
the effectiveness of evidence-based media campaigns, smoke-free indoor environments, and particularly, policies
related to tobacco pricing. However, to achieve further reductions, it will be necessary to implement targeted
interventions and allocate funding that addresses the needs of specific communities while reaching the entire
population.
Key: C
Level: Medium | Domain: CRAFT AND STRUCTURE
Skill/Knowledge: Text Structure and Purpose
Key Explanation: Choice C is the best choice as the text clearly mentions that “effective policy (particularly
with regard to tobacco pricing), evidence‐based media campaigns, and smoke‐free indoor environments can
significantly reduce smoking.”
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect because it merely states that Australia has attempted to lower
its adult smoking rate without capturing the broader main purpose of the text, which is to highlight Australia's
successful efforts in tobacco control and advocate for further actions. Choice B is incorrect because Australia’s
smoking rate has reduced both in adults and teens, and not specifically in adults as Choice B mentions. Choice D
is incorrect because there is no information mentioned in the text that supports the idea of strict laws to control
the use of tobacco.
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Cross-Text Connections
You will be provided with two texts that are related based on their context. For example, Text 1 may be about
going to space, while Text 2 expresses NASA’s plan to go to Mars. It is important that you learn how to draw a
sensible connection between two texts and use the ideas obtained from the two texts to answer the questions for
that part of your test.
Sample Question
Text 1
The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the bloodstream (bacteremia) can lead to the development of sepsis - a
systemic inflammatory response to infection. A typical feature of sepsis is the paradoxical suppression of the
immune system, sometimes occurring simultaneously with inflammation. This combination of inflammation and
immunosuppression can render the patient defenseless against secondary infections.
Text 2
The Implementation Guide for the Surveillance of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection supports prevention,
standardized national surveillance, and reporting of this infection in Australian public hospitals. Infection
prevention and control within healthcare settings aim to minimize the risk of transmission of infections and the
development of antimicrobial resistance.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to Text 2?
A) With confusion, because the consequences of Staphylococcus aureus are dangerous
B) With approval, because preventing the Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection is key to minimizing its
transmission
C) With disappointment, because the Staphylococcus aureus infection does not need an implementation guide
D) With disapproval, because this implementation guide wastes precious resources that could be used elsewhere
Key: B
Level: Medium | Domain: CRAFT AND STRUCTURE
Skill/Knowledge: Cross-Text Connections
Key Explanation: Choice B is the best answer. The author would approve of the implementation guide since
it supports the prevention of the Staphylococcus aureus infection which would reduce the transmission of the
infection.
Distractor Explanations: Choice A incorrect because the author is not confused about the infection or the role
of the implementation guide in supporting the prevention of the Staphylococcus aureus infection. Choice C is
incorrect because Text 1 mentions the dangerous effects of the infection. Hence, the author of Text 1 would not be
disappointed at the idea of an implementation guide to prevent the Staphylococcus aureus infection. Choice D is
incorrect because neither text provides any information to with the wastage of resources.
Rhetorical Synthesis
These questions will have some notes taken by a student on a particular topic. As a test taker. you need to
understand how to use the information and ideas provided in the notes to form correct or appropriate sentences.
You will discover these ideas while reading the text/passage.
Sample Question
• Dinosaurs, belonging to the clade Dinosauria, encompass a wide array of reptiles and made their first
appearance during the Triassic period, approximately 243 to 233.23 million years ago.
• Remarkably, the fossil record reveals that modern-day birds are descendants of feathered dinosaurs and
evolved from earlier theropods during the Late Jurassic epoch.
• Among all dinosaur lineages, birds are the sole survivors of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event that
occurred around 66 million years ago.
• Dinosaurs can be categorized into avian dinosaurs, which encompass birds, and non-avian dinosaurs that
have gone extinct. Fossils demonstrate that birds and non-avian dinosaurs share numerous distinctive
skeletal characteristics.
The student wants to explain the significance of the fossil record to people familiar with dinosaurs. Which choice
most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A) During the Late Jurassic epoch, earlier theropods underwent evolution, eventually giving rise to modern-day
birds, which are considered descendants of feathered dinosaurs.
B) Multiple distinctive skeletal traits are shared between birds and non-avian dinosaurs, indicating common
characteristics among these two groups.
C) Dinosaurs roamed the Earth during the Triassic period, spanning roughly 243 to 233.23 million years ago.
D) Following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event, birds emerged as the sole survivors, sharing numerous
distinctive skeletal characteristics with their non-avian dinosaur ancestors.
Key: A
Level: Easy | Domain: EXPRESSION OF IDEAS
Skill/Knowledge: Rhetorical Synthesis
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Key Explanation: Choice A is the best answeras it effectively uses relevant information from the notes to explain
the significance of the fossil record, highlighting the evolutionary connection between feathered dinosaurs and
modern-day birds.
Distractor Explanations: Choice B is incorrect because while this option mentions a relevant fact about shared
skeletal traits, it does not directly address the significance of the fossil record in explaining the connection
between birds and dinosaurs. Choice C is incorrect because while it provides information about the time period
when dinosaurs existed, it does not specifically address the significance of the fossil record as asked in the
question. Choice D is incorrect because it does not directly explain the significance of the fossil record. Instead, it
focuses on the survival of birds and their shared skeletal characteristics with dinosaurs.
Transitions
In English, sentences are formed using some transition words. As a test taker, you need to identify the most
important transition words used in the text/passage and understand how they help form the meaning of each
sentence. Here is a list of transition words you need to know and familiarize yourself with their purported
meanings:
Sample Question
In 1972, paleontologist Alick Walker proposed a hypothesis suggesting that birds did not evolve from ‘thecodonts’
but from crocodile ancestors. Building on this, Ostrom conducted extensive research and published several works
highlighting the striking similarities between birds and theropod dinosaurs. ________, this pivotal discovery
by Ostrom, which acknowledged the dinosaurian lineage of birds, sparked a significant shift in the field of
paleontology, known as the dinosaur renaissance, and its influence persists in modern research.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) So
B) While
C) Therefore
D) In fact,
Key: D
Level: Medium | Domain: EXPRESSION OF IDEAS
Skill/Knowledge: Transitions
Key Explanation: Choice D is correct because it is used to emphasize a point previously made by adding details
about the point being made. Because “Ostrom's work led him to release a series of publications” along with “other
new ideas about dinosaurs”, he began the dinosaur renaissance.
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect because “so” is a connecting conjunction that does not usually
appear at the beginning of a sentence. Choice B is incorrect “while” is usually used to mean “during the time that”.
This would not make sense in the given context. Choice C is incorrect because “therefore” is used when arriving
at a valid conclusion of an argument being made in the preceding sentence.
Boundaries
You should edit the text to make sure that the sentences are completely based on Standard English conventions.
For Boundaries questions, you will be asked to focus on how the phrases, clauses, and sentences are linked. This
type of question mainly deals with:
Punctuations, such as a full-stop (.), comma (,), colon (:), semi-colon (;), bracket (), dashes (—), and quotation
marks (“ ”).
Supplements like essential and non-essential elements: Essential elements are words, phrases, or relative clauses
that are important to the sentence and without which, the sentence would not make sense. Non-essential elements
are words or phrases or clauses that are not essential to the sentence and are only additional information that
require punctuation.
Linking clauses with coordination and subordination: Coordination means joining two independent clauses
with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. SAT uses FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) as coordinating
conjunctions. Subordination means joining two clauses by making one dependent with a subordinating
conjunction and a comma.
Sample Question
“Riveted: The History of Jeans” is a film that uncovers the captivating and unexpected narrative behind the iconic
American garment. Even as half the people on the planet are wearing jeans ________ they have transcended mere
clothing to become a universal staple worn by individuals ranging from presidents and supermodels to farmers
and artists. Beyond being a fashion item, jeans carry the intricate threads of America's intertwined past, intricately
woven into the fabric of indigo-blue denim.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) at any given moment,
B) at any given moment;
C) at any given moment-
D) at any given moment:
Key: A
Level: Medium | Domain: STANDARD ENGLISH CONVENTIONS
Skill/Knowledge: Boundaries
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Key Explanation: Choice A is the correct answer. The convention being tested here is punctuation. Commas are
used after introductory phrases (“even as… at any given moment”) to separate them from the main part of the
sentence (“they have transcended mere clothing….”.)
Distractor Explanations: Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon is used to join two closely related
independent clauses. However, its usage is not necessary here since "at any given moment" is not an independent
clause. Choice C is incorrect because it uses a hyphen after “at any given moment.” Hyphens are typically used
to join words or parts of words together, or to indicate a word break at the end of a line. However, a hyphen
is not appropriate here, as it does not serve a grammatical or syntactical purpose in this context. Choice D is
incorrect because it uses a colon after “at any given moment.” While a colon can be used to introduce a list or an
explanation, it is not necessary here since the passage does not provide a list or further explanation after “at any
given moment.”
You should also edit text so that they are in accordance with the Standard English conventions. SAT tests the
following conventions:
Pronoun-antecedent agreement – A pronoun and its antecedent should agree in number and person.
Verb forms – A verb form should agree with the tense of the sentence.
Plural and possessive nouns – Plural nouns and possessive nouns should be used as per the context of the
sentence.
Sample Question
The following text is adapted from the Farewell Speech given by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought
or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power
________ and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic
processes. We should take nothing for granted.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) exist
B) exists
C) existing
D) exit’s
Key: B
Level: Medium | Domain: STANDARD ENGLISH CONVENTIONS
Skill/Knowledge: Form, Structure, and Sense
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect because “exist” is not a singular verb. Choice C is incorrect as
the blank space needs a simple/indefinite present tense to make sense of the remainder of the sentence. The word
“existing” is the present continuous form of existence. Choice D is incorrect as the word does not suit the context
of the sentence itself.
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Chapter 3
Information and
Ideas
This chapter includes questions on the following topics:
• Central Ideas and Details
• Command of Evidence
Textual
Quantitative
• Inferences
INFORMATION AND IDEAS
1 2
Our observations suggest increasingly that Earth– The following text is adapted from Charles
size planets orbiting within the habitable zone Stearns’ 1849 article, “The Way to Abolish
may be common in the galaxy—current estimates Slavery.”
suggest that more than 40 percent of stars have
at least one. But are any of them inhabited? With The Government of the United States creates
no ability to send probes there to sample, we will no Slaves; it only recognises as lawful the
have to derive the answer from the light and other Slavery existing in the several States, or to use
radiation that come to us from these faraway the words of the Constitution, "held to service
systems. If we manage to separate out a clean or labor, under the laws thereof." The laws of
signal from the planet and find some features in the several slave-holding States are made the
the light spectrum that might be indicative of life, standard for the general government's action
we will need to work hard to think of any non upon this subject. No quibble can possibly
biological process that might account for them. evade this. From this decision there is no
We also might not be able to detect biospheres appeal. What then is necessary to be done
even if they exist. to remove this prop from under the colossal
statue of Slavery? Plainly, to repeal all laws
According to the text, what is true about life on recognising its existence. Do this, and refuse
other planets? to obey any of the claims of the South in
reference to this matter, and Slavery ceases as
A) Even if life is present on other planets, we may soon as the earth would cease to turn upon its
not be able to recognize it. axis.
B) Life probably exists on about 40 percent of all Which choice best states the central idea of the
the planets in the galaxy. text?
C) It is impossible to find life on other planets
using currently available technology. A) The U.S. government has no binding authority
regarding slavery.
D) Theories about life on other planets have not
considered the practicality of finding it. B) The US government rather than states should
make laws regarding slavery.
C) Slaveholders should be responsible for
proving ownership of slaves.
D) Any legislation that upholds slavery should be
rescinded.
3 4
Studies have shown that a single, subanesthetic– In general, deep ocean habitats will be affected by
dose IV (a lower dose than would cause tidal current energy systems due to the change
anesthesia) ketamine infusion can often rapidly of water flows, materials in the ocean floor,
relieve depressive symptoms within hours in and movement of sediment. Potential other
people who have not responded to conventional effects include mortality of fish passing through
antidepressants, which typically take weeks turbines (blade–strike) and the collision risk of
or months to work. However, widespread off– marine mammals. A study showed that change
label use of intravenous subanesthetic–dose of in sediment patterns will most likely follow the
ketamine for treatment–resistant depression has installation of tidal arrays, impacting the local
raised concerns about side effects, especially given underwater habitat. This, in turn, could impact
its history as a drug of abuse. animal and plant species. Species of marine
mammals and fish could experience distress and
According to the text, why is ketamine a preferred discomfort. However, Lewis et al. contend that,
drug for treating serious depressive symptoms? “while current technologies have moving parts
(rotating rotor blades or flapping hydrofoils) that
A) Because it acts faster than traditional may harm marine life, there is no evidence to
medications for depression date of harm from tidal current devices to larger
B) Because it has fewer side effects that most marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, seals,
other depression medications do and sharks.”
C) Because there is no apparent risk of addiction Based on the text, why may marine life be harmed
when administered long–term by tidal energy systems?
D) Because it can be administered to the patient
in multiple different ways A) The systems have dangerous moving parts.
B) The systems are located where animals are
most plentiful.
C) The systems attract animals with their sounds.
D) The systems provide habitats for marine
species.
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Central Ideas and Details (Answers)
1. Level: Medium | Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas author does not want to continue slavery, so there
and Details would be no need to prove ownership of slaves.
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INFORMATION AND IDEAS
Distractor Explanations: All of the other choices be able to at least help support themselves, so they
can be eliminated because there is no evidence “volunteered” or “offered” to get “new positions”
in the text to support the claims. For Choice B, or “jobs” to earn money for themselves.
animals may be present, but there is no indication
that they are “most” plentiful. For Choice C, Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect
sounds are not discussed in the text. Choice D because the girls were not “discouraged” or
is incorrect because it is a benefit rather than a “wanted to give up” because of the obstacles;
“harmful thing.” they maintained a “hearty good will” or “good
spirit” even though there were obstacles. Choice
B is incorrect because their parents did not have
5. Level: Medium | Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas
“reservations” or “concerns” about new jobs; the
and Details
parents “consented” or “agreed.” Choice D is
incorrect because their father, not the girls, lost his
Key Explanation: Choice C is the best answer
“property” or “money.”
because the last sentence in the text summarizes
the purpose of the study: “By combining all
three sources, the project aims to educate the 7. Level: Medium | Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas
public regarding a diet and lifestyle that is often and Details
perceived, at least partially, in a negative manner.”
In other words, Mann is trying to “educate” Key Explanation: Choice C is the best answer
or “teach” people about the “nature” or “basic because “curative properties” refers to “the ability
features” of the diet. to heal;” it is a synonym for “medicinal.” The
text says that “one such drink” is ginger beer,
Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect with “such drink” referring to those “advertised
because the text does not try to “encourage” or as having medicinal purposes” in the previous
“persuade” anyone to become a vegan. Choice B sentence.
is incorrect because, while the study was trying to
fight stereotypes (“Furthermore, the study…are Distractor Explanations: Choice A is incorrect
not vegan”), it did not specifically try to analyze because there is no discussion of how popular
why people are “opposed” or “against” it. It just ginger beer was compared to other bottled drinks.
tried to get a better idea of why people choose to Choice B is incorrect because the text states
become vegan and explain those reasons to others. that first Schweppe sold mineral water, and that
Choice D is incorrect because the study did not flavorings like ginger were added later. Choice D
delve into “anthropological origins” or “historic al is incorrect because the text does not say who sold
causes” of the diet. the first ginger beer.
6. Level: Medium | Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas 8. Level: Easy | Skill/Knowledge: Central Ideas and
and Details Details
Key Explanation: Choice C is the best answer Key Explanation: Choice C is the best answer
because the girls “begged” or “asked strongly” to because the text directly says that the fossil is