SAT R/W Prep

boundaries

100

1. Easy). The artist painted a beautiful mural on the community center's wall, it attracted many visitors to the area. Which choice corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?

   A. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the community center's wall it attracted many visitors to the area.

   B. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the community center's wall; it attracted many visitors to the area.

   C. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the community center's wall: it attracted many visitors to the area.

   D. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the community center's wall— it attracted many visitors to the area.

B

200

2. 2 (Medium). During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics and playing sports however, it is almost deserted during the winter. Which choice corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?

   A. During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics and playing sports, however it is almost deserted during the winter.

   B. During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics and playing sports; however, it is almost deserted during the winter.

   C. During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics and playing sports: however, it is almost deserted during the winter.

   D. During the summer months, the park is filled with people enjoying picnics and playing sports however it is almost deserted during the winter.

B

300

3. 3 (Medium). The chef prepared the meal with fresh ingredients from the local market she believed in supporting local farmers. Which choice corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?

   A. The chef prepared the meal with fresh ingredients from the local market; she believed in supporting local farmers.

   B. The chef prepared the meal with fresh ingredients from the local market, she believed in supporting local farmers.

   C. The chef prepared the meal with fresh ingredients from the local market: she believed in supporting local farmers.

   D. The chef prepared the meal with fresh ingredients from the local market she believed in supporting local farmers.

 A

400

4. 4 (Hard). The conference was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM, many attendees arrived early to network with their peers. Which choice corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?

   A. The conference was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM many attendees arrived early to network with their peers.

   B. The conference was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM. Many attendees arrived early to network with their peers.

   C. The conference was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM; many attendees arrived early to network with their peers.

   D. The conference was scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM: many attendees arrived early to network with their peers.

C

500

5. 5 (Hard). The novel was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters nevertheless, some readers found it difficult to follow. Which choice corrects the punctuation error in the sentence?

   A. The novel was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters; nevertheless, some readers found it difficult to follow.

   B. The novel was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters, nevertheless some readers found it difficult to follow.

   C. The novel was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters. Nevertheless, some readers found it difficult to follow.

   D. The novel was praised for its intricate plot and compelling characters: nevertheless, some readers found it difficult to follow.

A

command of evidence

100

1. A recent study found that students learn better in collaborative environments. Which choice provides the best evidence for this conclusion?

   A. "Students reported feeling more engaged in group discussions."
   B. "Classrooms were arranged to facilitate individual work."
   C. "Teachers noted an increase in test scores following the introduction of group projects."
   D. "Many students preferred studying alone in the library."

C. "Teachers noted an increase in test scores following the introduction of group projects."

• Rationale: This choice directly provides evidence of improved learning outcomes due to collaborative environments. Other choices do not directly support the conclusion about learning better.

200

2. Researchers discovered that a diet high in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of chronic diseases. What evidence supports this claim?

   A. "Participants in the study were monitored for six months."
   B. "The study included a diverse group of participants from various age groups."
   C. "Participants who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables showed a decrease in disease markers."
   D. "The study was published in a reputable journal."

C. "Participants who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables showed a decrease in disease markers."

• Rationale: This choice provides direct evidence that links fruit and vegetable consumption to reduced disease risk. Other options don't provide such a clear connection.

300

3. The novel's protagonist is portrayed as a tragic hero. Which excerpt best supports this characterization?

   A. "He often pondered the meaning of life while staring at the sea."
   B. "Despite his noble intentions, his actions led to unintended consequences."
   C. "He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family."
   D. "His journey took him to many exotic places."

B. "Despite his noble intentions, his actions led to unintended consequences."

• Rationale: This choice highlights the protagonist's tragic hero status, where noble intentions lead to adverse outcomes—a classic trait of a tragic hero. Other choices don't emphasize this characteristic effectively.

400

4. The article argues that renewable energy sources are more sustainable than fossil fuels. Which statement provides the best supporting evidence?

   A. "Renewable energy technologies are advancing rapidly."
   B. "Fossil fuel reserves are depleting at an alarming rate."
   C. "Countries investing in renewable energy have seen economic benefits."
   D. "Solar and wind energies are environmentally friendly and inexhaustible."

D. "Solar and wind energies are environmentally friendly and inexhaustible."

• Rationale: This choice directly supports the argument for sustainability by highlighting the inexhaustible nature of renewable energies. Other choices don't focus on the sustainability aspect as directly.

500

5. The study concludes that exercise improves mental health. What evidence from the study best supports this conclusion?

   A. "Participants exercised three times a week."
   B. "The study was conducted over a period of one year."
   C. "Participants reported feeling less anxious and more focused after regular exercise sessions."
   D. "The study received funding from a health organization."

C. "Participants reported feeling less anxious and more focused after regular exercise sessions."

• Rationale: This choice provides direct evidence of improved mental health outcomes from exercise, supporting the study's conclusion. Other options don't provide such a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

transitions

100

1. The weather was perfect for a picnic; ______, we decided to go to the beach.

   A. moreover
   B. consequently
   C. however
   D. in contrast

B. consequently

• Rationale: This transition shows that the decision to go to the beach was a result of the perfect weather, which aligns with the cause-and-effect relationship described. Other options don't fit this relationship.

200

2. She studied hard for the exam. ______, she passed with flying colors.

   A. Meanwhile
   B. Nevertheless
   C. As a result
   D. Conversely

C. As a result

• Rationale: The transition indicates that passing the exam was a direct result of studying hard, fitting the cause-effect relationship. Other choices don't convey this effectively.

300

3. The team worked late into the night. ______, their project was completed on time.

   A. However
   B. For example
   C. Consequently
   D. On the other hand

 C. Consequently

• Rationale: The transition "Consequently" indicates that completing the project on time was a direct result of the team's hard work, fitting the cause-effect relationship. Other options don't fit this relationship.

400

4. The book provides an overview of the topic. ______, it includes detailed case studies for further understanding.

   A. Similarly
   B. In contrast
   C. Furthermore
   D. Despite this

C. Furthermore

• Rationale: The transition "Furthermore" adds additional information about the book, indicating that detailed case studies complement the overview. Other choices don't fit the additive nature of the sentence.

500

5. The company faced several challenges last year. ______, they managed to increase their market share.

   A. Nevertheless
   B. As a result
   C. Likewise
   D. Despite this

 A. Nevertheless

• Rationale: The transition "Nevertheless" indicates that despite challenges, the company managed to grow its market share, fitting the contrast between challenges and achievements. Other options don't fit this contrast.

form, structure, and sense

100

1. The artist known for vibrant paintings, ______ a series of monochrome works last year.

   A. is creating
   B. has created
   C. created
   D. creates

C. created

• Rationale: The past tense "created" matches the past context set by "last year," ensuring verb tense consistency. Other choices don't fit the past context appropriately.

200

2. Each of the students ______ their own locker.

   A. have
   B. has
   C. having
   D. to have

B. has

• Rationale: The singular verb "has" agrees with the singular subject "Each of the students." Other choices don't match this subject-verb agreement.

300

3. The committee members expressed their opinions, ______ the meeting ended on a positive note.

   A. however
   B. and
   C. but
   D. so

B. and

• Rationale: The conjunction "and" connects two independent clauses, which are opinions being expressed and the meeting ending on a positive note, showing continuity. Other choices don't fit this relationship.

400

4. The researchers found that the new method, ______ proved more efficient, was quickly adopted by the industry.

   A. which
   B. that
   C. who
   D. whose

A. which

• Rationale: The relative pronoun "which" introduces a non-restrictive clause that adds information about the method. Other choices don't fit this context.

500

5. The CEO, along with her advisors, ______ to unveil the new strategy at the conference.

   A. plan
   B. plans
   C. planning
   D. have planned

B. plans

• Rationale: The singular verb "plans" agrees with the singular subject "The CEO." Other choices don't fit this subject-verb agreement.

words in context

100

1. The athlete's ______ performance impressed the judges.

   A. lackluster
   B. stellar
   C. mediocre
   D. ordinary

B. stellar

• Rationale: The context of impressing judges suggests a positive connotation, so "stellar," meaning excellent, fits best. Other options don't convey the same positive impression.

200

2. The scientist's findings were ______ by her peers as groundbreaking.

   A. dismissed
   B. ignored
   C. lauded
   D. questioned

C. lauded

• Rationale: The context of being seen as groundbreaking requires a positive response, so "lauded," meaning praised, fits best. Other options don't convey the same positive response.

300

3. The politician's speech was filled with ______ language meant to inspire the audience.

   A. inflammatory
   B. mundane
   C. uplifting
   D. divisive

C. uplifting

• Rationale: The context of inspiring the audience suggests a positive connotation, so "uplifting," meaning encouraging, fits best. Other options don't convey the same positive impression.

400

4. The author's use of ______ language added depth to the narrative.

   A. ambiguous
   B. precise
   C. verbose
   D. technical

B. precise

• Rationale: The context of adding depth suggests careful and clear language, so "precise" fits best. Other options don't convey the same clarity.

500

5.  The defendant's alibi was ______ and left the jury with doubts about his innocence.

   A. convincing
   B. dubious
   C. irrefutable
   D. credible

B. dubious

• Rationale: The context of leaving doubts suggests skepticism, so "dubious," meaning doubtful, fits best. Other options don't convey the same level of uncertainty.