Practice Dsat
Practice Dsat
Practice Dsat
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) readily
B) anxiously
C) contentedly
D) wryly
2. The following text is adapted from Mother Jones’s August 15, 1912 speech to coal miners picketing in
Charlestown, West Virginia.
The Governor will get until tomorrow night to get rid of his bloodhounds. We are not going to
leave a slave class to the coming generation, and I want to say to you that the next generation
will not charge us for what we've done; they will condemn us for what we have left undone.
As used in the text, what does the word “charge” most nearly mean?
A) accuse
B) demand
C) impose
D) assault
3. The number of people in the US with myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased over 16 percent since
1971. However, the problem is much more ___ in Southeast Asia, where an estimated 80 to 90 percent
of students with twelve years of schooling have the condition.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) pronounced
B) advocated
C) prescribed
D) articulated
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4. The following text is adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 novel, The Beautiful and the Damned.
Anthony’s recollections of the gallant Ulysses were vivid. After Henrietta Lebrune Patch had
"joined another choir," as her widower huskily remarked from time to time, father and son lived
up at grampa's in Tarrytown, and Ulysses came daily to Anthony's nursery and expelled
pleasant, thick–smelling words for sometimes as much as an hour. He was continually promising
Anthony hunting trips and fishing trips and excursions to Atlantic City, "oh, some time soon
now;” but none of them ever materialized. One trip they did take; when Anthony was eleven
they went abroad, to England and Switzerland, and there in the best hotel in Lucerne his father
died with much sweating and grunting and crying aloud for air. In a panic of despair and terror,
Anthony was brought back to America, wedded to a vague melancholy that was to stay beside
him through the rest of his life.
What is the main purpose of including the information about Adam Ulysses Patch continually promising
trips to Anthony?
5. The Jiroft culture is a hypothetical society that lived in the third millennium BC in Iran. The first
indication of the culture was found in 2001 when scientists evaluated confiscated artefacts, but many
were skeptical of the find because it did not have an archaeological context and may contain forgeries.
However, the site of Konar Sandal in Iran is now being excavated, and archaeologists have discovered
two mounds, a citadel, and tablets with an unknown script that might prove a vital link to understanding
whether the Jiroft culture actually existed.
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6. The following text is from Virginia Woolfe’s 1922 novel, Jacob’s Room.
The house was flat, dark, and silent. Jacob was at home engaged upon a chess problem, the
board being on a stool between his knees. One hand was fingering the hair at the back of his
head. He slowly brought it forward and raised the white queen from her square; then put her
down again on the same spot. He filled his pipe; ruminated; moved two pawns; advanced the
white knight; then ruminated with one finger upon the bishop. Now Fanny Elmer passed
beneath the window.
A) It hints that Jacob was more intent on the window than on chess.
B) It emphasizes Jacob’s desire to improve his chess skills.
C) It shows the intensity with which Jacob concentrated on chess.
D) It establishes that Jacob and Fanny had a quarrel.
7. Text 1
It is stated that Abraham Lincoln "had an almost morbid dislike to an escort, or guard, and daily exposed
himself to the deadly aim of an assassin." ... On more than one occasion he the President had gone
through the streets of Washington at a late hour of the night, without escort, or even the company of a
servant, walking all the way, going and returning.
Text 2
Bancroft's eulogy on Lincoln never pleased the latter's lifelong friends ... February 16, 1866, David Davis,
who had heard it, wrote me: "His analysis of Mr. Lincoln's character is superficial." On the 22nd he again
wrote: "Mr. Bancroft totally misconceived Mr. Lincoln's character in applying 'unsteadiness' and
confusion to it. Mr. Lincoln grew more steady and resolute, and his ideas were never confused. I thought
him always master of his subject. He was a much more self-possessed man than I thought.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Lincoln’s behaviour as
illustrated in Text 1?
A) By conceding the importance of protection but asserting the greater significance of Lincoln’s
belief that “assassination is always possible”
B) By concurring that Lincoln rarely deviated from his personal convictions and exhibited stability
and equanimity.
C) By acknowledging that Lincoln had a morbid dislike of any form of security.
D) By challenging the supposition that Lincoln consistently “exposed himself to the deadly aim of
an assassin.”
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8. Chili (Capsicum spp.) is a spice, a fruit widely grown around the world that is recognized for its
nutraceutical (nutritional and medicinal) properties and economic value. In Benin, chili is the second
cash gardening crop after the tomato. Its annual production is about 47.162 tons. Pepper plants produce
the compound capsaicin, possibly to deter mammalian herbivores. In Benin, chili pepper is grown only
for food partially in the cultivable lands of the coastal areas, where soil salinity and water irrigation can
negatively affect the quantity and quality of the crop, and may also have a strong influence on the
concentration of bioactive compounds of vegetables.
According to the text, what is the reason that the chili plant evolved to contain capsaicin in the fruit?
9. The following text is adapted from Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, Moby Dick; or The Whale.
Now, when I say that I am in the habit of going to sea, I do not mean that I ever go to sea as a
passenger. For to go as a passenger you must needs have a purse, and a purse is but a rag unless
you have something in it. Besides, passengers get sea-sick—grow quarrelsome—don’t sleep——
no, I never go as a passenger; nor, though I am something of a salt, do I ever go to sea as a
Commodore, or a Captain, or a Cook. I abandon the glory and distinction of such offices to those
who like them. I always go to sea as a sailor, because they make a point of paying me for my
trouble, whereas they never pay passengers a single penny that I ever heard of.
Based on the text, why does Ishmael avoid traveling aboard ship as a passenger?
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10. The following text is adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Beautiful and the Damned.
Early in his career, Adam Patch had married an anemic lady of thirty, Alicia Withers, who
brought him one hundred thousand dollars and an impeccable entré into the banking circles of
New York. Immediately and rather spunkily, she had borne him a son and, as if completely
devitalized by the magnificence of this performance, she had thenceforth effaced herself within
the shadowy dimensions of the nursery. The boy, Adam Ulysses Patch, became an inveterate
joiner of clubs, connoisseur of good form, and driver of tandems—at the astonishing age of
twenty–six he began his memoirs under the title "New York Society as I Have Seen It." On the
rumor of its conception, this work was eagerly bid for among publishers, but as it proved after
his death to be immoderately verbose and overpoweringly dull, it never obtained even a private
printing.
Based on the text, which choice best characterizes Adam J. Patch’s wife?
A) powerful
B) captivating
C) diffident
D) animated
11. According to scientist James Clark, explaining the coexistence of species is critical to truly understand
forest biodiversity and the forces that sustain or reduce it. According to Clark, “A 'neutral model'
hypothesizes that species are so similar it just takes a long time for winners and losers to be sorted out
by competition, but eventually the better competitor would drive the other to extinction." The neutral
model predicts that the variation among the sites increases over time, as random chance caused
different species to go extinct in some areas but not others. Some sites, just by chance, should come to
be dominated by one species, while others would come to be dominated by another species. However,
the researchers found that variance among the sites did not increase over the millennia, leading them to
conclude that stabilizing forces were maintaining forest diversity.
Which hypothetical data, if true, would most weaken Clark’s claim that stabilizing forces control
biodiversity in a given region?
A) Scientists determine that there is now significantly greater variation between species in three
nearby sites than there was 7,000 years ago.
B) A complex study determines that the reason that plant diversity did not greatly alter in one
region was because of a local herbivore.
C) Archaeological evidence shows that early humans ate the nuts from a tree that has
subsequently gone extinct in a given area.
D) Several researchers conducted a study that determined that one species of tree is extremely
susceptible to temperature changes.
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12.
The vegan diet is one that is chosen by individuals for various reasons, including health and/or ethical
reasons. In fact, it is evident that the vegan diet is much more than a diet itself, but has developed into a
lifestyle, often associated with animal rights and environmental advocacy as well as a greater concern
for physical activity and mindfulness. While many health benefits exist, it is essential for those who are
vegan or are planning to become vegan to be educated about potential nutritional deficiencies to
prevent adverse outcomes. For example, a vegan who is adverse to taking man–made supplements in
any form ___
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the claim?
13. West Texas Intermediate is a grade or mix of crude oil. It is also the benchmark for trading U.S. crude
oil, which is one of the most heavily traded items in international commodities markets. The term,
“West Texas Intermediate,” is, therefore, often used to refer to the futures market on the New York
Mercantile Exchange. The prices fluctuate wildly with the supply and demand, and higher numbers
indicate more trading. While the index for trading was at around 90 at the end of October, 2022, it
actually fell around the median values for the year. March 2022 had the highest index of around 120,
and the lowest index was, curiously, at the end of September.
Based on the text, what is most likely true about the West Texas Intermediate?
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14. Most students have heard of the charismatic 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. However, the name of
his vice president, Schuyler Colfax, has mostly been relegated to history. In reality, he played an
important role in passing the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Not only did he actively
promote his Abolitionist views, but he also voted in favor of the amendment when it came before the
House of Representatives. His decision to vote was notable since the Speaker of the House typically
remains silent except in the case of a tie.
The passage implies that Colfax’s vote for the 13th Amendment
15. Rabbits and hares look similar and many people use the names interchangeably, but in reality, there
are many biological and behavioral differences. For example, the eyes of baby rabbits take about ten
days ___ baby hares to be able to focus and process visual information.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) longer than
B) longer as eyes of
C) longer than those of
D) as long as
16. When the Erie Canal was opened in 1825, it was 40 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Over half the original
canal was taken out of use with the 1918 opening of a 120 feet wide and 12 feet deep section that ___
about ten years earlier to accommodate the larger barges of the modern era.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
17. Unusual additions to a freshwater aquarium include pom–pom crabs, aptly named for the hair–like
tufts on their pincers which make the crabs appear to be holding small pom–poms. Growing to about
one inch long, ___ but they can be eaten by even small predatory fish.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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18. Pottery and ceramics are interchangeable words. They both refer to objects which are made from
clay that is heated to make it harder. Earthenware is pottery that is baked at a low temperature. The
result is porous and brittle. Earthenware is often glazed to enhance ___ durability and capacity to hold
water.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) its
B) it’s
C) their
D) they’re
19. The largest known fish species, the whale shark, is actually a slow–moving filter feeder that primarily
subsists on plankton. Therefore, despite its ___ is not a threat to humans.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) size. It
B) size it
C) size—it
D) size, it
20. Judy Blume is the author of many beloved children’s ___ Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Her frank
discussions of childhood anxieties and family issues have made her a target of censors, so along with her
writing, she has spent considerable time fighting to protect the freedom of speech.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
21. When Austrian painter Gustav Klimt completed The ___ it was initially reviled as excessive due to its
gold leaf, silver, and platinum. However, it is now considered one of the finest examples of the Art
Nouveau style.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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22. American author and inspirational ___ has shared his optimistic outlook with audiences around the
world. His unusual approach to leadership is founded in cultural anthropology rather than business.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
23. ___ slavery was abolished and Black American men were granted the right to vote in the 1860s,
rights were slowly taken away so that conditions were inferior for people of color. It took almost 100
years for new federal laws to be passed that prevented discrimination based on race.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) Although
B) Since
C) Hence
D) Because
24. Water is by far the most common drink in the world. The next most popular is coffee, but that
beverage is consumed in a variety of different ways. ___, it may be served hot, cold, or with additions
such as milk or spices.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) Regardless,
B) Nevertheless,
C) Indeed,
D) Additionally,
25. Edgar Allen Poe’s Murders in the Rue Morgue is a detective story written in 1841. At the time it was
written, it was praised as being exceptionally clever and considered quite a novelty. ___ it is considered
the beginning of the detective fiction genre.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) Meanwhile,
B) Nevertheless,
C) Instead,
D) Today,
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26. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• Geothermal energy is derived by tapping the heat within the Earth, which does not require fuel
and does not vary based on atmospheric conditions.
• The energy does not generate carbon dioxide, greenhouse gasses, or particulate matter that
contributes to climate change.
• Geothermal power plants have an 80– to 100–year lifespan and require very little maintenance.
• Not all locations are suitable for geothermal power generation because it would be too labor–
intensive to reach underground pockets of sufficient heat.
• Although geothermal plants are often associated with a foul smell, modern filtration systems
can reduce that effect.
The student wants to address a common concern for an audience familiar with geothermal energy.
Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A) Though not all areas are suitable for geothermal plants, it is possible to select ones that are less
labor–intensive for erecting facilities.
B) Geothermal energy is good because it comes from the heat from within the earth rather than
fuel.
C) Geothermal power plants have longer life spans than other power sources because they can
operate up to 100 years.
D) If the proper filtration systems are in place, then geothermal plants will not emit odor–causing
gasses or particles that lead to climate change.
27. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• The first dynasty of Egypt was the first period after Lower and Upper Egypt were unified into
one country by the first ruler.
• The seat of the first dynasty was Thinis.
• The exact dates are unknown, but were centered in the Bronze Age, most likely from 3100 B.C.
to 2900 B.C.
• Tombs of the period were mostly made from wood, mud, and bricks; stones were typically used
only for decoration, though some tombs were stone.
• The first ruler was Narmer and the last ruler was Qa’a.
The student wants to introduce the first ruler of Egypt to someone unfamiliar with Egyptian dynasties.
Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A) The rulers in the first dynasty of Egypt reigned from about 3100 B.C. to 2900 B.C., starting with
Narmer and ending with Qa’a.
B) Narmer unified Lower and Upper Egypt into one country in around 3100 B.C. and became the
first ruler of its first dynasty.
C) Narmer was the first ruler in Egypt during the Bronze Age and his tomb was made of wood,
mud, and bricks.
D) The first dynasty of Egypt ruled from Thinis after Narmer joined Upper and Lower Egypt.
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Suddenly, the inebriated gentleman set off and flew full speed in pursuit of my unknown lady.
She was racing like the wind, but the staggering gentleman was overtaking— overtook her. In a
flash I was on the other side of the street; in a flash the obtrusive gentleman had taken the
position, had fallen back without a word.
As used in the text, what does the word “obtrusive” most nearly mean?
A) obvious
B) conspicuous
C) deplorable
D) inevitable
2. Ocean energy, as all other renewable sources of energy, can contribute to a more sustainable energy
supply, but it is not environmentally friendly per se. The activities involved in manufacturing, operation,
maintenance, and decommissioning of ocean energy devices will have various effects on the
environment. Governments and society need a ___ understanding of the environmental implications of
ocean energy systems before ocean energy systems are built, and also to reduce or adjust impacts to
acceptable levels.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A) vigorous
B) sturdy
C) robust
D) tough
3. The following text is from Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist, published serially between 1837 and
1839.
The donkey was in a state of profound abstraction: wondering, probably, whether he was destined to be
regaled with a cabbage– stalk or two when he had disposed of the two sacks of soot with which the little
cart was laden; so, without noticing the word of command, he jogged onward.
As used in the text, what does the word “abstraction” most nearly mean?
A) generalization
B) hypothesis
C) intention
D) preoccupation
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4. The following text is adapted from Emily Dickenson’s Poems, published after her death in 1886.
If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
What is the main purpose of repeating the line “I shall not live in vain”?
5. The vegan diet is chosen by individuals for various reasons, including health and ethics. While many
health benefits exist, it is essential for those who are vegan or are planning to become vegan to be
educated about potential nutrient deficiencies to prevent adverse outcomes. In addition, it is evident
that the vegan diet is much more than a diet itself, but has developed into a lifestyle, often associated
with animal rights and environmental advocacy as well as a greater concern for physical activity and
mindfulness. Further research begs the question of whether the health benefits associated with the diet
are solely attributable to the diet or in conjunction with a greater physical activity level and mindful
living.
What is the main purpose of including the claim that “the vegan diet is much more than a diet itself ”?
A) To show that people who are concerned about protecting animals should consider veganism.
B) To indicate that adopting veganism is a good way for people to help the environment.
C) To imply that many vegans consider factors other than food to be part of being a vegan.
D) To establish that people who are vegans have healthier lifestyles than non-vegans do.
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6. Text 1
The Kuiper Belt is a region of space, shaped roughly like a donut, at the far reaches of our solar system.
It is located outside the orbit of Neptune and contains over 2,000 identified objects, though scientists
speculate that there may be millions more that have not been found yet due to its extreme distance
from the sun. In 1930, the dwarf planet Pluto was the first object to be found in the Kuiper Belt, but it
took many decades for the second, Pluto’s moon, Charon, to be located in 1978.
Text 2
Objects in the Kuiper Belt are rocky bodies made from elements such as iron, and most of the ones
found to date also are covered with ice that is composed of water or methane. In fact, some scientists
speculate whether Earth’s oceans were formed from water ice from comets in the Kuiper Belt. The
quantity of ice greatly increases an object’s reflectivity, making it easier to isolate objects made of such
materials in telescopes that are trained on the distant reaches of our solar system.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 react to the claim in Text 1 that “there may be
millions more that have not been found yet”?
A) The author of Text 2 would say that many of the objects will be hard to find because they are
not covered with reflective ice.
B) The author of Text 2 would claim that it is easier to find large objects such as dwarf planets, so
the remaining objects must all be small.
C) The author of Text 2 would point out that the objects that have been found are probably closer
to the sun than the objects that have not yet been found.
D) The author of Text 2 would argue that the number is greatly elevated over the actual number of
objects which are in the Kuiper Belt.
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7. Text 1
Prisons in the 1820s were unregulated and unhygienic, ... Dorothea Dix visited every public and private
facility she could access, documenting the conditions she found. She then presented her findings to the
legislature of Massachusetts, demanding that officials take action toward reform. Her reports—filled
with dramatic accounts of prisoners flogged, starved, chained, and abused by their keepers, and left
undressed and without heat or sanitation—shocked her audience and galvanized a movement that
succeeded in improving conditions for the imprisoned and insane.
Text 2
Settlement house founder and peace activist Jane Addams (1860-1935) ..., along with a college friend,
Ellen Starr, moved in 1889 into an old mansion in an immigrant neighborhood of Chicago. Hull-House,
which remained Addams’s home for the rest of her life and became the center of an experiment in
philanthropy, political action, and social science research, was a model for settlement work among the
poor.
Based on the texts, how would Jane Addams in Text 2 most likely respond to Dix’s actions to improve
the conditions for the imprisoned and insane as illustrated in Text 1?
A) By disputing the idea that Dix could impose reform through documentation and reports instead
of physically experiencing the conditions.
B) By assenting the importance of political action in achieving reform but asserting the greater
significance of a personal lifetime commitment to a social cause.
C) By corroborating that thorough and honest research combined with political action are
necessities when attempting social reform.
D) By contesting the effectiveness of the non-scientific and dramatic nature of Dix’s reports in
achieving reform.
8. The following text is adapted from Abraham Lincoln’s last public address, given April 11, 1965.
The amount of constituency, so to speak, on which the new Louisiana government rests, would
be more satisfactory to all, if it contained fifty, thirty, or even twenty thousand, instead of only
about twelve thousand, as it does. It is also unsatisfactory to some that the elective franchise is
not given to the colored man. I would myself, prefer that it were now conferred on the very
intelligent, and on those who serve our cause as soldiers. Still the question is not whether the
Louisiana government, as it stands, is quite all that desirable. The question is, “Will it be wiser to
take it as it is, and help to improve it, or to reject, and disperse it?” “Can Louisiana be brought
into proper practical relation with the Union sooner by sustaining, or by discarding her new
state government?”
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9. It was an audacious idea: To send an unmanned research vehicle called a saildrone on a 13,670- mile
journey around Antarctica, at the mercy of the most hostile seas on the planet. In winter. “The
assumption was the Southern Ocean would eat the saildrone ... and that would be that,” said NOAA
oceanographer Adrienne Sutton. “But we were willing to try, given the large role the ocean plays in
climate change. Getting the Southern Ocean's carbon balance right is urgently important." The 196-day
voyage was the world’s first autonomous circumnavigation of Antarctica — a technological feat
unfathomable just a decade ago. Until recently, scientists assumed that the Southern Ocean was a big
contributor to absorbing the greenhouse gases driving global warming, but shifts in winds and
circulation around Antarctica could alter CO2 uptake from the atmosphere. But researchers had yet to
sample vast areas, especially during stormy autumn and winter seasons.
According to the text, what is one of the main goals of launching the saildrone during the winter?
A) To prove that the Southern Ocean was absorbing as much CO2 as previously estimated
B) To test the limitations of new technology designed to survive harsh conditions
C) To collect data during a time period in which very little research had previously been done
D) To establish whether the Southern Ocean played a vital role in CO2 absorption
10. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a nostalgic childhood staple. However, research shows that
they can be good for you as well as delicious. Peanut butter is filled with nutrients such as vitamin E,
iron, and magnesium. Furthermore, it has a lot of protein and fiber, which helps suppress the appetite
so people can lose weight. On top of that, people who eat peanut butter regularly may have other
health benefits: ___
A) one study showed women who ate at least five servings of peanut butter per week were 44
percent less likely to suffer from heart disease.
B) peanut butter is high in calories, so it is advisable to use servings that are 2 tablespoons or less.
C) select natural varieties rather than brands which contain partially hydrogenated oils or other
additives.
D) it can be served in a variety of ways from peanut butter curry to spread on fruit to mixing it into
a smoothie health drink.
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11.
When people envision sharks, they often imagine deadly carnivores that attack people on sight. In
reality, sharks tend to avoid encounters with humans unless provoked, and the actual number of deaths
per year is typically below 10 for the entire world per year. Of course, it is incorrect to judge the number
of dangerous encounters just by looking at deaths. For example, there were 9 deaths from shark attacks
in 2021, ___
Which choice most effectively completes the example using data from the graph?
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12.
Safari tourism in Africa highlights exotic creatures including elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos, and big
game. However, the region is also replete with natural features or attractions that tourists gravitate
toward, particularly those in search of outstanding scenic sites or who desire an environmental
adventure. There are dozens of awe–inspiring national parks throughout Africa like Mt. Kilimanjaro in
Tanzania and Zuma Rock in Nigeria. However, local conditions make it hard to travel in some places. For
example, due to the infrastructure for accommodating visitors, travel in Togo in 2016 was: ___
Which choice most effectively uses data from the graph to illustrate the claim?
13. The following text is adapted from Jane Austin’s 1811 novel, Sense and Sensibility.
Mrs. Dashwood waited only for the disposal of her effects at Norland before she set off to her
new home; and this, as she was exceedingly rapid in the performance of everything that
interested her, was soon done. The horses which were left her by her husband had been sold
soon after his death, and an opportunity now offering of disposing of her carriage, she agreed to
sell that likewise at the earnest advice of her eldest daughter. For the comfort of her children,
had she consulted only her own wishes, she would have kept it; but the discretion of Elinor had
prevailed. Her wisdom too limited the number of their servants to three; two maids and a man,
with whom they were speedily provided from amongst those who had formed their
establishment at Norland.
Based on the text, what can be inferred about the relationship between Mrs. Dashwood and her oldest
daughter?
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14. What can you do to add an extra layer of protection when entering into a business opportunity?
Before you buy a franchise, insist on seeing proof in writing for earnings claims, including statements like
"Earn up to $10,000 a month!" Phrases like "up to" aren't a way out for the seller. It's an earnings claim
and it's your right to demand proof. You should also interview current owners of the seller's business
opportunity. Ask the tough questions—like if the information in the disclosure document matches their
experience with the company. Listen to sales presentations with a critical ear. They are—of course—
trying to sell you something. Finally, if a seller doesn't give you the information you know they have to
provide, walk away.
Based on the text, what can reasonably be inferred about the author’s opinion concerning franchises?
A) The author feels most franchises do not offer realistic information about their earnings
potential.
B) The author feels franchise advertisements usually highlight the best possible scenarios.
C) The author feels there are insufficient laws for the protection of franchise sellers.
D) The author feels that with proper research, an investor can ensure that the business will not fail.
15. The American author Ernest Hemingway, ___ received the 1954 Nobel Prize for Literature, was
famous for a very minimalist writing style that is best exemplified in his short novel, The Old Man and
the Sea about a sailor struggling against a blue marlin.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) he
B) who
C) that
D) whom
16. Carbon emission credit programs are designed to reduce the overall amount of pollution released
into the environment by limiting greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging technological innovation, and
___
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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17. Most people want to incorporate more exercise into their daily routine, but is there an optimum
time for it? According to sports scientists, exercise performance is closely correlated with body
temperature, ___ typically peaks in the early evening.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) it
B) when
C) which
D) that
18. Federico Garcia Lorca was one of Spain’s foremost poets and was known for ___ classic Spanish
forms, but with modern symbolism and individualistic humor. Unfortunately, his career was abruptly cut
short by the Spanish Civil War, but his legacy lives on.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) revive
B) revived
C) revival
D) reviving
19. The Similan Islands form an archipelago in the Adaman ___ visitors arrive on speed boats for a day
trip, but consider an overnight stay if you want to enjoy the stunning scenery almost completely to
yourself.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Sea. Most
B) Sea, most
C) Sea; and most
D) Sea and—most
20. Modern dance is a contemporary form of expression that evolved from the rigid structure of ballet
to become naturalistic, with free and fluid movements that represent ___ feelings.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
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21. ___ massive stones erected around 2,500 B.C.— is one of the most famous Neolithic monuments in
the world, though it was built on the site of a circle made of timber and pounded earth that had been
built about 500 years earlier.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) Stonehenge—a ring of
B) Stonehenge, a ring of—
C) Stonehenge, a ring of
D) Stonehenge: a ring of
22. Billy Joel is a singer and songwriter who is best known for the song “Piano Man.” He started his
music career in earnest when he found he did not have enough credits to graduate high school and
claimed he did not care about finishing his education. ___ twenty–five years later he contacted his
former school and wrote essays that allowed him to belatedly receive a degree.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) Inevitably,
B) Simultaneously,
C) Consequently,
D) Nonetheless,
23. The largest boat to date to sail the Great Lakes, the Edmund Fitzgerald, sank on November 10, 1975,
northwest of Whitefish Point in Lake Superior. ___ its fame, the exact cause of the shipwreck has yet to
be determined.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) Because of
B) Despite
C) Indeed,
D) Furthermore,
24. Several international organizations monitor the position of space debris larger than 10 centimeters
across to ensure safe space travel. ___ those efforts are not sufficient, as there are about twenty times
as many smaller objects that are moving at speeds fast enough to damage even a heavily protected
spacecraft.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
A) However,
B) Likewise,
C) Therefore,
D) Alternatively,
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25. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• Freshwater tropical fish can tolerate temperatures from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius, so may
require a heater in the winter.
• Freshwater tropical fish are often kept in tanks with water plants, but since most eat vegetables
as well as meat, they may consume the plants.
• Because ocean water temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, saltwater
tropical fish must be monitored in a system with less than 2 degrees of variation.
• Saltwater tanks are usually maintained at the proper balance of minerals using synthetic salt.
• Most tropical saltwater aquarium fish are omnivores or scavengers.
The student wants to explain a key difference between the care of tropical saltwater and freshwater fish
to an audience that knows very little about fish. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information
from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A) Tropical fish, whether freshwater or saltwater, most commonly eat meat, though some include
vegetables in their diets.
B) Freshwater fish need to be kept in tanks with plants, though saltwater fish do not.
C) The acceptable temperature variations in a saltwater tank are much lower than what is
acceptable for a freshwater tank.
D) Freshwater tropical fish often have plants, but saltwater tropical fish need synthetic salt.
26. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• George Elton Mayo was an Australian psychologist, industrial researcher, and theorist who came
up with a humanistic theory for management.
• Mayo’s theory is based on the idea that repetition of tasks is boring and reduces innovation.
• Mayo’s theory offers each worker a significant amount of freedom in completing tasks.
• The teamwork aspects of Mayo’s theory can lead to high productivity and communication.
• Some workers feel greater stress and pressure because individual responsibilities are increased
in environments where Mayo’s theory is applied.
The student wants to introduce Mayo’s theory to an audience who wants to increase innovation in the
workplace. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this
goal?
A) George Elton Mayo created a theory based on the idea that repetition of tasks is boring, so
many companies see little innovation.
B) The theorist George Elton Mayo pointed out that workers given significant freedom complete
their tasks and form good teams, but may feel great stress as a result.
C) A theory proposed by George Elton Mayo addresses the question of increasing innovation
output by suggesting that workers get more freedom and less repetition in completing tasks.
D) George Elton Mayo’s humanistic theory can cause some workers stress, though it is outweighed
by the many positive points related to innovation.
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27. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
• The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean and temperatures are routinely above freezing in
the summer.
• Due to the Earth’s axis, there is only one sunset and one sunrise at the poles per year.
• The South Pole is on Antarctica, and research at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station has
provided compelling evidence about continental drift.
• Ground at the South Pole is about 100 meters above sea level, but there is 2,700 meters of ice,
so the high altitude contributes to the arid desert environment.
• The highest temperature recorded at the South Pole was –12.3C, whereas, the lowest was –
82.8C.
The student wants to emphasize a way in which the North Pole and South Pole differ from each other.
Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A) The South Pole has extreme temperatures ranging from –82.8 to –12.3 degrees Celsius, but the
North Pole does not.
B) Both the North Pole and the South Pole have only one sunrise and one sunset in a 12–month
period.
C) Scientists have studied continental drift at the South Pole, but the North Pole is in the ocean.
D) The temperatures at the South Pole are much colder than at the North Pole, with highs never
over –12.3 Celsius at the former and well above freezing at the latter.
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