Question ID 1d6e96f3

Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 1d6e96f3
For a 2020 exhibition, photographer and neurobiologist Okunola Jeyifous ______ a series of new images
based on a series of alphabet posters from the 1970s known as the “Black ABCs,” which featured Black
children from Chicago. Jeyifous photographed the now-adult models and layered the photos over magnified
images of the models’ cells, resulting in what he called “micro and macro portraiture.”

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. validated

B. created

C. challenged

D. restored

ID: 1d6e96f3 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically and precisely completes the text’s discussion of Jeyifous’s series of
images for the 2020 exhibition. In this context, “created” means produced. The text explains that Jeyifous, a photographer
and neurobiologist, photographed adults who had appeared as children in posters from the 1970s, then combined those
photographs with magnified images of the adults’ cells—a process that resulted in what he called “micro and macro
portraiture.” This context suggests that Jeyifous drew on his dual interests in photography and neurobiology to produce the
images for display in the exhibition.

Choice A is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to suggest that Jeyifous “validated,” or corroborated, the series of
images. The text describes Jeyifous’s process for composing the images but doesn’t describe Jeyifous making an effort to
evaluate the images for their artistic or scientific legitimacy. Choice C is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to
suggest that Jeyifous “challenged,” or disputed, an aspect of the images; rather, the focus of the text is on the inspiration
behind the images and the method Jeyifous used to achieve them. Choice D is incorrect because the text indicates that
Jeyifous made the images himself using a combination of photography and magnified pictures of cells, not that he
“restored,” or reconditioned, the images from a deteriorated state.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5c38a6d5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 5c38a6d5
In studying the use of external stimuli to reduce the itching sensation caused by an allergic histamine
response, Louise Ward and colleagues found that while harmless applications of vibration or warming can
provide a temporary distraction, such ______ stimuli actually offer less relief than a stimulus that seems less
benign, like a mild electric shock.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. deceptive

B. innocuous

C. novel

D. impractical

ID: 5c38a6d5 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Ward and colleagues’ findings. As
used in this context, “innocuous” means mild or unharmful. The text describes the vibration and warming that Ward and
colleagues used to alleviate itching as “harmless applications” and goes on to contrast these applications with another
stimulus that actually offers more relief even though it seems to be stronger and “less benign.” This context conveys the idea
that vibration and warming were innocuous stimuli.

Choice A is incorrect because the text focuses on a distinction between harmless stimuli and those that seem to be less
benign. Nothing in the text suggests that any of the treatments are “deceptive,” or misleading; indeed, even the less effective
ones are described as offering some relief. Choice C is incorrect because the text focuses on the amount of relief from
itching offered by harmless stimuli and those that seem to be less benign. The text doesn’t suggest that any of these stimuli
are “novel,” or original and new; heat, vibration, and electricity aren’t new inventions. Choice D is incorrect because it wouldn’t
make sense to describe an application of vibration or warming as “impractical,” or not suitable for use. The text indicates
that these harmless applications are useful in that they offer at least some temporary relief.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 101e69de
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 101e69de
The following text is from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby.

[Jay Gatsby] was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement
that is so peculiarly American—that comes, I suppose, with the absence of lifting work in youth and, even
more, with the formless grace of our nervous, sporadic games. This quality was continually breaking
through his punctilious manner in the shape of restlessness.

As used in the text, what does the word “quality” most nearly mean?

A. Standard

B. Prestige

C. Characteristic

D. Accomplishment

ID: 101e69de Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. “This quality” refers to Gatsby’s “resourcefulness of movement,” which is described as a
characteristic or trait of his.

Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t what “quality” means in this context. Here, “this quality” refers to Gatsby’s “resourcefulness of
movement,” which is described as a characteristic or trait of his. “Standard” is a synonym for a different definition of
“quality”: the degree of excellence of something. Choice B is incorrect. This isn’t what “quality” means in this context. Here,
“this quality” refers to Gatsby’s “resourcefulness of movement,” which is described as a characteristic or trait of his.
“Prestige” would suggest a high status or an admirable reputation, which doesn’t match that description. Choice D is
incorrect. This isn’t what “quality” means in this context. Here, “this quality” refers to Gatsby’s “resourcefulness of
movement,” which is described as a characteristic or trait of his. “Accomplishment” would suggest an achievement, which
doesn’t match that description.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4165e701
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 4165e701
Given that the conditions in binary star systems should make planetary formation nearly impossible, it’s not
surprising that the existence of planets in such systems has lacked ______ explanation. Roman Rafikov and
Kedron Silsbee shed light on the subject when they used modeling to determine a complex set of factors that
could support planets’ development.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. a discernible

B. a straightforward

C. an inconclusive

D. an unbiased

ID: 4165e701 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s description of efforts to explain the existence of
planets in binary star systems. As used in this context, describing an explanation as “a straightforward” one would mean that
the explanation is direct and uncomplicated. The text asserts that since it should be “nearly impossible” for planets to form
in binary star systems, it’s “not surprising” that there isn’t a straightforward explanation for the existence of planets in such
systems; the fact that one potential approach involves “complex” factors offers further contextual support for this idea.

Choice A is incorrect because it would not make sense in context to say that there isn’t “a discernible” explanation—meaning
an explanation capable of being perceived—for the existence of planets in binary star systems. The text discusses just such
an explanation offered by Roman Rafikov and Kedron Silsbee, which indicates that their explanation can be
discerned. Choice C is incorrect because the text emphasizes how difficult it is to explain the existence of planets in binary
star systems, suggesting that the situation isn’t marked by the lack of “an inconclusive” explanation—an explanation that
does not resolve the issue—but rather that if any explanations have been offered, they’ve likely been inconclusive
ones. Choice D is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that there is a lack of “an unbiased,” or impartial and
unprejudiced, explanation for the existence of planets in binary star systems. The text indicates that it’s difficult to explain
the existence of planets in such systems and it describes one attempt to do so, but there is no evidence that explanations
from Roman Rafikov and Kedron Silsbee or others are biased.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 841a15d0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 841a15d0

Text 1
Films and television shows commonly include a long list of credits naming the people involved in a
production. Credit sequences may not be exciting, but they generally ensure that everyone’s contributions are
duly acknowledged. Because they are highly standardized, film and television credits are also valuable to
anyone researching the careers of pioneering cast and crew members who have worked in the mediums.

Text 2
Video game scholars face a major challenge in the industry’s failure to consistently credit the artists,
designers, and other contributors involved in making video games. Without a reliable record of which people
worked on which games, questions about the medium’s development can be difficult to answer, and the
accomplishments of all but its best-known innovators can be difficult to trace.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to the discussion in Text 2?

A. By recommending that the scholars mentioned in Text 2 consider employing the methods regularly used
by film and television researchers

B. By pointing out that credits have a different intended purpose in film and television than in the medium
addressed by the scholars mentioned in Text 2

C. By suggesting that the scholars mentioned in Text 2 rely more heavily on credits as a source of
information than film and television researchers do

D. By observing that a widespread practice in film and television largely prevents the kind of problem faced
by the scholars mentioned in Text 2

ID: 841a15d0 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 1 would most likely respond to Text 2 based on the
information provided. Text 2 discusses how the inconsistent use of credits to identify the contributors to video games can
pose an obstacle to scholars of the medium, who rely on such credits to answer questions about the medium’s development.
Text 1 notes that in film and television, on the other hand, credits are used consistently and are valuable to researchers
studying the cast and crew members in these mediums. Since Text 1 asserts how the consistent use of credits benefits
scholars of film and television, it can be inferred that this text’s author would respond to the discussion in Text 2 by
observing that the kind of problem faced by scholars of video games—the inability to know who contributed to a particular
production and how—is, in film and television studies, largely prevented by the widespread practice of credits in these
mediums.

Choice A is incorrect. Although Text 1 discusses a method used by film and television researchers—namely, relying on
credits to research the careers of cast and crew members—the author doesn’t explicitly recommend that or any other
method. Moreover, Text 1 states that films and television shows themselves, not their researchers, regularly use the method
of listing credits. Choice B is incorrect. It can be inferred from Text 2 that when video games do feature credits, they have
essentially the same function as credits in film and television—namely, to identify the individuals who worked on a particular
production. Therefore, it is unlikely that the author of Text 1 would characterize video game credits as differing in purpose
from film and television credits. Choice C is incorrect because, as Text 2 explains, credits are not consistently used in video
games. Therefore, it is unlikely that the author of Text 1 would argue that scholars of the medium discussed in this text—
video games—rely more heavily on credits than scholars of film and television, two mediums where credits consistently
appear.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cba8812e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: cba8812e
Generally it takes Tule geese about four days to migrate south for the winter. From their summer breeding
grounds in Cook Inlet, Alaska, the birds begin by flying over the Gulf of Alaska, keeping about 100 miles from
the Canadian shore. They pause to rest on the Pacific Ocean, then fly toward Summer Lake, Oregon, before
finally arriving at their winter destination of Sacramento Valley, California. In 2020, however, it took the geese
over twice as long to make their way from Cook Inlet to Sacramento Valley. According to researchers, the
reason was airborne pollutants.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It illustrates a change in Tule geese’s usual flight behavior.

B. It suggests an explanation for why Tule geese breed in Alaska.

C. It describes part of the Tule geese’s typical winter migration journey.

D. It compares Tule geese to other birds that migrate south for the winter.

ID: cba8812e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it best states how the underlined portion functions in the text as a whole. The first
sentence states that Tule geese typically take four days to migrate south. Then in the next sentence, which contains the
underlined portion, the text describes the first part of that journey, which begins with the geese flying over the Gulf of Alaska
while keeping about 100 miles from the Canadian shore. The rest of the text details the remainder of the geese’s typical
journey and then mentions circumstances in 2020 that resulted in the geese taking an unusually long time to complete it.
Thus, the underlined portion describes part of the Tule geese’s typical winter migration journey.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text concludes by stating that in 2020, Tule geese took twice as long to complete their
typical migration, which suggests a change in their usual flight behavior, the underlined portion doesn’t discuss this. Instead,
the underlined portion describes the first part of the Tule geese’s typical winter migration journey over the Gulf of Alaska.
Choice B is incorrect. Although the sentence containing the underlined portion mentions that Tule geese breed in Alaska, the
underlined portion doesn’t explain why the geese breed in that location. Rather, the text mentions Alaska to explain that it’s
the starting point of the Tule geese’s typical winter migration. Choice D is incorrect because the underlined portion doesn’t
discuss any other birds that migrate south for the winter. In fact, the text is only concerned with the migration of Tule geese.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ff19c9d6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: ff19c9d6
The percentage of US forest land that a 2023 federal report identified as being either mature or old growth
exceeds other recent estimates. Given how little ______ there is among scientists regarding the scope of
these categories, this discrepancy shouldn’t be surprising: forest researchers regularly dispute one another’s
classifications.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. deliberation

B. vigilance

C. interest

D. consensus

ID: ff19c9d6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of US forest land classifications. In
this context, "consensus" means agreement. The text indicates that a percentage given in a US forest land report differs
from other estimates and that this discrepancy isn’t surprising, given that forest researchers regularly dispute one another’s
classifications of parts of US forest land as either mature or old growth. This context conveys that there is little agreement
when it comes to these categories.

Choice A is incorrect because the text states that there is often dispute among forest researchers about classifications of
US forest land as either mature or old growth, which directly indicates that when it comes to these categories, there is much
"deliberation," or discussion and consideration, not little deliberation. Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that
there is often dispute among forest researchers about classifications of US forest land as either mature or old growth; this
doesn’t imply that there is little "vigilance," or careful attention, among researchers when it comes to these categories but
rather conveys that researchers do pay attention to forest land classifications and question one another’s decisions. Choice
C is incorrect because the text indicates that there is often dispute among forest researchers about classifications of US
forest land as either mature or old growth; this doesn’t imply that there is little "interest," or concern, among researchers
when it comes to these categories but rather conveys that researchers are concerned with forest land classifications and
pay attention to one another’s classifications.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 362e987f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 362e987f

Text 1
In a study of the benefits of having free time, Marissa Sharif found that the reported sense of life satisfaction
tended to plateau when participants had two hours of free time per day and actually began to fall when they
had five hours of free time per day. After further research, Sharif concluded that this dip in life satisfaction
mainly occurred when individuals spent all their free time unproductively, such as by watching TV or playing
games.

Text 2
Psychologist James Maddux cautions against suggesting an ideal amount of free time. The human desire
for both free time and productivity is universal, but Maddux asserts that individuals have unique needs for life
satisfaction. Furthermore, he points out that there is no objective definition for what constitutes productivity;
reading a book might be considered a productive activity by some, but idleness by others.

Based on the texts, how would Maddux (Text 2) most likely respond to the conclusion Sharif (Text 1) reached
after her further research?
A. By acknowledging that free time is more likely to enhance life satisfaction when it is spent productively
than when it is spent unproductively

B. By challenging the reasoning in Text 1, as it has not been proved that productivity commonly contributes
to individuals’ life satisfaction

C. By warning against making an overly broad assumption, as there is no clear consensus in distinguishing
between productive and unproductive activities

D. By claiming that the specific activities named in Text 1 are actually examples of productive activities
rather than unproductive ones

ID: 362e987f Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it characterizes how Maddux would most likely respond to the conclusion Sharif
reached after her research. Text 1 describes Sharif’s study of the benefits of free time, saying that the reported sense of
satisfaction plateaued at two hours per day and began to decline at five hours per day. Further research led Sharif to
conclude that time spent doing tasks she defines as unproductive, such as watching TV or playing games, correlated with a
drop in life satisfaction. However, in Text 2 Maddux says that there is no objective definition of what constitutes productive
behavior, giving the example that reading a book might be considered productive by some but unproductive by others. It can
be inferred that Maddux would also assert that whether watching TV or playing games is productive or unproductive is a
matter of subjective judgment. Thus, Maddux would most likely caution against making an overly broad assumption, as
there is no clear consensus in distinguishing between productive and unproductive activities.

Choice A is incorrect because Maddux asserts that individuals have unique needs for life satisfaction: some may want to
spend that time productively, others unproductively, and what counts as productive is subjective. Therefore, Maddux would
likely not consider it universally true that free time is more likely to enhance life satisfaction when it is spent productively.
Choice B is incorrect because the study described in Text 1 concerns whether free time contributes to life satisfaction, not
whether productivity contributes to life satisfaction. The dip in life satisfaction that Sharif claims to observe in Text 1
happens only after five hours, and mainly if the time is spent unproductively—that is, two hours of free time spent
productively might increase life satisfaction just as much as two hours spent unproductively. Choice D is incorrect because
Maddux holds the opinion that whether an activity is productive or unproductive is subjective and depends on the individual;
therefore, he would most likely claim that watching TV or playing games might be productive for some and unproductive for
others.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 123cf5db
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 123cf5db
The work of Kiowa painter T.C. Cannon derives its power in part from the tension among his ______
influences: classic European portraiture, with its realistic treatment of faces; the American pop art
movement, with its vivid colors; and flatstyle, the intertribal painting style that rejects the effect of depth
typically achieved through shading and perspective.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. complementary

B. unknown

C. disparate

D. interchangeable

ID: 123cf5db Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the artistic styles that have
influenced Cannon’s work. As used in this context, “disparate” means distinct or dissimilar. The text indicates that a tension
exists among the styles that have influenced Cannon’s work and goes on to describe how those styles differ: classic
European portraiture favors realism, American pop art uses vivid colors, and intertribal flatstyle rejects the use of shading
and perspective to achieve depth. This context suggests that the styles that have influenced Cannon’s work are disparate.

Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that there is a tension among the influences on Cannon’s artwork, so it
wouldn’t make sense to say that the influences are “complementary,” or that they complete one another or make up for one
another’s deficiencies. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to characterize Cannon’s influences as
“unknown,” or not familiar; it’s clear that the influences are known because the text goes on to list them. Choice D is incorrect
because the text indicates that there is a tension among the influences on Cannon’s work, not that they are
“interchangeable,” or capable of being used in one another’s place.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6d458a07
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 6d458a07
Some researchers believe that the genes that enable groundhogs and certain other mammals to hibernate
through the winter by slowing their breathing and heart rates and lowering their body temperature may be
______ in humans: present yet having essentially no effect on our bodily processes.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. decisive

B. lacking

C. variable

D. dormant

ID: 6d458a07 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it logically completes the text’s discussion about genes related to hibernation. In this
context, “dormant” means inactive. The text explains that the same genes that enable certain nonhuman mammal species to
hibernate during the winter by altering their bodily processes are also found in our species but have “essentially no effect” on
humans’ bodily processes. In other words, these genes don’t function in humans.

Choice A is incorrect because in this context, “decisive” means has the power to affect the outcome of something, but the
text states that genes related to hibernation are instead inactive in humans—that is, the genes don’t affect humans’ bodily
processes, although they are present in their bodies. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “lacking” means missing,
but the text states that the genes are present in humans, though inactive. Choice C is incorrect because “variable” means
characterized by the potential to change, but the text indicates that these genes don’t change in their effect on humans’
bodily processes; instead, the genes are consistently inactive in humans.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dac47b83
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: dac47b83
Stephen Hannock’s luminous landscape paintings are appealing to viewers but have elicited little
commentary from contemporary critics, a phenomenon that may be due to the very fact that the paintings
seem so ______. Many critics focus their attention on art that is cryptic or overtly challenging.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. innovative

B. subversive

C. profound

D. accessible

ID: dac47b83 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. When talking about a thing, “accessible” means “easy to understand.” This sets up the contrast
in the next sentence, which tells us that critics mostly focus on art that is “cryptic or challenging” (meaning not easy to
understand).

Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. The next sentence tells us that critics focus on art that is
mysterious and challenging. If Hannock’s paintings are “innovative” (meaning advanced and original), then critics probably
would comment on them. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. The next sentence tells us that critics
focus on art that is mysterious and challenging. If Hannock’s paintings are “subversive” (meaning disruptive and
revolutionary), then critics probably would comment on them. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. The
next sentence tells us that critics focus on art that is mysterious and challenging. If Hannock’s paintings are “profound”
(meaning very deep and insightful), then critics probably would comment on them.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 1a44da89
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 1a44da89

Text 1
A tiny, unusual fossil in a piece of 99-million-year-old amber is of the extinct species Oculudentavis
khaungraae. The O. khaungraae fossil consists of a rounded skull with a thin snout and a large eye socket.
Because these features look like they are avian, or related to birds, researchers initially thought that the fossil
might be the smallest avian dinosaur ever found.

Text 2
Paleontologists were excited to discover a second small fossil that is similar to the strange O. khaungraae
fossil but has part of the lower body along with a birdlike skull. Detailed studies of both fossils revealed
several traits that are found in lizards but not in dinosaurs or birds. Therefore, paleontologists think the two
creatures were probably unusual lizards, even though the skulls looked avian at first.

Based on the texts, what would the paleontologists in Text 2 most likely say about the researchers’ initial
thought in Text 1?
A. It is understandable because the fossil does look like it could be related to birds, even though O.
khaungraae is probably a lizard.

B. It is confusing because it isn’t clear what caused the researchers to think that O. khaungraae might be
related to birds.

C. It is flawed because the researchers mistakenly assumed that O. khaungraae must be a lizard.

D. It is reasonable because the O. khaungraae skull is about the same size as the skull of the second fossil
but is shaped differently.

ID: 1a44da89 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it reflects what the paleontologists in Text 2 would most likely say about what the
researchers in Text 1 initially thought. Text 1 focuses on the discovery of a strange fossil consisting of the skull of the extinct
species Oculudentavis khaungraae. According to Text 1, the fossil has features that appear to be avian, or related to birds,
which led researchers to initially think that the fossil might be a very small avian dinosaur. Text 2 begins by noting the
discovery of a second fossil similar to the one discussed in Text 1, then explains that based on detailed studies of both
fossils, paleontologists think that the two creatures were probably unusual lizards, even though the skulls appeared avian at
first. This suggests that the paleontologists in Text 2 recognize that the fossils do indeed look like they could be related to
birds. For this reason, the paleontologists in Text 2 would most likely say that the initial thought of the researchers in Text 1—
that the fossil was avian—is understandable, even if the fossil is probably not avian but rather is from a lizard.

Choice B is incorrect because Text 2 indicates that the fossils initially looked avian, so the paleontologists described in Text
2 wouldn’t be confused by the researchers in Text 1 initially thinking that O. khaungraae might be related to birds. The
paleontologists would find that initial thought understandable, not confusing. Choice C is incorrect because Text 1 never
mentions lizards, so it wouldn’t make sense for the paleontologists in Text 2 to say that the researchers in Text 1 mistakenly
assumed that O. khaungraae must be a lizard. Choice D is incorrect. Although the paleontologists in Text 2 might agree that
the initial thought of the researchers in Text 1 was reasonable, nothing in Text 2 suggests that the two skulls were shaped
differently.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9c607676
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 9c607676
Text 1
Growth in the use of novel nanohybrids—materials created from the conjugation of multiple distinct
nanomaterials, such as iron oxide and gold nanomaterials conjugated for use in magnetic imaging—has
outpaced studies of nanohybrids’ environmental risks. Unfortunately, risk evaluations based on nanohybrids’
constituents are not reliable: conjugation may alter constituents’ physiochemical properties such that
innocuous nanomaterials form a nanohybrid that is anything but.
Text 2
The potential for enhanced toxicity of nanohybrids relative to the toxicity of constituent nanomaterials has
drawn deserved attention, but the effects of nanomaterial conjugation vary by case. For instance, it was
recently shown that a nanohybrid of silicon dioxide and zinc oxide preserved the desired optical transparency
of zinc oxide nanoparticles while mitigating the nanoparticles’ potential to damage DNA.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the assertion in the underlined
portion of Text 1?

A. By concurring that the risk described in Text 1 should be evaluated but emphasizing that the risk is more
than offset by the potential benefits of nanomaterial conjugation

B. By arguing that the situation described in Text 1 may not be representative but conceding that the effects
of nanomaterial conjugation are harder to predict than researchers had expected

C. By denying that the circumstance described in Text 1 is likely to occur but acknowledging that many
aspects of nanomaterial conjugation are still poorly understood

D. By agreeing that the possibility described in Text 1 is a cause for concern but pointing out that
nanomaterial conjugation does not inevitably produce that result

ID: 9c607676 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The author of Text 2 acknowledges that nanohybrids may be more toxic than their constituent
parts, but also provides an example of a nanohybrid that has reduced toxicity compared to its components: silicon dioxide
and zinc oxide together have all the benefits of zinc oxide nanoparticles without any of the DNA harm zinc oxide has on its
own.

Choice A is incorrect. While the author of Text 2 gives an example of a nanohybrid that isn’t as toxic as its constituent parts,
they don’t argue that the benefit outweighs the risk. They merely argue that “the effects of nanomaterial conjugation vary by
case.” Choice B is incorrect. The author of Text 2 states that the effects of nanomaterial conjugation “vary by case,” and that
the attention that their potential toxicity has drawn is warranted. If the situation in Text 1 weren’t representative, then there
would be less attention to the potential danger of these materials. Furthermore, neither passage suggests that researchers
had expected that they could predict the effects of nanomaterial conjugation. Choice C is incorrect. The author of Text 2
agrees that the potential toxicity of nanohybrids “has drawn deserved attention,” so they aren’t denying the problem.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d995ff9d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: d995ff9d
Historians have argued that a crucial component of the Civil Rights Movement’s success in the 1960s was
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Citizen Education Program (CEP), which invited promising
activists from across the South to its one-week training sessions in Dorchester, Georgia. Led by experienced
organizers such as Dorothy Cotton and Septima Clark, CEP attendees—more than 7,000 in all—participated in
workshops on topics ranging from public speaking to legal doctrine before returning home and using their
newly acquired knowledge to spearhead local civil rights initiatives.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It underscores the extent of the CEP’s impact on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

B. It illustrates the CEP organizers’ efforts to educate participants on a wide variety of topics.

C. It suggests that CEP attendees held a diverse array of opinions about the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference’s political philosophy.

D. It establishes that criticism of the CEP was limited to a few individuals in the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference.

ID: d995ff9d Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a
whole. The first sentence of the text states that the CEP had a positive impact on the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
The next sentence explains that the CEP organized workshops for attendees, who later used the knowledge they gained to
lead civil rights initiatives. And the underlined portion indicates the number of activists—more than 7,000—who participated
in the workshops. Thus, the underlined portion provides a number that underscores the extent of the CEP’s impact on the
Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the sentence that contains the underlined portion mentions some CEP workshop topics, the
underlined portion itself addresses the number of participants in the CEP workshops, not the number of topics covered.
Choice C is incorrect. Although the underlined portion refers to attendees of the CEP workshops, nothing in the underlined
portion or the text as a whole addresses the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s philosophy or the attendees’
opinions thereof. Choice D is incorrect because neither the underlined portion nor the text as a whole mentions any criticism
of the CEP by members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a84b11c2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: a84b11c2
Some scientists have suggested that mammals in the Mesozoic era were not a very ______ group, but
paleontologist Zhe-Xi Luo’s research suggests that early mammals living in the shadow of dinosaurs weren’t
all ground-dwelling insectivores. Fossils of various plant-eating mammals have been found in China,
including species like Vilevolodon diplomylos, which Luo says could glide like a flying squirrel.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. predatory

B. obscure

C. diverse

D. localized

ID: a84b11c2 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the kinds of mammals alive during
the Mesozoic era. As used in this context, “diverse” means to have a significant amount of variety. The text indicates that
some scientists have suggested that Mesozoic mammals can’t be characterized in a certain way, then contrasts the view put
forward by those scientists with Luo’s research, which shows that Mesozoic mammals “weren’t all ground-dwelling
insectivores” and instead were “various.” This context suggests that some scientists have viewed Mesozoic mammals as
being all alike, or not a very diverse group.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to say that some scientists have suggested that Mesozoic mammals
weren’t very “predatory,” or that they didn’t prey on other animals, since the text establishes a contrast between what some
scientists have suggested and Luo’s research showing that Mesozoic mammals “weren’t all ground-dwelling insectivores.”
This context suggests that some scientists have regarded Mesozoic mammals as all being insectivores, or animals that prey
on insects, not that some scientists have suggested that Mesozoic mammals didn’t prey on other animals. Choice B is
incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to say that some scientists have suggested that Mesozoic mammals weren’t very
“obscure,” or concealed or not well known, since the text establishes a contrast between what some scientists have
suggested and Luo’s research showing that Mesozoic mammals were a varied group. There’s no contrast between saying
that the mammals weren’t concealed or well known and the mammals being varied. Choice D is incorrect because it wouldn’t
make sense to say that some scientists have suggested that Mesozoic mammals weren’t very “localized,” or confined to a
particular area, since the text establishes a contrast between what some scientists have suggested and Luo’s research
showing that Mesozoic mammals were a varied group. There’s no contrast between saying that the mammals weren’t
localized and the mammals being varied. Although the text mentions mammal fossils found in China, nothing in the
discussion of Luo’s research addresses the limits of Mesozoic mammal habitats.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID f2e39001
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: f2e39001
Scholarly discussions of gender in Shakespeare’s comedies often celebrate the rebellion of the playwright’s
characters against the rigid expectations ______ by Elizabethan society. Most of the comedies end in
marriage, with characters returning to their socially dictated gender roles after previously defying them, but
there are some notable exceptions.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. interjected

B. committed

C. illustrated

D. prescribed

ID: f2e39001 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of gender roles in Shakespeare’s
comedies. As used in this context, “prescribed” would mean laid down as rules. The text indicates that the characters in the
comedies often defy gender roles that are “socially dictated” (even if most characters do return to those roles eventually)
and that scholars have been very interested in these acts of defiance. This context indicates that what the characters are
rebelling against are standards of behavior prescribed by the society of the time.

Choice A is incorrect because saying that expectations about gender were “interjected,” or suddenly inserted between other
things, wouldn’t make sense in context. There’s no suggestion in the text that the issue of gender roles was inserted between
other things or was an interruption in a larger discussion. Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that Shakespeare
depicts characters rebelling against expectations about gender that have been “socially dictated,” not expectations that
society has “committed,” or carried out, entrusted, or promised. Choice C is incorrect because the text indicates that
Shakespeare depicts characters rebelling against expectations about gender that have been “socially dictated,” not
expectations that have been “illustrated,” or clarified with examples. Although it’s possible for expectations about gender
roles to be illustrated, there’s nothing in the text to indicate that characters in Shakespeare’s comedies rebel against
illustrations of gender expectations.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fd0c38e6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: fd0c38e6
Text 1
Stage lighting theorist Adolphe Appia was perhaps the first to argue that light must be considered alongside
all the various elements of a stage to create a single, unified performance. Researcher Kelly Bremner,
however, has noted that Appia lacked technical expertise in the use of light in the theater. As a result of
Appia’s inexperience, Bremner argues, Appia’s theory of light called for lighting practices that weren’t possible
until after the advent of electricity around 1881.

Text 2
Adolphe Appia was not an amateur in the practice of lighting. Instead, it is precisely his exposure to lighting
techniques at the time that contributed to his theory on the importance of light. When working as an
apprentice for a lighting specialist in his youth, Appia observed the use of portable lighting devices that could
be operated by hand. This experience developed his understanding of what was possible in the coordination
of elements on the stage.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claim about Appia’s level of
technical expertise made by Bremner in Text 1?
A. Many lighting technicians dismissed Appia’s ideas about light on the stage.

B. Appia likely gained a level of technical expertise during his time as an apprentice.

C. Theater practitioners who worked with Appia greatly admired his work.

D. Appia was unfamiliar with the use of music and sound in theater.

ID: fd0c38e6 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The author of Text 2 directly contradicts Bremner’s claim that Appia lacked technical expertise
by stating that Appia was “not an amateur in the practice of lighting.” His experience as a lighting specialist’s apprentice
would have, the author of Text 2 argues, allowed Appia to “[develop] his understanding of what was possible” with the
elements of theatrical design.

Choice A is incorrect. Neither text describes how other lighting technicians responded to Appia’s ideas. Furthermore, this
claim isn’t relevant to Bremner’s evaluation of Appia’s technical expertise. Choice C is incorrect. Neither text mentions
anything about the opinions of theater practitioners who worked with Appia, so this answer choice does not relate to the
claim about Appia’s level of technical expertise made by Bremner in Text 1. Choice D is incorrect. Neither text mentions
anything about Appia’s familiarity with or ignorance of the use of music and sound in theater. Both focus on his expertise (or
lack thereof) in lighting.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 401e1856
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 401e1856
Changes to vegetation cover and other human activities influence carbon and nitrogen levels in soil, though
how deep these effects extend is unclear. Hypothesizing that differences in land use lead to differences in
carbon and nitrogen levels that are not restricted to the topsoil layer (0–30 cm deep), Chukwuebuka Okolo
and colleagues sampled soils across multiple land-use types (e.g., grazing land, cropland, forest) within each
of several Ethiopian locations. They found, though, that across land-use types, carbon and nitrogen
decreased to comparably low levels beyond depths of 30 cm.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It describes a phenomenon that scientists do not fully understand, explains a research team’s hypothesis
about that phenomenon, and then describes a finding that led the team to refine the hypothesis.

B. It introduces an unresolved scientific question, presents a research team’s hypothesis pertaining to that
question, and then describes an observation made by the team that conflicts with that hypothesis.

C. It discusses a process that scientists are somewhat unclear about, introduces competing hypotheses
about that process, and then explains how a research team concluded that one of those hypotheses is
likely correct.

D. It explains a hypothesis that has been the subject of scientific debate, discusses how a research team
tested that hypothesis, and then presents data the team collected that validate the hypothesis.

ID: 401e1856 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes the overall structure of the text. The text begins by
explaining that human activities influence carbon and nitrogen levels in soil, but how deeply these effects are seen in the soil
remains an unresolved question. Next, the text summarizes Okolo and colleagues’ hypothesis regarding this question—
which is that the different effects on carbon and nitrogen levels associated with different types of land use would also be
observed below the topsoil layer—and then briefly explains the methods they used to test this hypothesis. Finally, the text
states that the researchers found that at depths below the topsoil layer, carbon and nitrogen decreased to similarly low
levels across all land-use types, a finding that conflicts with the team’s hypothesis presented earlier in the text. Thus, the text
introduces an unresolved scientific question, presents a research team’s hypothesis pertaining to that question, and then
describes an observation that the team made that conflicted with their hypothesis.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text introduces a phenomenon (the fact that human activities influence carbon and
nitrogen levels in the soil) that isn’t fully understood by scientists and explains a research team’s hypothesis about the
phenomenon, the text doesn’t describe how the team refined their hypothesis when a research finding contradicted it. Choice
C is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss a process at all; rather, it poses an unsolved scientific question and presents
a hypothesis that Okolo and colleagues tested to answer that question. Moreover, the text only describes one hypothesis; it
doesn’t mention any competing hypotheses, nor does it suggest that Okolo’s team was able to determine which hypothesis
was correct. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t begin by presenting a hypothesis that is under scientific debate;
rather, it presents a question that scientists have been unable to answer and then introduces a hypothesis formulated by
Okolo and colleagues. While the text does explain how Okolo’s team tested their hypothesis, the text goes on to say that their
data conflicted with their hypothesis, not that the data validated, or supported, their hypothesis.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5c9c3bca
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 5c9c3bca
Mineralogical differences are detectable in samples collected from two locations on the near-Earth asteroid
Ryugu, but such differences may not indicate substantial compositional variations in the asteroid.
Cosmochemist Kazuhide Nagashima and colleagues note that at the small scale of the samples, the
distribution of minerals is unlikely to be ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. neglected

B. redundant

C. ongoing

D. uniform

ID: 5c9c3bca Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text tells us that the samples are too "small scale" to reflect the composition of the
asteroid, which probably doesn’t show the same variation on a large scale. This suggests that the mineral composition of the
samples are unlikely to be exactly the same from sample to sample.

Choice A is incorrect. "Neglected" means "suffering a lack of proper care" or "abandoned," which doesn’t work here. The text
never suggests that the distribution of minerals in the samples would be neglected, so this statement doesn’t logically
follow. Choice B is incorrect. "Redundant" means "not or no longer useful or needed," which is too strong. The text doesn’t
suggest that the variation between the samples isn’t a useful finding at all—just that we can’t assume that the large-scale
composition of the asteroid will show the same variation. But the composition of the samples might be useful for something
else. Choice C is incorrect. "Ongoing" means "still in progress," which doesn’t make sense: the distribution of minerals in a
sample can’t be "ongoing."

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bfcbec2d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: bfcbec2d
A number of Indigenous politicians have been elected to the United States Congress since 2000 as members
of the country’s two established political parties. In Canada and several Latin American countries, on the
other hand, Indigenous people have formed their own political parties to advance candidates who will
advocate for the interests of their communities. This movement has been particularly successful in Ecuador,
where Guadalupe Llori, a member of the Indigenous party known as Pachakutik, was elected president of the
National Assembly in 2021.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To trace the history of an Indigenous political movement and speculate about its future development

B. To argue that Indigenous politicians in the United States should form their own political party

C. To highlight two approaches to achieving political representation for Indigenous people

D. To consider how Indigenous politicians in the United States have influenced Indigenous politicians in
Canada and Latin America

ID: bfcbec2d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to illustrate two
approaches that Indigenous politicians have taken to achieve political representation for their communities. The text begins
by explaining that one approach is exemplified by Indigenous politicians in the United States who, in an effort to ensure that
the interests of their communities are represented in government, joined preexisting political parties and were subsequently
elected to Congress. The text goes on to highlight a second approach adopted by Indigenous leaders in Canada and several
Latin American countries: rather than joining established political parties, many Indigenous politicians in these countries
have instead formed their own parties to promote candidates for office who support causes that are important to their
communities.

Choice A is incorrect because the text’s focus is on the contrasting approaches adopted by different Indigenous political
movements in different countries; thus, it isn’t accurate to say that the text traces the history of one political movement.
Moreover, the text only discusses examples from 2000 to 2021, a relatively short period of time; therefore, it provides very
little in the way of discussion of larger historical developments, nor does it make any predictions about how these
movements might continue to develop in the future. Choice B is incorrect because the text never urges Indigenous
politicians in the US to alter their strategy of striving for representation through the established political parties, nor does it
suggest that this strategy is inferior to that of Indigenous politicians in Canada and Latin America, who have formed their
own parties. In fact, the text notes that both strategies have resulted in the election of Indigenous politicians to national
governments. Choice D is incorrect because the text never suggests that Indigenous politicians in the US have influenced
those in Canada and Latin America; instead, it stresses how Indigenous politicians’ approach toward achieving
representation in the US government has differed from the approach Indigenous politicians have taken to achieve
representation in national governments elsewhere in the Americas.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 99022257
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 99022257
Archeological excavation of Market Street Chinatown, a nineteenth-century Chinese American community in
San Jose, California, provided the first evidence that Asian food products were imported to the United States
in the 1800s: bones from a freshwater fish species native to Southeast Asia. Jinshanzhuang—Hong Kong–
based import/export firms—likely coordinated the fish’s transport from Chinese-operated fisheries in Vietnam
and Malaysia to North American markets. This route reveals the (often overlooked) multinational dimensions
of the trade networks linking Chinese diaspora communities.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A. It explains why efforts to determine the country of origin of the items mentioned in the previous sentence
remain inconclusive.

B. It provides information that helps support a claim about a discovery’s significance that is presented in the
following sentence.

C. It traces the steps that were taken to locate and recover the objects that are described in the previous
sentence.

D. It outlines a hypothesis that additional evidence discussed in the following sentence casts some doubt
on.

ID: 99022257 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The underlined sentence provides information about import/export firms, showing how Chinese
communities across the world were connected by trade routes.

Choice A is incorrect. The underlined sentence never suggests that the countries of origin of the fish are in question—in fact,
it tells us exactly where they came from. Choice C is incorrect. The passage never describes the steps taken to discover the
fish bones described in the previous sentence. Choice D is incorrect. The underlined sentence doesn’t outline a hypothesis
but instead provides evidence. And the following sentence agrees with the underlined sentence, so we could eliminate this
choice just for saying that the following sentence "casts some doubt on" the underlined one—partly wrong is all wrong.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bf0c8b48
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: bf0c8b48
The following text is adapted from George Eliot’s 1871–72 novel Middlemarch.

[Mr. Brooke] had travelled in his younger years, and was held in this part of the country to have
contracted a too rambling habit of mind. Mr. Brooke’s conclusions were as difficult to predict as the
weather.

As used in the text, what does the word “contracted” most nearly mean?
A. Restricted

B. Described

C. Developed

D. Settled

ID: bf0c8b48 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because as used in the text, “contracted” most nearly means developed. The text explains that
Mr. Brooke has a “too rambling habit of mind,” which the text likens to a disease, saying he is thought to have contracted it.
To contract a disease means to acquire or develop a disease. In other words, the text indicates that Mr. Brooke is believed to
have acquired, or developed, the habit of mind described in the text.

Choice A is incorrect. Although “contracted” can mean limited or restricted in some contexts, here Mr. Brooke is said to draw
unpredictable conclusions, suggesting that he exhibits this “too rambling habit of mind,” not that it has been somehow
limited or restricted. Choice B is incorrect. Although the text describes Mr. Brooke’s habit of mind, nothing suggests that
those are his descriptions or, indeed, that he described his habit of mind at all. Choice D is incorrect because settled means
calmed or mitigated, but here Mr. Brooke is said to draw unpredictable conclusions, suggesting that he exhibits this “too
rambling habit of mind,” not that it has been somehow calmed or mitigated.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d1f9725e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: d1f9725e
The people of medieval Europe have traditionally been seen as uninterested in cleanliness and hygiene, but
modern research has shown that this is largely a myth. According to historian Eleanor Janega, most
medieval towns in Europe had at least one public bathhouse, which often offered both full-immersion baths
and—more affordably—steam baths. While such amenities were available mainly to town dwellers, regular
bathing in rivers and streams or daily sponge baths at home were common practices throughout medieval
Europe.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion?

A. It asserts that in medieval Europe steam baths were more popular in rural areas than in urban ones.

B. It describes a limitation of earlier historians’ studies of medieval European bathing habits.

C. It concedes that not all people in medieval Europe had access to public bathhouses.

D. It explains why Janega decided to study the popularity of public bathhouses in medieval Europe.

ID: d1f9725e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most effectively describes the function of the underlined portion. The text discusses
the long-standing misconception that people in medieval Europe were uninterested in cleanliness and hygiene. As evidence
that this idea is false, the text cites historian Eleanor Janega’s assertion that in medieval Europe, towns usually had at least
one bathhouse, where people could take immersion baths or steam baths for a fee. The underlined portion then notes that
mainly town dwellers had access to these bathhouses. The remainder of the text explains that those who lacked such
access were nonetheless able to bathe in outdoor waterways or take sponge baths at home. Therefore, the underlined
portion concedes that some people in medieval Europe lacked access to public bathhouses.

Choice A is incorrect. The underlined portion establishes that amenities such as steam baths were mainly available to town
dwellers, which suggests in turn that steam baths were largely unavailable to people in rural areas. Thus, the distinction
made by the underlined portion is not between the popularity of steam baths in towns versus their lack of popularity in rural
areas but instead between their presence in towns and absence in rural areas. Choice B is incorrect. Although the text does
explain that recent historians have disproved the idea that medieval Europeans rarely bathed, it doesn’t attribute that
misconception to earlier historians of medieval Europe or suggest that their research was subject to limitations. Moreover,
the underlined portion addresses a limitation of life in medieval Europe, not of historical research. Choice D is incorrect
because the underlined portion doesn’t address why historian Eleanor Janega decided to study the popularity of public
bathhouses in medieval Europe—nor does any portion of the text. The text mentions Janega in passing, but it doesn’t go into
detail about why she decided to study the popularity of public bathhouses in medieval Europe.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 35bc6898
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 35bc6898
The following text is from the 1924 poem “Cycle” by D’Arcy McNickle, who was a citizen of the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
There shall be new roads wending,
A new beating of the drum—
Men’s eyes shall have fresh seeing,
Grey lives reprise their span—
But under the new sun’s being,
Completing what night began,
There’ll be the same backs bending,
The same sad feet shall drum—
When this night finds its ending
And day shall have come.....

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To consider how the repetitiveness inherent in human life can be both rewarding and challenging

B. To question whether activities completed at one time of day are more memorable than those completed
at another time of day

C. To refute the idea that joy is a more commonly experienced emotion than sadness is

D. To demonstrate how the experiences of individuals relate to the experiences of their communities

ID: 35bc6898 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it accurately states the main purpose of the text. The text begins by discussing the
promise of the future, with positive references to renewal such as “new roads,” “new beating of the drum,” and “fresh seeing.”
But with the “new sun,” the text continues, there will still be “the same backs bending” and “the same sad feet” drumming,
indicating that these difficulties will follow people into this new day. The poem thus considers both the rewards and
challenges associated with the repetitiveness of human life.

Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t say anything about how memorable activities are, let alone compare the
memorability of activities completed at different times of the day. Choice C is incorrect. Although the text contrasts hope
with difficulty, it does not compare the relative frequency of joyful feelings with that of sad feelings. Choice D is incorrect
because the text makes no distinction between the experiences of individuals and the experiences of their communities.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID fd7c6d0d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: fd7c6d0d
The following text is from Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1910 poem “The Earth’s Entail.”
No matter how we cultivate the land,
Taming the forest and the prairie free;
No matter how we irrigate the sand,
Making the desert blossom at command,
We must always leave the borders of the sea;
The immeasureable reaches
Of the windy wave-wet beaches,
The million-mile-long margin of the sea.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. The speaker argues against interfering with nature and then gives evidence supporting this interference.

B. The speaker presents an account of efforts to dominate nature and then cautions that such efforts are
only temporary.

C. The speaker provides examples of an admirable way of approaching nature and then challenges that
approach.

D. The speaker describes attempts to control nature and then offers a reminder that not all nature is
controllable.

ID: fd7c6d0d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. This best describes the overall structure of the text. In the first half of the text, the speaker
describes our attempts to control nature: cultivating, taming, and irrigating different kinds of land. In the second half, the
speaker states that we can never tame the sea or the beach.

Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t describe the overall structure of the text. The speaker never argues that we should not
interfere with nature. Rather, the speaker says that we are able to tame many different kinds of land, but we are unable to
tame the sea or beaches. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t describe the overall structure of the text. The speaker never
describes our cultivation, taming, and irrigation of land as “temporary.” Rather, the speaker says that we are able to tame
many different kinds of land, but we are unable to tame the sea or beaches. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t describe the
overall structure of the text. The speaker never describes our cultivation, taming, and irrigation of land as an “admirable”
approach to nature.” Rather, the speaker says that we are able to tame many different kinds of land, but we are unable to
tame the sea or beaches.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID da17503b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: da17503b
Space scientists Anna-Lisa Paul, Stephen M. Elardo, and Robert Ferl planted seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana in
samples of lunar regolith—the surface material of the Moon—and, serving as a control group, in terrestrial
soil. They found that while all the seeds germinated, the roots of the regolith-grown plants were stunted
compared with those in the control group. Moreover, unlike the plants in the control group, the regolith-grown
plants exhibited red pigmentation, reduced leaf size, and inhibited growth rates—indicators of stress that
were corroborated by postharvest molecular analysis.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. It describes an experiment that addressed an unresolved question about the extent to which lunar regolith
resembles terrestrial soils.

B. It compares two distinct methods of assessing indicators of stress in plants grown in a simulated lunar
environment.

C. It presents evidence in support of the hypothesis that seed germination in lunar habitats is an
unattainable goal.

D. It discusses the findings of a study that evaluated the effects of exposing a plant species to lunar soil
conditions.

ID: da17503b Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text describes an experiment wherein space scientists compared plant growth in terrestrial
and lunar soil conditions. It then discusses the findings of the study, including the fact that all the seeds germinated but that
the plants grown in lunar soil exhibited signs of stress.

Choice A is incorrect. The text doesn’t address this question, and never describes any specific characteristics of either soil. It
merely describes the outcome of an experiment that exposed a plant species to lunar soil conditions. Choice B is incorrect.
The text never compares methods of assessing indicators of stress—instead, it simply mentions several stress indicators
observed in the study (red pigmentation, reduced leaf size, and inhibited growth rates). Choice C is incorrect. The text doesn’t
present any evidence that we could never achieve seed germination in lunar habitats, and in fact states that the seeds in the
lunar soil did germinate.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6a9bf335
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 6a9bf335
Studying late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century artifacts from an agricultural and domestic site in
Texas, archaeologist Ayana O. Flewellen found that Black women employed as farm workers utilized hook-
and-eye closures to fasten their clothes at the waist, giving themselves a silhouette similar to the one that
was popular in contemporary fashion and typically achieved through more restrictive garments such as
corsets. Flewellen argues that this sartorial practice shows that these women balanced hegemonic ideals of
femininity with the requirements of their physically demanding occupation.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To describe an unexpected discovery that altered a researcher’s view of how rapidly fashions among
Black female farmworkers in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Texas changed during the period

B. To discuss research that investigated the ways in which Black female farmworkers in late nineteenth- and
early twentieth-century Texas used fashion practices to resist traditional gender ideals

C. To evaluate a scholarly work that offers explanations for the impact of urban fashion ideals on Black
female farmworkers in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Texas

D. To summarize the findings of a study that explored factors influencing a fashion practice among Black
female farmworkers in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Texas

ID: 6a9bf335 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text provides an overview of a scholarly work discussing the fashion practices of Black
female farmworkers in late 19th- and early 20th-century Texas, and how these practices were influenced by both the fashion
ideals of the time and the demands of farmwork.

Choice A is incorrect. The text never discusses the rate of fashion change among Black female farmworkers. The text also
never categorizes Flewellen’s findings as "unexpected." Choice B is incorrect. The text actually explains that Black female
farmworkers were trying to achieve traditional feminine ideals, not resist them. Choice C is incorrect. The text doesn’t
evaluate a scholarly work but rather simply describes it. Furthermore, the text is focused on "agricultural and domestic"
fashion, not urban fashion as this choice suggests.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 26ac2597
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 26ac2597
The following text is from the 1989 novel The Ancient Child by Kiowa writer N. Scott Momaday. The main
character has achieved tremendous commercial success as a painter.

More and more often he was asked to compromise his art or himself in one way or another, and more
often than not he did so, for he was inclined to be passive and naïve; it was difficult for him to say no.
Those who exhibited his work, who praised and purchased it, and who demanded its proliferation began
to determine it.
©1989 by N. Scott Momaday

As used in the text, what does the word “determine” most nearly mean?
A. Conclude

B. Dictate

C. Evaluate

D. Select

ID: 26ac2597 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because as used in the text "determine" most nearly means "dictate." The text describes the
relationship between the main character and those who exhibit, praise, and purchase his artwork. The text states that the
main character is often asked to change his art or himself based on outside influences, and he usually acquiesces. Because
the main character admits that those who support his work often shape it based on their demands, it follows that those
outside influences dictate, or guide or dominate, the direction his work takes.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that outside influences "conclude," or end, the main character’s work.
The text states that many supporters of the main character’s art "demand its proliferation," not its conclusion. Choice C is
incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that outside influences are "evaluating," or judging the main character’s work.
According to the text, the main character’s art has already achieved great commercial success, with many people exhibiting,
purchasing, and praising his work. Thus, outsiders have already supported the main character’s work and are not questioning
or evaluating its success or worth. They are instead influencing its initial direction. Choice D is incorrect because the text
doesn’t suggest that outside influences "select," or choose the main character’s work. According to the text, the main
character’s art has already achieved great commercial success, with many people exhibiting, purchasing, and praising his
work. Thus, outsiders have already supported the main character’s work and are not selecting it. They are instead influencing
its initial direction.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID c4c7ef40
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: c4c7ef40
In 2008 a complete set of ancient pessoi (glass game pieces) was uncovered from beneath a paving stone in
modern-day Israel. Due to their small size, pessoi were easily misplaced, making a whole set a rare find. This
has led some experts to suggest that the set may have been buried intentionally; however, without clear
evidence, archaeologists are left to ______ what happened.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. speculate about

B. dismiss

C. expand on

D. catalog

ID: c4c7ef40 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. "Speculate" means "to form a theory or guess without any clear evidence." This makes sense
because, due to the lack of "clear evidence," the archaeologists can only guess how the pessoi set might have come to be
there.

Choice B is incorrect. "Dismiss" can mean "send away" or "treat as unworthy of consideration." The text implies that the
archaeologists are trying to figure out the truth—they wouldn’t "dismiss" what really happened. Choice C is incorrect. "Expand
on" means "give more details about," but there aren’t any details to give. Without any "clear evidence," the archaeologists can’t
give any more details. Choice D is incorrect. "Catalog" means "carefully record" or "make a list of." However, there’s no "clear
evidence," so there’s no real information to "catalog."

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 44bce45e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 44bce45e
For his 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, Beverly Glenn-Copeland wrote songs grounded in traditional soul
and folk music, then accompanied them with futuristic synthesizer arrangements featuring ambient sounds
and complex rhythms. The result was so strange, so unprecedented, that the album attracted little attention
when first released. In recent years, however, a younger generation of musicians has embraced the stylistic
experimentation of Keyboard Fantasies. Alternative R&B musicians Blood Orange and Moses Sumney, among
other contemporary recording artists, cite the album as an influence.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It urges contemporary musicians to adopt the unique sound of Keyboard Fantasies.

B. It responds to criticism of Keyboard Fantasies by some younger musicians.

C. It offers examples of younger musicians whose work has been impacted by Keyboard Fantasies.

D. It contrasts Keyboard Fantasies with the recordings of two younger musicians.

ID: 44bce45e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a
whole. The text’s subject is Beverly Glenn-Copeland’s 1986 album Keyboard Fantasies, notable for its innovative,
experimental arrangements. According to the text, the album was not initially admired, but in recent years it has become
popular among younger musicians. The underlined portion of the text mentions two of those musicians, Blood Orange and
Moses Sumney, who “cite the album as an influence.” Therefore, the underlined portion of the text offers examples of
younger musicians whose work has been impacted by Keyboard Fantasies.

Choice A is incorrect because even though the underlined sentence states that Blood Orange and Moses Sumney were
influenced by Keyboard Fantasies, it doesn’t say that all other musicians should also embrace the album’s experimental style.
Choice B is incorrect. Although the text states that Keyboard Fantasies was not admired on its first release, the text doesn’t
present any criticism of the album by younger musicians: it only presents two younger musicians who cite it as an influence.
Choice D is incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t mention any differences between Keyboard Fantasies and the
work of Blood Orange and Moses Sumney.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 950d740f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 950d740f
The following text is adapted from Aphra Behn’s 1689 novel The Lucky Mistake. Atlante and Rinaldo are
neighbors who have been secretly exchanging letters through Charlot, Atlante’s sister.
[Atlante] gave this letter to Charlot; who immediately ran into the balcony with it, where she still found
Rinaldo in a melancholy posture, leaning his head on his hand: She showed him the letter, but was afraid to
toss it to him, for fear it might fall to the ground; so he ran and fetched a long cane, which he cleft at one
end, and held it while she put the letter into the cleft, and stayed not to hear what he said to it. But never
was man so transported with joy, as he was at the reading of this letter; it gives him new wounds; for to the
generous, nothing obliges love so much as love.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It describes the delivery of a letter, and then portrays a character’s happiness at reading that letter.

B. It establishes that a character is desperate to receive a letter, and then explains why another character has
not yet written that letter.

C. It presents a character’s concerns about delivering a letter, and then details the contents of that letter.

D. It reveals the inspiration behind a character’s letter, and then emphasizes the excitement that another
character feels upon receiving that letter.

ID: 950d740f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the overall structure of the text. The narrator begins by
explaining how Charlot carefully delivers Atlante’s letter to Rinaldo, and then relates that Rinaldo feels “transported with joy”
after reading the letter. Therefore, the overall structure of the text is best described as a description of the delivery of a letter
followed by the portrayal of a character’s happiness after reading the letter.

Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that the letter has been written; there’s no explanation why another character
hasn’t written one. In addition, the text’s description of Rinaldo “in a melancholy posture” suggests that he’s sad and
thoughtful, not that he’s desperate to receive the letter. Choice C is incorrect. Although the text states that Charlot won’t toss
the letter to Rinaldo because she doesn’t want it to fall, the text doesn’t refer to the contents of the letter. Instead, the text
describes how happy Rinaldo feels after reading it. Choice D is incorrect. Although the text does describe Rinaldo’s reaction
to the letter, the text doesn’t begin by discussing Atlante’s inspiration for writing the letter. Instead, the text begins by
discussing the delivery of the letter.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7424ea31
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 7424ea31
Text 1
Fossils of the hominin Australopithecus africanus have been found in the Sterkfontein Caves of South Africa,
but assigning an age to the fossils is challenging because of the unreliability of dating methods in this
context. The geology of Sterkfontein has caused soil layers from different periods to mix, impeding
stratigraphic dating, and dates cannot be reliably imputed from those of nearby animal bones since the
bones may have been relocated by flooding.
Text 2
Archaeologists used new cosmogenic nuclide dating techniques to reevaluate the ages of A. africanus
fossils found in the Sterkfontein Caves. This technique involves analyzing the cosmogenic nucleotides in the
breccia—the matrix of rock fragments immediately surrounding the fossils. The researchers assert that this
approach avoids the potential for misdating associated with assigning ages based on Sterkfontein’s soil
layers or animal bones.

Based on the texts, how would the researchers in Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined portion in Text
1?
A. They would emphasize the fact that the A. africanus fossils found in the Sterkfontein Caves may have
been corrupted in some way over the years.

B. They would contend that if analyses of surrounding layers and bones in the Sterkfontein Caves were
combined, then the dating of the fossils there would be more accurate.

C. They would argue that their techniques are better suited than other methods to the unique challenges
posed by the Sterkfontein Caves.

D. They would claim that cosmogenic nuclide dating is reliable in the context of the Sterkfontein Caves
because it is applied to the fossils directly.

ID: 7424ea31 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. Text 2 states that the researchers used cosmogenic nuclide dating to "avoid the potential for
misdating" caused by the geology of Sterkfontein, which Text 1 describes as "challenging" and unreliable.

Choice A is incorrect. Neither text suggests that the A. africanus fossils have been "corrupted," but only that traditional dating
methods are difficult in Sterkfontein because of floods and soil mixing where the fossils were found. Nothing is implied to
have compromised the fossils themselves. Choice B is incorrect. This choice misreads Text 2. Text 2 agrees that
stratigraphy and other methods are prone to error in the context of Sterkfontein: there’s a "potential for misdating" when
evaluating age based on soil layers and bones. Choice D is incorrect. Text 2 does not state that cosmogenic nuclide dating is
applied to the fossils directly but rather to the breccia that surrounds them.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 674aae7d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 674aae7d
Astronomers are confident that the star Betelgeuse will eventually consume all the helium in its core and
explode in a supernova. They are much less confident, however, about when this will happen, since that
depends on internal characteristics of Betelgeuse that are largely unknown. Astrophysicist Sarafina El-Badry
Nance and colleagues recently investigated whether acoustic waves in the star could be used to determine
internal stellar states but concluded that this method could not sufficiently reveal Betelgeuse’s internal
characteristics to allow its evolutionary state to be firmly fixed.

Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It describes a serious limitation of the method used by Nance and colleagues.

B. It presents the central finding reported by Nance and colleagues.

C. It identifies the problem that Nance and colleagues attempted to solve but did not.

D. It explains how the work of Nance and colleagues was received by others in the field.

ID: 674aae7d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it best describes how the second sentence functions in the text as a whole. The first
sentence establishes something astronomers believe with some certainty: that Betelgeuse will explode in a supernova. The
second sentence then introduces a problem: astronomers aren’t certain when Betelgeuse will explode because they don’t
have enough information about the star’s internal characteristics. Finally, the third sentence indicates that researcher
Sarafina El-Badry Nance and colleagues investigated a possible method of obtaining the necessary information about
Betelgeuse’s internal characteristics, though they found that the method wouldn’t be sufficient. Thus, the function of the
second sentence is to identify the problem that Nance and colleagues attempted to solve but didn’t.

Choice A is incorrect because the second sentence introduces the general problem Nance and colleagues hoped to solve,
not a serious limitation of how Nance and colleagues tried to solve it. It is the third sentence that introduces Nance and
colleagues, but no serious limitation of their approach to studying a method of determining internal stellar states is
described. Choice B is incorrect because the second sentence introduces the general problem Nance and colleagues hoped
to solve, not the central finding they ultimately reported. It is the third sentence that presents Nance and colleagues’
conclusion that a potential method for determining internal stellar states would be insufficient. Choice D is incorrect
because the second sentence doesn’t indicate how other astronomers or astrophysicists responded to the work done by
Nance and colleagues; the text doesn’t address this information at all.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 83e4ea9a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 83e4ea9a
According to Indian economist and sociologist Radhakamal Mukerjee (1889–1968), the Eurocentric
concepts that informed early twentieth-century social scientific methods—for example, the idea that all social
relations are reducible to struggles between individuals—had little relevance for India. Making the social
sciences more responsive to Indians’ needs, Mukerjee argued, required constructing analytical categories
informed by India’s cultural and ecological circumstances. Mukerjee thus proposed the communalist “Indian
village” as the ideal model on which to base Indian economic and social policy.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. The text recounts Mukerjee’s early training in the social scientific disciplines and then lists social policies
whose implementation Mukerjee oversaw.

B. The text mentions some of Mukerjee’s economic theories and then traces their impact on other Indian
social scientists of the twentieth century.

C. The text presents Mukerjee’s critique of the social sciences and then provides an example of his attempts
to address issues he identified in his critique.

D. The text explains an influential economic theory and then demonstrates how that theory was more
important to Mukerjee’s work than other social scientists have acknowledged.

ID: 83e4ea9a Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. The text does indeed present Mukerjee’s critique of the social sciences—that they were too
Eurocentric—and then provides an example of how he attempted to address the issues he identified: by suggesting a social
science model based on the Indian village.

Choice A is incorrect. The text doesn’t discuss Mukerjee’s early training or his oversight of the implementation of social
policies at all. Choice B is incorrect. The text never discusses any other Indian social scientists. Choice D is incorrect. The
text never mentions other social scientists’ responses to Mukerjee’s work.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 92328e3b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 92328e3b
As discussed by scholar Anna Mladentseva, many artworks produced in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s
exclusively for exhibition on the internet, such as Sinae Kim’s Genesis (2001), have become inaccessible
because viewing them requires the use of ______ software (most notably Adobe Flash, discontinued in 2021).

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. defunct

B. arcane

C. ubiquitous

D. extraneous

ID: 92328e3b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of artworks that were produced for
exhibition on the internet. In this context, "defunct" means no longer existing or functioning. According to the text, many
artworks that were produced in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s for exhibition on the internet have become inaccessible
due to their reliance on certain software. As an example, the text cites Sinae Kim’s Genesis, which relied on software that
was discontinued in 2021. This context supports the idea that the software is defunct.

Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that viewing artworks produced in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s for
exhibition on the internet requires the use of software. Artists generally want their works to be seen by many people, so it
wouldn’t make sense for creators of internet art to require the use of software that is "arcane," or known or knowable to only
a few people. Moreover, the text states that a prominent example of software used to view these artworks is Adobe Flash,
which was discontinued in 2021, meaning it’s now defunct. Choice C is incorrect because "ubiquitous" would mean found
everywhere, which wouldn’t make sense in this context. The text indicates that the reason why many artworks that were
produced in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s for exhibition on the internet have become inaccessible has to do with the
software required for viewing them. According to the text, one example of such software is Adobe Flash, which was
discontinued in 2021, meaning it’s now defunct. Choice D is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that the software
used to view artworks produced in the mid-1990s to the early 2000s for exhibition on the internet is "extraneous," or
irrelevant. Instead, the text indicates that use of specific software is required to view certain artworks from this period and
that the discontinuation of the software renders the works inaccessible.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 306f6d2a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 306f6d2a
The following text is adapted from Herman Melville’s 1855 novel Israel Potter. Israel is a young man
wandering through New England during the late eighteenth century.

He hired himself out for three months; at the end of that time to receive for his wages two hundred acres
of land lying in New Hampshire. [...] His employer proving false to the contract in the matter of the land,
and there being no law in the country to force him to fulfil it, Israel—who, however brave-hearted, and
even much of a dare-devil upon a pinch, seems nevertheless to have evinced, throughout many parts of
his career, a singular patience and mildness—was obliged to look round for other means of livelihood
than clearing out a farm for himself in the wilderness.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It implies that Israel treasures a particular characteristic of his personality when that characteristic should
usually be regarded as a flaw.

B. It suggests that if not for a certain aspect of his character, Israel might not have been as easily thwarted
in his ambition to establish a farm.

C. It shows why Israel would not have been able to undertake the enormous amount of labor necessary to
run a farm even if he had owned the necessary property.

D. It explains why, when the situation requires it, Israel is able to undertake courageous acts that others
would generally avoid.

ID: 306f6d2a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole. The text
describes the failed attempt of Israel Potter to establish a farm in New England during the late eighteenth century: according
to his contract, he was to receive two hundred acres in exchange for three months’ work, but his employer then refused to
fulfill the bargain and Israel had no recourse to law to obtain the land he was owed. Israel was therefore forced to find
another means of supporting himself. To explain why Israel was particularly susceptible to his employer’s dishonesty, the
underlined portion states that though Israel was "brave-hearted, and even much of a dare-devil upon a pinch," he also
possessed "a singular patience and mildness." In other words, Israel could be courageous in certain circumstances, but he
was usually meek and disinclined to argument, from which it is reasonable to infer that Israel was often taken advantage of.
Thus, the underlined portion suggests that if not for a certain aspect of his character, Israel might not have been as easily
thwarted in his ambition to establish a farm.
Choice A is incorrect because although the underlined portion describes aspects of Israel’s personality, it does not address
how he feels about his own personality. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined portion addresses Israel’s occasional
courage and frequent meekness but does not address whether he would have the skills and resolve necessary to operate a
farm if he owned sufficient property. Choice D is incorrect. Though the underlined portion does indicate that Israel could be
courageous in certain circumstances, it does not say that he undertook acts of courage that others avoided, but rather that
he was habitually meek. Even if the underlined portion did say that Israel was more courageous than most, this would not
explain why he found himself under the circumstances described in the text—that is, as a consequence of his meek nature,
cheated of the property to which he had a right.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fda65f0a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: fda65f0a
Text 1
Soy sauce, made from fermented soybeans, is noted for its umami flavor. Umami—one of the five basic
tastes along with sweet, bitter, salty, and sour—was formally classified when its taste receptors were
discovered in the 2000s. In 2007, to define the pure umami flavor scientists Rie Ishii and Michael O’Mahony
used broths made from shiitake mushrooms and kombu seaweed, and two panels of Japanese and US
judges closely agreed on a description of the taste.

Text 2
A 2022 experiment by Manon Jünger et al. led to a greater understanding of soy sauce’s flavor profile. The
team initially presented a mixture of compounds with low molecular weights to taste testers who found it
was not as salty or bitter as real soy sauce. Further analysis of soy sauce identified proteins, including
dipeptides, that enhanced umami flavor and also contributed to saltiness. The team then made a mix of 50
chemical compounds that re-created soy sauce’s flavor.

Based on the texts, if Ishii and O’Mahony (Text 1) and Jünger et al. (Text 2) were aware of the findings of both
experiments, they would most likely agree with which statement?
A. On average, the diets of people in the United States tend to have fewer foods that contain certain
dipeptides than the diets of people in Japan have.

B. Chemical compounds that activate both the umami and salty taste receptors tend to have a higher
molecular weight than those that only activate umami taste receptors.

C. Fermentation introduces proteins responsible for the increase of umami flavor in soy sauce, and those
proteins also increase the perception of saltiness.

D. The broths in the 2007 experiment most likely did not have a substantial amount of the dipeptides that
played a key part in the 2022 experiment.

ID: fda65f0a Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. Ishii and O’Mahony were trying to isolate the pure umami flavor, while Jünger was trying to
recreate soy sauce, which has a mix of flavors that includes umami. Accordingly, the broths from Text 1 are not described as
having any soy sauce in them—just “shiitake mushrooms and kombu seaweed.” So they probably don’t have as much of the
dipeptides described in Text 2, which were found to be a key part of soy sauce’s umami-ness and its saltiness.
Choice A is incorrect. Neither text supports this. Neither text gets into the diets of people in the United States, nor the diets
of people in Japan. Choice B is incorrect. Neither text supports this. Text 2 does talk about the molecular weights of
chemical compounds, but there isn’t enough information provided about molecular weights in Text 1 to make an inference
about what the scientists in Text 1 would say. Choice C is incorrect. Neither text supports this. Text 1 briefly mentions that
soy sauce is “made from fermented soybeans,” but it never claims that fermentation is responsible for its flavor in any way.
And Text 2 never mentions fermentation at all.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e0cdb559
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: e0cdb559
Text 1
Mycoprotein is a fungal biomass that can be eaten as an alternative to meat. Studies of the environmental
impact of its manufacture generally agree it is lower than that of beef and closer to that of chicken or pork.
But the expense of producing mycoprotein restricts its availability to a few countries with postindustrial
economies. Knowing that cost reductions would expand access to mycoprotein, biochemists are exploring
solutions, such as a cheaper substrate to feed the mycoprotein as it grows.

Text 2
Cattle farming is a principal cause of global deforestation, and a study by Florian Humpenöder and his
colleagues found that replacing 20% of beef consumption worldwide with consumption of mycoprotein
would cut deforestation by half if accomplished over the next thirty years. However, this would likely involve
only a small change in agricultural water consumption, since water once dedicated to raising cattle would be
diverted to raising crops instead.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to the study findings mentioned in
Text 2?
A. By emphasizing that since agricultural water consumption would remain static in the event of replacing
beef consumption with mycoprotein consumption, an effort must be made to substitute mycoprotein for
chicken and pork in diets as well

B. By asserting that the development of a more inexpensive substrate for mycoprotein production would
contribute to the goal of decreasing worldwide deforestation over time

C. By noting that most people would be more likely to use mycoprotein as a substitute for chicken or pork in
their diets than as a substitute for beef

D. By pointing out that some countries are responsible for greater deforestation than others and thus, to
have any significant effect on the environment, will have to replace more than 20% of their beef
consumption with mycoprotein

ID: e0cdb559 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 1 would most likely respond to the study findings
described in Text 2. The author of Text 2 discusses a study by Florian Humpenöder and his colleagues that found that
deforestation would be reduced by half over the next thirty years if 20% of the beef consumed worldwide were replaced with
mycoprotein. The author of Text 1 points out that mycoprotein is not widely available because of its high production cost, but
goes on to note that this problem could be addressed by the creation of a cheaper substrate to feed mycoprotein. This
suggests that the author of Text 1 would assert that the development of a less expensive mycoprotein substrate would
contribute to the reduction in deforestation described in the study findings discussed in Text 2: if reducing the cost of
mycoprotein increases people’s access to it, then mycoprotein may be able to replace beef in more people’s diets, thereby
reducing the deforestation associated with beef production.

Choice A is incorrect because the author of Text 1 indicates that the environmental impact of mycoprotein production is
close to that of chicken or pork production, so there is no reason to think that the author would assert that replacing chicken
or pork with mycoprotein would be environmentally beneficial: such a replacement would not lessen the total environmental
impact of food manufacture. Additionally, the specific issue of agricultural water consumption is never mentioned in Text 1,
so there is no evidence indicating what the author of Text 1 would say about that issue. Choice C is incorrect. Although Text
1 does compare the environmental effects of producing mycoprotein to those of producing chicken or pork, nothing in Text 1
suggests that the author believes that people are more likely to replace chicken or pork with mycoprotein than they are to
replace beef with mycoprotein. Choice D is incorrect because Text 1 makes no mention of countries’ varying contributions to
deforestation, so there is no evidence that the author of Text 1 would respond to the finding described in Text 2 by saying
that some countries will have to replace more than 20% of their beef consumption with mycoprotein.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e3d3d5f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: e3d3d5f1
Critics have asserted that fine art and fashion rarely ______ in a world where artists create timeless works for
exhibition and designers periodically produce new styles for the public to buy. Luiseño/Shoshone-Bannock
beadwork artist and designer Jamie Okuma challenges this view: her work can be seen in the Metropolitan
Museum of Art and purchased through her online boutique.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. prevail

B. succumb

C. diverge

D. intersect

ID: e3d3d5f1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion about the relationship between fine art
and fashion. As used in this context, “intersect” means to connect or overlap. The text indicates that Jamie Okuma
challenges the position held by critics because her work can be seen at an art museum and can be bought by the public from
her online boutique. The text also presents the critics’ view as being influenced by a perception that fine artists create works
that are “timeless” and meant for exhibition, whereas fashion designers periodically produce new styles that are meant for
purchase. This context suggests that the critics believe that fine art and fashion tend not to overlap—in other words, that
they rarely intersect.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to say that critics contend that fine art and fashion rarely
“prevail,” or prove to be triumphant or widespread. The text indicates that Okuma is an example of an artist who
demonstrates that it’s possible to make fine art that is also available to the public as fashion. Choice B is incorrect because
it wouldn’t make sense in context to say that fine art and fashion rarely “succumb,” or surrender. The text establishes that
unlike what critics believe, Okuma creates works that are in art museums and available for the public to purchase,
suggesting that critics believe fine art and fashion rarely overlap, not that they rarely succumb. Choice C is incorrect because
saying that critics believe that fine art and fashion rarely “diverge,” or disagree or move in different directions, wouldn’t make
sense in context. The text presents Okuma’s work as both fine art and fashion, thereby undermining what the critics assert.
This suggests that the critics believe that fine art and fashion rarely intersect rather than that the two rarely diverge.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID ec8bf67b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: ec8bf67b
Cuttlefish appear to be surprisingly ______ at exercising self-control: in a 2021 study conducted by behavioral
ecologist Alexandra Schnell, these cephalopods routinely demonstrated restraint by delaying gratification,
waiting for a favorite treat instead of instantly devouring a readily available meal.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. awkward

B. imaginative

C. manageable

D. competent

ID: ec8bf67b Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of self-control in cuttlefish. In this
context, "competent" means capable. The text describes a study in which cuttlefish demonstrated an ability to exercise
restraint by waiting for a favorite treat instead of eating a meal that was already available to them. That is, by delaying
gratification, the cuttlefish in the study demonstrated that they were capable of, or competent at, exercising self-control.

Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that in demonstrating self-control, cuttlefish are "awkward," or
lacking skill or grace. If anything, the text indicates that cuttlefish appear to be surprisingly skilled at exercising self-control.
Choice B is incorrect because in this context, "imaginative" would mean creative, and there’s nothing in the text to suggest
that cuttlefish demonstrate creativity. Instead, the text focuses on the fact that cuttlefish seem to be capable of exercising
restraint and self-control. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, "manageable" would mean capable of being
controlled. Although the text indicates that the cuttlefish in the study demonstrated restraint by waiting for a favorite treat
instead of devouring a readily available meal (which suggests their ability to control themselves), it doesn’t suggest that
cuttlefish are thus also able to be managed or controlled by others.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fdf8e5b3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: fdf8e5b3
Text 1
The idea that time moves in only one direction is instinctively understood, yet it puzzles physicists. According
to the second law of thermodynamics, at a macroscopic level some processes of heat transfer are
irreversible due to the production of entropy—after a transfer we cannot rewind time and place molecules
back exactly where they were before, just as we cannot unbreak dropped eggs. But laws of physics at a
microscopic or quantum level hold that those processes should be reversible.

Text 2
In 2015, physicists Tiago Batalhão et al. performed an experiment in which they confirmed the irreversibility
of thermodynamic processes at a quantum level, producing entropy by applying a rapidly oscillating
magnetic field to a system of carbon-13 atoms in liquid chloroform. But the experiment “does not pinpoint ...
what causes [irreversibility] at the microscopic level,” coauthor Mauro Paternostro said.

Based on the texts, what would the author of Text 1 most likely say about the experiment described in Text 2?
A. It would suggest an interesting direction for future research were it not the case that two of the physicists
who conducted the experiment disagree on the significance of its findings.

B. It provides empirical evidence that the current understanding of an aspect of physics at a microscopic
level must be incomplete.

C. It is consistent with the current understanding of physics at a microscopic level but not at a macroscopic
level.

D. It supports a claim about an isolated system of atoms in a laboratory, but that claim should not be
extrapolated to a general claim about the universe.

ID: fdf8e5b3 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. Author 1 describes the puzzle that physicists still can’t solve: at a microscopic level, the “laws of
physics” suggest that we should be able to reverse processes that are not reversible at a macroscopic level (and, maybe,
turn back time!). The experiment confirmed that those processes are not reversible even on the microscopic level, but it
didn’t explain why. This supports Author 1’s point that physicists still don’t fully understand how things work at a microscopic
level—maybe the laws need to be revised.
Choice A is incorrect. We can’t infer that the author of Text 1 would respond this way to the experiment. Text 2 does name
two of the physicists involved in the experiment, but it never suggests that they disagree on anything. Choice C is incorrect.
This is the opposite of what the experiment suggests. The experiment confirmed that the macroscopic-level law (“these
things can’t be reversed—like time”) was still true on the microscopic level—meaning it supports the current understanding of
physics at a macroscopic level. Choice D is incorrect. We can’t infer that the author of Text 1 would respond this way to the
experiment. Neither text makes this distinction between laboratory findings and the way the universe works in general.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID c89da8bc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: c89da8bc
According to historian Vicki L. Ruiz, Mexican American women made crucial contributions to the labor
movement during World War II. At the time, food processing companies entered into contracts to supply
United States armed forces with canned goods. Increased production quotas conferred greater bargaining
power on the companies’ employees, many of whom were Mexican American women: employees insisted on
more favorable benefits, and employers, who were anxious to fulfill the contracts, complied. Thus, labor
activism became a platform for Mexican American women to assert their agency.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It elaborates on a claim about labor relations in a particular industry made earlier in the text.

B. It offers an example of a trend in the World War II–era economy discussed earlier in the text.

C. It notes a possible exception to the historical narrative of labor activism sketched earlier in the text.

D. It provides further details about the identities of the workers discussed earlier in the text.

ID: c89da8bc Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it best describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a whole. The text
says that the increased production quotas of food processing companies during World War II enabled employees to make
better bargains in exchange for their labor. The underlined portion presents an example of this increased bargaining power:
employees requested more favorable benefits, and employers complied because they were under pressure to fulfill the
demanding terms of their contracts. Thus, the underlined portion of the text elaborates on a claim about labor relations in a
particular industry (food processing) made earlier in the text.

Choice B is incorrect because there is no indication in the text that the economic factors that influenced food processing
also influenced other parts of the economy; thus, the bargaining described in the underlined portion of the text cannot be
called an example of a trend. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined portion supports the historical narrative of labor
activism in food processing that is sketched in the text, instead of noting an exception to that narrative. Choice D is incorrect
because while the underlined portion does discuss the demands that workers made in exchange for their labor, it does not
discuss the identities of the workers.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 939f1fe8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 939f1fe8
In Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park, an almost imperceptible smile from potential suitor Henry Crawford
causes the protagonist Fanny Price to blush; her embarrassment grows when she suspects that he is aware
of it. This moment—in which Fanny not only infers Henry’s mental state through his gestures, but also infers
that he is drawing inferences about her mental state—illustrates what literary scholar George Butte calls
“deep intersubjectivity,” a technique for representing interactions between consciousnesses through which
Austen’s novels derive much of their social and psychological drama.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It states a claim about Austen’s skill at representing psychological complexity that is reinforced by an
example presented in the following sentence.

B. It advances an interpretation of an Austen protagonist who is contrasted with protagonists from other
Austen novels cited in the following sentence.

C. It describes a recurring theme in Austen’s novels that is the focus of a literary scholar’s analysis
summarized in the following sentence.

D. It provides a synopsis of an interaction in an Austen novel that illustrates a literary concept discussed in
the following sentence.

ID: 939f1fe8 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The underlined sentence provides a concrete example to ground readers’ understanding of the
“deep intersubjectivity” described in the next sentence as central to Austen’s work.

Choice A is incorrect. There is no evaluation made of Austen’s skill in this sentence, and no examples are given in the
following sentence. This choice essentially flips the paragraph: it’s this first sentence that provides an example. Choice B is
incorrect. There are no other Austen protagonists mentioned in this passage, so this couldn’t be the answer. Choice C is
incorrect. The underlined sentence doesn’t identify any “recurring theme,” but instead simply describes one interaction from
one book. This interaction exemplifies the literary technique of “deep intersubjectivity” that is introduced in the next
sentence.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 815b354f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 815b354f
Using NASA’s powerful James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Mercedes López-Morales and colleagues
measured the wavelengths of light traveling through the atmosphere of WASP-39b, an exoplanet, or planet
outside our solar system. Different molecules absorb different wavelengths of light, and the wavelength
measurements showed the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in WASP-39b’s atmosphere. This finding not
only offers the first decisive evidence of CO₂ in the atmosphere of an exoplanet but also illustrates the
potential for future scientific breakthroughs held by the JWST.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It discusses a method used by some researchers, then states why an alternative method is superior to it.

B. It describes how researchers made a scientific discovery, then explains the importance of that discovery.

C. It outlines the steps taken in a scientific study, then presents a hypothesis based on that study.

D. It examines how a group of scientists reached a conclusion, then shows how other scientists have
challenged that conclusion.

ID: 815b354f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The text begins by describing how the researchers used the JWST to detect CO₂ in WASP-39b’s
atmosphere. Then the text discusses the significance of this finding, both as the first evidence of CO₂ in an exoplanet’s
atmosphere and as an illustration of the JWST’s potential for making new discoveries in general.

Choice A is incorrect. The text doesn’t compare two different methods, but rather focuses on one study that used the JWST.
Choice C is incorrect. The text doesn’t present a hypothesis, but rather reports on the findings of a study. Choice D is
incorrect. The text doesn’t mention any scientists challenging the conclusion reached by López-Morales and colleagues.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e07e1984
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: e07e1984
The following text is from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s 1913 poem “The Poet and His Song.”

A song is but a little thing,

And yet what joy it is to sing!
In hours of toil it gives me zest,
And when at eve I long for rest;
When cows come home along the bars,
And in the fold I hear the bell,
As Night, the shepherd, herds his stars,
I sing my song, and all is well.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To convey how engaging in song makes the speaker feel

B. To compare the speaker to a singing shepherd

C. To portray the speaker’s excitement about farming

D. To describe the pieces of music the speaker enjoys hearing

ID: e07e1984 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because is accurately states the main purpose of the text. The text begins by declaring that
although a song is "but a little thing," or seemingly insignificant, singing it brings joy and gives the speaker of the text "zest,"
or excitement, in "hours of toil." The remainder of the text explores the idea that as night is falling, singing allows the speaker
to feel that "all is well." Thus, the main purpose of the text is to convey how engaging in song makes the speaker feel.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the text mentions a shepherd, it neither indicates that the shepherd is singing nor does it
compare the shepherd to the speaker. Choice C is incorrect. The text indicates that the speaker works hard, engaging in
"hours of toil," and it can be inferred that the speaker likely lives in a rural area, since cows and a cowbell can be heard
nearby. However, the text does not suggest that the speaker is a farmer or feels excited about farming. Moreover, the
shepherd in the text is not a literal reference to someone who herds sheep but instead a figurative description of the moon
as the shepherd of the stars. Choice D is incorrect because in the text, the speaker is singing a song, not listening to others
sing one. Moreover, the text describes the feelings that the speaker has when singing a song, not the song itself.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 708cf785
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 708cf785
Text 1
Dominique Potvin and colleagues captured five Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen) to test a new design
for attaching tracking devices to birds. As the researchers fitted each magpie with a tracker attached by a
small harness, they noticed some magpies without trackers pecking at another magpie’s tracker until it broke
off. The researchers suggest that this behavior could be evidence of magpies attempting to help another
magpie without benefiting themselves.

Text 2
It can be tempting to think that animals are deliberately providing help when we see them removing trackers
and other equipment from one another, especially when a species is known to exhibit other cooperative
behaviors. At the same time, it can be difficult to exclude the possibility that individuals are simply interested
in the equipment because of its novelty, curiously pawing or pecking at it until it detaches.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the researchers’ perspective in
Text 1 on the behavior of the magpies without trackers?
A. That behavior might have been due to the novelty of the magpies’ captive setting rather than to the novelty
of the tracker.

B. That behavior likely indicates that the magpies were deliberately attempting to benefit themselves by
obtaining the tracker.

C. That behavior may not be evidence of selflessness in Gymnorhina tibicen because not all the captured
magpies demonstrated it.

D. That behavior might be adequately explained without suggesting that the magpies were attempting to
assist the other magpie.

ID: 708cf785 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the researchers’
perspective in Text 1 on the behavior of the magpies without trackers. According to Text 1, Dominique Potvin and colleagues
observed magpies without trackers pecking at a tracker on another magpie until the device fell off. The researchers
suggested that the birds might have been attempting to help the other bird, with no benefit to themselves. Text 2 generally
discusses scenarios in which animals have been observed removing trackers from each other. The text cautions that it
shouldn’t be assumed that these animals are helping one another deliberately, since they might simply be pecking at trackers
out of curiosity, causing them to fall off eventually. Therefore, the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to Potvin and
colleagues’ perspective in Text 1 by saying that the behavior of the magpies without trackers could be adequately explained
without suggesting that they were attempting to assist the other magpie.

Choice A is incorrect because Text 2 never discusses the novelty, or the newness and unusual quality, of the captive settings
in which animals have been observed to remove trackers from other animals, nor does it suggest that such novelty might
account for this behavior. Instead, the text suggests that it’s the novelty of the tracking equipment itself that might cause the
behavior: interested in the trackers because they’re unusual, animals might paw or peck at them until they fall off. Choice B
is incorrect because Text 2 never suggests that when animals remove trackers from other animals, they do so because they
wish to obtain the trackers for themselves. Instead, Text 2 argues that animals paw or peck at trackers because they are
merely curious about them. Choice C is incorrect because Text 2 doesn’t argue that when captured animals are observed
removing trackers from each other, their behavior should be regarded as selfless only if all of them participate in it. Instead,
the text argues that the behavior may not be selfless at all and may instead be attributed to animals’ curiosity about the new
and unusual trackers.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7ec676d1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 7ec676d1
The following text is from Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel Jane Eyre. Jane, the narrator, works as a governess
at Thornfield Hall.
I went on with my day’s business tranquilly; but ever and anon vague suggestions kept wandering across
my brain of reasons why I should quit Thornfield; and I kept involuntarily framing advertisements and
pondering conjectures about new situations: these thoughts I did not think to check; they might germinate
and bear fruit if they could.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To convey a contrast between Jane’s outward calmness and internal restlessness

B. To emphasize Jane’s loyalty to the people she works for at Thornfield Hall

C. To demonstrate that Jane finds her situation both challenging and deeply fulfilling

D. To describe Jane’s determination to secure employment outside of Thornfield Hall

ID: 7ec676d1 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to show that while
Jane calmly goes about her daily tasks, she is experiencing internal agitation about possibly seeking a new job. At the start
of the text, Jane says, “I went on with my day’s business tranquilly,” indicating that she is outwardly calm. This outward
calmness is then contrasted with her intense internal restlessness, as Jane says that thoughts of leaving her job keep
running through her mind, that she is “involuntarily framing advertisements” (meaning that she can’t stop herself from
thinking up potential listings for jobs), and that she often wonders what new “situations” (or jobs) would be like.

Choice B is incorrect because the text gives no indication of Jane’s feelings, either positive or negative, about the people she
works for at Thornfield Hall. And rather than emphasizing that Jane feels particularly loyal to her employers, the text focuses
on her constant consideration of leaving her job. Choice C is incorrect because the text gives no indication that Jane finds
her current situation fulfilling, or satisfying. Given that much of the text is focused on Jane’s thoughts about possibly leaving
her job for a new one, it might be the case that she finds her situation challenging, but there is no evidence in the text that
Jane also finds that situation satisfying—she says nothing positive about her current job at all, in fact. Choice D is incorrect
because the text describes Jane as wondering about getting a new job, not as determined to definitely do so. Jane keeps
thinking about reasons why she “should” quit her current job (indicating that she hasn’t yet decided to) and imagining
possible new situations she could find, but she says at the end of the text that these thoughts “might germinate and bear
fruit if they could,” meaning that the thoughts haven’t yet led to a decision—that Jane isn’t yet determined to get a new job
somewhere else.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 720b79de
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 720b79de
In the Here and Now Storybook (1921), educator Lucy Sprague Mitchell advanced the then controversial idea
that books for very young children should imitate how they use language, since toddlers, who cannot yet
grasp narrative or abstract ideas, seek reassurance in verbal repetition and naming. The most enduring
example of this idea is Margaret Wise Brown’s 1947 picture book Goodnight Moon, in which a young rabbit
names the objects in his room as he drifts off to sleep. Scholars note that the book’s emphasis on repetition,
rhythm, and nonsense rhyme speaks directly to Mitchell’s influence.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. The text outlines a debate between two authors of children’s literature and then traces how that debate
shaped theories on early childhood education.

B. The text summarizes an argument about how children’s literature should be evaluated and then discusses
a contrasting view on that subject.

C. The text lists the literary characteristics that are common to many classics of children’s literature and then
indicates the narrative subjects that are most appropriate for young children.

D. The text presents a philosophy about what material is most suitable for children’s literature and then
describes a book influenced by that philosophy.

ID: 720b79de Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text starts by introducing Mitchell’s philosophy about using simple, repetitive language in
books for young children. Then it describes a book influenced by that philosophy, Goodnight Moon.

Choice A is incorrect. Although two authors are mentioned in the text, they both agree about the type of language that should
be contained in books for young children. Choice B is incorrect. The text never discusses the evaluation of children’s
literature. It does provide one view of how children’s books should be written, but never introduces a competing view. Choice
C is incorrect. The text doesn’t mention “many classics of children’s literature.” Instead, it describes an educational theory
and identifies one example of a famous children’s book that was influenced by that theory.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 48b6c74f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 48b6c74f
The following text is adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1837 story “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment.” The main
character, a physician, is experimenting with rehydrating a dried flower.

At first [the rose] lay lightly on the surface of the fluid, appearing to imbibe none of its moisture. Soon,
however, a singular change began to be visible. The crushed and dried petals stirred and assumed a
deepening tinge of crimson, as if the flower were reviving from a deathlike slumber.

As used in the text, what does the phrase “a singular” most nearly mean?
A. A lonely

B. A disagreeable

C. An acceptable

D. An extraordinary

ID: 48b6c74f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because as used in the text, “singular” most nearly means extraordinary. The text portrays an
experiment in which a character rehydrates a dried rose by infusing it with moisture. After prolonged contact with the liquid,
the rose begins to absorb it, undergoing an exceptional transformation: its color deepens, its previously “crushed and dried”
petals shift, and the entire flower revives “from a deathlike slumber.” In other words, an extraordinary change is visible in the
flower.

Choice A is incorrect. Although in some contexts “singular” can mean of or relating to an individual or to a single instance of
something, this usage doesn’t imply loneliness or an otherwise unsatisfactory condition of isolation. Moreover, the text
doesn’t attribute such a condition to the rose. Choice B is incorrect. Although “singular” has several related meanings, none
of them relate to being disagreeable or unpleasant. Moreover, the text doesn’t portray the change undergone by the rose as
necessarily disagreeable. Choice C is incorrect because “singular” means extraordinary, not acceptable. The change is
portrayed as striking, not barely satisfactory.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID cc00a8cf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: cc00a8cf
Works of moral philosophy, such as Plato’s Republic or Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, are partly concerned
with how to live a morally good life. But philosopher Jonathan Barnes argues that works that present a
method of living such a life without also supplying a motive are inherently useful only to those already
wishing to be morally good—those with no desire for moral goodness will not choose to follow their rules.
However, some works of moral philosophy attempt to describe what constitutes a morally good life while
also proposing reasons for living one.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It provides a characterization about a field of thought by noting two works in it and then details a way in
which some works in that field are more comprehensive than others.

B. It mentions two renowned works and then claims that despite their popularity it is impossible for these
works to serve the purpose their authors intended.

C. It summarizes the history of a field of thought by discussing two works and then proposes a topic of
further research for specialists in that field.

D. It describes two influential works and then explains why one is more widely read than the other.

ID: cc00a8cf Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The text starts by stating what moral philosophy is concerned with and naming two examples
of works in the field. Then it describes a shortcoming of some works in that field (they say how but not why), and finally it
states that other works try to avoid that shortcoming (by including both how and why to live a morally good life).

Choice B is incorrect. This is too extreme. The text never mentions whether the two works are popular or not, and it never
argues that these works don’t serve their intended purpose of describing how to live a morally good life. Rather, the text
claims that works of moral philosophy that don’t include both how and why to be moral are not useful to readers who don’t
already want to be moral. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t the overall structure. The text never discusses the history of moral
philosophy at all, and it doesn’t propose any topic for further research. Choice D is incorrect. This isn’t the overall structure.
The text never discusses which of the two works is more widely read.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 380dee07
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 380dee07
The following text is from Charlotte Forten Grimké’s 1888 poem “At Newport.”
Oh, deep delight to watch the gladsome waves
Exultant leap upon the rugged rocks;
Ever repulsed, yet ever rushing on—
Filled with a life that will not know defeat;
To see the glorious hues of sky and sea.
The distant snowy sails, glide spirit like,
Into an unknown world, to feel the sweet
Enchantment of the sea thrill all the soul,
Clearing the clouded brain, making the heart
Leap joyous as it own bright, singing waves!

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It portrays the surroundings as an imposing and intimidating scene.

B. It characterizes the sea’s waves as a relentless and enduring force.

C. It conveys the speaker’s ambivalence about the natural world.

D. It draws a contrast between the sea’s waves and the speaker’s thoughts.

ID: 380dee07 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a
whole. The text presents the speaker’s experience of viewing the sea. In the underlined portion, the speaker focuses on the
idea that the waves hitting rocks on the shore are a relentless and enduring force: they are constantly pushed back (“ever
repulsed”) but always return (“ever rushing on”), as though they have an energy that can’t be overcome (“a life that will not
know defeat”).

Choice A is incorrect. Although the underlined portion characterizes the waves as a relentless force (always “repulsed” but
still “rushing on” and never being defeated), the speaker doesn’t suggest that the surroundings are intimidating. Instead, the
speaker presents the scene in a positive way, describing the “deep delight” of the “gladsome,” or cheerful, waves and feeling
“the heart / Leap joyous” while viewing the sea. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined portion doesn’t suggest that
the speaker is ambivalent, or has mixed feelings about, the natural world. Instead, it presents a single view of one part of the
immediate surroundings: the speaker characterizes the sea’s waves as an unstoppable force, since they are constantly
pushed back but always return (“ever repulsed, yet ever rushing on”). Choice D is incorrect. Although the text later suggests
the speaker’s view of her own thoughts by referring to a “clouded brain” and a heart that leaps joyously, this reference neither
occurs within the underlined portion nor establishes a clear contrast with the relentless determination of the waves. The
underlined portion addresses only the speaker’s view of the waves and doesn’t suggest what her own thoughts might be.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID cf6f36e3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: cf6f36e3
Like the 1945 play it reimagines—Federico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba—Marcus Gardley’s
2014 play The House That Will Not Stand prominently features women. In both plays, the all-female cast
______ an array of female characters, including a strong mother and several daughters dealing with individual
struggles.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. engulfs

B. encourages

C. comprises

D. provokes

ID: cf6f36e3 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Gardley’s play. In this context,
“comprises” means constitutes or makes up the totality of, and the text indicates that The House That Will Not Stand had an
“all-female cast” that stands in some relationship to “an array of female characters” in the play. Because all cast members
are female, the characters must be played by these female cast members; therefore the cast constitutes, or comprises, the
collection of characters.

Choice A is incorrect. In this context, “engulfs” would mean encloses or overwhelms, and although it is fairly common to
describe an actor as embodying (or personifying realistically) a character, there is nothing in the text to suggest that the cast
members enclosed or overwhelmed the characters they played. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “encourages”
would mean inspires with courage or hope. Although the text does mention “a strong mother and several daughters dealing
with individual struggles,” which might suggest that there are moments of encouragement among the characters during the
play, there is nothing to suggest that the cast members encouraged the characters they portrayed. Choice D is incorrect
because, in this context, “provokes” would mean instigates or incites to anger. Nothing in the text addresses provocation or
what it might mean for actors to provoke the characters they are playing.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID bfad2097
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: bfad2097
Investigating whether shared false visual memories—specific but inaccurate and widely held recollections of
images such as product logos—are caused by people’s previous ______ incorrect renditions of the images,
researchers Deepasri Prasad and Wilma Bainbridge found that, in fact, such memories are often not
explained by familiarity with erroneous versions of the images.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. compliance with

B. exposure to

C. criteria for

D. forfeiture of

ID: bfad2097 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. "Exposure to" means "having contact with." It makes sense that Prasad and Bainbridge were
investigating whether seeing false versions of images was a cause of false visual memories. Notice how "exposure to
incorrect renditions" matches the idea of "familiarity with erroneous versions," which appears later in the sentence.

Choice A is incorrect. "Compliance with" means "going along with a command or directive." False versions of images can’t
give commands or directives, so this doesn’t apply. Choice C is incorrect. "Criteria" means "standards by which to judge
something." It’s not clear how people would come to have standards for the wrong version of an image in the first place, let
alone how those standards would cause them to falsely remember the correct version. In other words, this choice would
result in a confusing, unclear sentence. Choice D is incorrect. "Forfeiture of" means "a giving up of something." It wouldn’t
make sense to say that false memories of an image might be caused by giving up the wrong version of the image.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID deb55365
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: deb55365
While most animals are incapable of passing somatic mutations—genetic alterations that arise in an
organism’s nonreproductive cells—on to their offspring, elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) presents an
intriguing ______: in a 2022 study, researchers found that elkhorn coral produced offspring that inherited
somatic mutations from a parent.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. hypothesis

B. affinity

C. anomaly

D. corroboration

ID: deb55365 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. An "anomaly" is something that deviates from norms or expectations. In this case, the elkhorn
coral is an anomaly because it can pass on somatic mutations, whereas most other animals can’t.

Choice A is incorrect. A "hypothesis" is "a theory about something," but no theories are provided about elkhorn coral in this
text, just facts. Choice B is incorrect. "Affinity" represents "an inclination or liking toward something." As genetic mutations
tend to occur without any conscious effort, you can’t really have an inclination toward passing on somatic mutations. Choice
D is incorrect. "Corroboration" means "evidence to support or prove something." Because elkhorn coral do the opposite of
what most animals do, they do not provide corroboration of the theory that somatic mutations can’t be passed onto
offspring. Rather, they show the opposite.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4e8b863b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 4e8b863b
Asteroid 6478 Gault has experienced intermittent mass loss since at least 2013, but in contrast to some
other asteroids with repeated mass-loss episodes, 6478 Gault has not lost mass at its perihelion (the closest
point of its orbit to the Sun), and thus the loss is not attributable to solar energy–driven ice vaporization. And
as Jane X. Luu et al. point out, the singular nature of impact ejection makes it untenable as an account of
multiple loss episodes of similar duration over several years. Instead, Luu et al. are likely correct that 6478
Gault is shedding mass due to rotational instability.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It presents a scientific observation, describes a contrast between that observation and other
observations, and then explains why those other observations should not be considered credible.

B. It describes an astronomical finding, discusses competing theories about that finding that the author
regards as flawed, and then describes new evidence that supports an alternative theory.

C. It introduces a natural phenomenon, refutes two potential explanations for that phenomenon, and then
presents a third explanation for that phenomenon that the author regards as plausible.

D. It discusses a physical process, evaluates possible causes of that process, and then states that a
persuasive account of the process has yet to be put forward.

ID: 4e8b863b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the overall structure of the text. The text begins by
introducing the natural phenomenon of intermittent mass loss with regard to Asteroid 6478 Gault and notes that it curiously
has not lost mass at its perihelion like other asteroids typically do. The text then refutes "solar energy–driven ice
vaporization" and "the singular nature of impact ejection" as two possible explanations for Asteroid 6478 Gault’s intermittent
mass loss. Finally, the text presents Luu et al.’s explanation that "6478 Gault is shedding mass due to rotational instability,"
which the author says is "likely correct." Thus, the overall structure of the text is that it introduces a natural phenomenon,
refutes two potential explanations for that phenomenon, and then presents a third explanation for that phenomenon that the
author regards as plausible.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t distinguish between multiple observations. It focuses on the single
observation that Asteroid 6478 Gault is losing mass and evaluates multiple explanations for the phenomenon. The text also
asserts that Luu et al.’s explanation is credible and "likely correct." Choice B is incorrect because the text describes a natural
phenomenon, not a specific astronomical finding. In addition, although the text does note flawed reasons for Asteroid 6478
Gault’s intermittent mass loss, it doesn’t mention that Asteroid 6478 Gault’s intermittent mass loss is based on new
evidence. Choice D is incorrect. Although the text does evaluate explanations for the cause of Asteroid 6478 Gault’s
intermittent mass loss, the text also asserts that Luu et al.’s explanation that they have put forth is persuasive and "likely
correct."

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4c27795c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 4c27795c
“How lifelike are they?” Many computer animators prioritize this question as they strive to create ever more
realistic environments and lighting. Generally, while characters in computer-animated films appear highly
exaggerated, environments and lighting are carefully engineered to mimic reality. But some animators, such
as Pixar’s Sanjay Patel, are focused on a different question. Rather than asking first whether the
environments and lighting they’re creating are convincingly lifelike, Patel and others are asking whether these
elements reflect their films’ unique stories.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined question in the text as a whole?
A. It reflects a primary goal that many computer animators have for certain components of the animations
they produce.

B. It represents a concern of computer animators who are more interested in creating unique backgrounds
and lighting effects than realistic ones.

C. It conveys the uncertainty among many computer animators about how to create realistic animations
using current technology.

D. It illustrates a reaction that audiences typically have to the appearance of characters created by computer
animators.

ID: 4c27795c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the function of the underlined question in the text as a
whole. The text begins with the underlined question, “How lifelike are they?” The text then explains that many computer
animators pose this question about the environments and lighting that they create for animated films, striving for realistic
animation of those components even if the characters themselves aren’t portrayed in realistic terms. The focus of the text
then shifts to describe how some animators strive to create environments and lighting that reflect the film’s unique stories
rather than making them appear realistic. Therefore, the function of the underlined question is to reflect a primary goal that
many computer animators have for certain components of the animations they produce.

Choice B is incorrect because, as the text makes clear, the underlined question is one posed by computer animators who
wish to create realistic backgrounds and lighting effects, not by those who, instead, wish to create effects that reflect films’
unique stories and aren’t necessarily realistic; this latter group of animators is discussed later in the text. Choice C is
incorrect. As the text explains, many computer animators strive for realistic environments and lighting, while others do not;
this difference of approach relates to whether these components should be realistic, not to how realism can be achieved
using current technology, and the text never suggests that animators are uncertain how to achieve it. Choice D is incorrect
because the underlined question pertains to the perspective of computer animators, not the audience, and the text never
considers audience’s reactions to characters in animated films.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 50698bf8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 50698bf8
A study by Dr. Paul Hanel and colleagues concluded that people are more likely to behave politely when
listening to ideas they disagree with if they think about values before they engage in a discussion. Study
participants were assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group spent a few minutes writing about
one of their personal values before they had a group discussion on a controversial topic. And the control
group spent a few minutes writing about a drink (tea, milk, etc.) before their group discussion on that topic.
Hanel and colleagues found that the experimental group’s discussion was more civil than the control group’s
discussion was.

Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?

A. To describe a widely held belief and how a study’s results support that belief

B. To argue that researchers were surprised by the results of a certain study

C. To suggest ways to improve a certain study’s experimental design

D. To explain a study’s conclusion and how a research team arrived at that conclusion

ID: 50698bf8 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to explain a study’s
conclusion and how researchers involved in the study arrived at that conclusion. The text begins by summarizing the main
conclusion of the study conducted by Paul Hanel and colleagues: when confronted with ideas they disagree with in
discussions about controversial topics, people are more likely to respond politely if they think about their personal values
before engaging in such discussions. The text then goes on to describe the design of Hanel and colleagues’ experiment. By
comparing interactions between members of an experimental group (who had been prompted to write about their personal
values beforehand) to those between members of a control group (who had been prompted to write about a beverage), the
team found that people in the experimental group behaved more civilly, or politely, than people in the control group did during
discussions about a controversial topic. This finding led to the conclusion described at the beginning of the text.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text discusses the results of a study, it doesn’t provide any indication that the conclusion
the study supported—that when facing disagreement, people behave more politely when they have thought about their
values—is a belief that is widely held. Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t indicate that the researchers found the
results of their study to be surprising, or contrary to what they expected. In fact, there’s no indication provided in the text
about how the researchers felt about the study’s results or that the results should be considered surprising. Choice C is
incorrect. Although the text discusses the experimental design of a study, it doesn’t suggest any improvements to that
design; instead, it focuses on how the design enabled the researchers to draw a particular conclusion.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID e816527e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: e816527e
Today composer Scott Joplin is mainly celebrated for his catchy ragtime pieces “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The
Entertainer.” However, by overlooking his less famous works, listeners will miss the full range of Joplin’s
creativity. For instance, his waltz “Pleasant Moments” and his opera Treemonisha skillfully blend ragtime and
classical music. These masterpieces deserve as much fame as Joplin’s biggest hits.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To describe the similarities and differences between ragtime music and opera

B. To argue that more attention should be given to Joplin’s lesser-known works

C. To encourage music lovers to listen to music by many different composers

D. To explain how Joplin learned to compose and perform ragtime music

ID: e816527e Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it best states the main purpose of the text, which is to make a case for the importance
of Scott Joplin’s less famous works. The text begins by introducing Joplin’s most popular works and then goes on to assert
that gaining a full understanding of Joplin’s creativity requires a consideration of his lesser-known pieces as well. The text
concludes by characterizing the lesser-known works "Pleasant Moments" and Treemonisha as masterpieces that deserve to
be famous. These details indicate that the text’s main purpose is to argue that more attention should be given to Joplin’s
lesser-known works.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text discusses some of the ragtime music and an opera that Joplin composed, it does
not compare the two types of music in general. Instead, the text argues that Joplin’s lesser-known works, including his opera,
deserve as much attention as his more famous ragtime pieces receive. Choice C is incorrect because the text discusses only
Joplin’s music and does not ask music lovers to listen to a variety of composers. Instead, the text encourages listeners to
pay attention to Joplin’s lesser-known works in order to gain a full understanding of his creativity. Choice D is incorrect
because the text does not discuss how Joplin learned to compose and perform ragtime music. Instead, the text focuses on
Joplin’s less famous works and makes a case for their importance.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8b52201d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 8b52201d
While recent scholarship has undermined claims that the works of twelfth-century Islamic philosopher Ibn
Rushd were ______ other Muslim philosophers of his time, it is indisputable that his location in the Muslim-
ruled area of what is now Spain meant that his works were primarily available thousands of miles west of the
era’s center of Islamic thought.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. controversial among

B. antagonistic toward

C. imitated by

D. inconsequential to

ID: 8b52201d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the twelfth-century Islamic
philosopher Ibn Rushd. As used in this context, "inconsequential to" means not significant to. According to the text, Ibn
Rushd’s works were primarily available in Spain, where he lived, far from central areas of the Muslim world, a fact that could
support the conclusion that his influence on Muslim contemporaries was limited. The text implies, however, that recent
scholarship has shown that his works still had an impact on other Muslim philosophers of his time. This context supports
the idea that his works weren’t inconsequential to Islamic thought in this period.

Choice A is incorrect because the issue under consideration in the text is whether other Muslim philosophers of Ibn Rushd’s
time had access to his works, not whether his works were "controversial among," or causing dispute among, other
philosophers. Choice B is incorrect. The text implies that other Muslim philosophers of Ibn Rushd’s era were aware of his
works, not that they were "antagonistic toward," or hostile toward, them. There is no suggestion that Ibn Rushd’s writings
elicited hostility from his contemporaries. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, "imitated by" would mean followed
as a model by. Although the text implies that Ibn Rushd’s works were at least somewhat available in regions that were at the
center of Islamic thought during the period, it doesn’t specifically address in what ways his works influenced contemporary
Muslim philosophers. Thus, the text doesn’t support the idea that other philosophers modeled their own works after Ibn
Rushd’s works.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f7376391
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: f7376391

Text 1
Most animals can regenerate some parts of their bodies, such as skin. But when a three-banded panther
worm is cut into three pieces, each piece grows into a new worm. Researchers are investigating this feat
partly to learn more about humans’ comparatively limited abilities to regenerate, and they’re making exciting
progress. An especially promising discovery is that both humans and panther worms have a gene for early
growth response (EGR) linked to regeneration.

Text 2
When Mansi Srivastava and her team reported that panther worms, like humans, possess a gene for EGR, it
caused excitement. However, as the team pointed out, the gene likely functions very differently in humans
than it does in panther worms. Srivastava has likened EGR to a switch that activates other genes involved in
regeneration in panther worms, but how this switch operates in humans remains unclear.

Based on the texts, what would the author of Text 2 most likely say about Text 1’s characterization of the
discovery involving EGR?
A. It is reasonable given that Srivastava and her team have identified how EGR functions in both humans and
panther worms.

B. It is overly optimistic given additional observations from Srivastava and her team.

C. It is unexpected given that Srivastava and her team’s findings were generally met with enthusiasm.

D. It is unfairly dismissive given the progress that Srivastava and her team have reported.

ID: f7376391 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to Text 1 based on the
information provided. Text 1 discusses the discovery of a regeneration-linked gene, EGR, in both three-banded panther
worms (which are capable of full regeneration) and humans (who have relatively limited regeneration abilities). Text 1
characterizes this discovery as “especially promising” and a sign of “exciting progress” in understanding human
regeneration. The author of Text 2, on the other hand, focuses on the fact that the team that reported the EGR finding pointed
out that while EGR’s function in humans isn’t yet known, it’s likely very different from its function in panther worms.
Therefore, the author of Text 2 would most likely say that Text 1’s enthusiasm about the EGR discovery is overly optimistic
given Srivastava’s team’s observations about EGR in humans.

Choice A is incorrect because the author of Text 2 explains that Srivastava and her team explicitly reported that they haven’t
yet identified how EGR functions in humans; therefore, the author of Text 2 wouldn’t say that Text 1’s excitement is
reasonable for the stated reason. Instead, the author of Text 2 would likely characterize Text 1’s excitement as premature
and overly optimistic. Choice C is incorrect because Text 1 does treat Srivastava’s team’s findings with enthusiasm; it
describes the discovery of EGR in both three-banded panther worms and humans as promising and exciting. It would be
illogical for the author of Text 2 to say that because most others treat the discovery with enthusiasm, Text 1’s enthusiastic
characterization of the discovery is unexpected. Choice D is incorrect because Text 1 isn’t at all dismissive of Srivastava’s
team’s findings; instead, Text 1 is optimistic about the EGR discovery, characterizing it as promising and exciting. There’s
nothing in Text 2 to suggest that the author of Text 2 would say that Text 1’s praise for the discovery is dismissive, or
disdainful.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 893975a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 893975a3
The following text is adapted from Zora Neale Hurston’s 1921 short story “John Redding Goes to Sea.” John
wants to travel far beyond the village where he lives near his mother, Matty.

[John] had on several occasions attempted to reconcile his mother to the notion, but found it a difficult
task. Matty always took refuge in self-pity and tears. Her son’s desires were incomprehensible to her,
that was all.

As used in the text, what does the phrase “reconcile his mother to” most nearly mean?
A. Get his mother to accept

B. Get his mother to apologize for

C. Get his mother to match

D. Get his mother to reunite with

ID: 893975a3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The expression “reconcile to” means “to cause (a person) to accept something difficult or
disagreeable.” The text suggests that John wants his mother to accept his desire to travel, even though she doesn’t like that
idea.

Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t make sense. John doesn’t want his mother to apologize for his own desire to travel—he
wants her to accept his desire to travel. Choice C is incorrect. The text doesn’t suggest that John wants his mother to match
his desire to travel. Rather, he wants her to accept his desire to travel even though she doesn’t like it. Choice D is incorrect.
This is tempting, because it seems to pick up on the idea of people “reconciling” after a fight, but it actually doesn’t make
sense. The text never suggests that John’s mother was “united with” the idea of him traveling in the past—if anything, it
seems like she’s always been against it. Besides, it would be strange to say that a person “reunites with” a notion.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 6989e0f9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 6989e0f9
The following text is adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1844 short story “Drowne’s Wooden Image.”
Drowne, a young man, is carving a wooden figure to decorate the front of a ship.
Day by day, the work assumed greater precision, and settled its irregular and misty outline into distincter
grace and beauty. The general design was now obvious to the common eye.

As used in the text, what does the word “assumed” most nearly mean?

A. Acquired

B. Acknowledged

C. Imitated

D. Speculated

ID: 6989e0f9 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because as used in the text, “assumed” most nearly means acquired, or came to possess. The
text portrays a character named Drowne carving a figure out of wood. At first “irregular and misty,” or haphazard and
indistinct, the figure’s outline gradually showed “distincter grace and beauty” until the general design of the carved object
“was now obvious to the common eye,” or plainly recognizable to anyone. In other words, as Drowne continued to carve, the
wooden object came to possess, or acquired, greater precision, changing from an indistinct outline or shape into a graceful,
beautiful, and clearly recognizable form.

Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts “assumed” can mean acknowledged, or recognized, it doesn’t have that
meaning in this context because an inanimate object like the wooden figure can’t acknowledge its own precision. Choice C is
incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to suggest that the wooden figure merely imitated, or mimicked, precision.
Rather, the text suggests that as Drowne carved his wooden figure, it gradually became more precise. Choice D is incorrect.
Although in some contexts “assumed” can mean speculated, or supposed based on incomplete information, it doesn’t have
that meaning in this context because an inanimate object like the wooden figure can’t speculate about its own precision.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 76d87f54
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 76d87f54
Economist Marco Castillo and colleagues showed that nuisance costs—the time and effort people must
spend to make donations—reduce charitable giving. Charities can mitigate this effect by compensating
donors for nuisance costs, but those costs, though variable, are largely ______ donation size, so charities that
compensate donors will likely favor attracting a few large donors over many small donors.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. supplemental to

B. predictive of

C. independent of

D. subsumed in

ID: 76d87f54 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. We’re told that charities that pay donors back for nuisance costs will attract a few large donors
instead of many small donors. This suggests that nuisance costs are not linked to donation size.

Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. If nuisance costs are supplemental to (meaning in addition to)
donation size, that wouldn’t result in charities that compensate donors for those costs attracting a few large donors over
many small donors. Choice B is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. If nuisance costs can predict donation size,
that wouldn’t necessarily result in charities that compensate donors for those costs attracting a few large donors over many
small donors. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t fit the logic of the text. If nuisance costs are subsumed in (meaning
included in) donation size, that wouldn’t result in charities that compensate donors for those costs attracting a few large
donors over many small donors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b0cc1303
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: b0cc1303
In addition to being an accomplished psychologist himself, Francis Cecil Sumner was a ______ increasing the
opportunity for Black students to study psychology, helping to found the psychology department at Howard
University, a historically Black university, in 1930.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. proponent of

B. supplement to

C. beneficiary of

D. distraction for

ID: b0cc1303 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Francis Cecil Sumner. As used in
this context, “proponent of” means supporter of. The text says that Sumner helped to found the psychology department at
historically Black Howard University in 1930. This is evidence that Sumner supported increasing the opportunity for Black
students to study psychology.

Choice B is incorrect because the phrase “supplement to,” or addition to, wouldn’t make sense in context. The text discusses
Sumner’s efforts to increase the number of Black psychology students, but it doesn’t make sense to describe him as an
addition to his efforts. Choice C is incorrect because Sumner was already an accomplished psychologist himself when he
helped to found the Howard University psychology department. While Black students were the beneficiaries of his efforts—
that is, they received help because of his efforts—it wouldn’t make sense in this context to describe Sumner as a “beneficiary
of” opportunities, because he was the one doing the helping. Choice D is incorrect because founding a psychology
department at Howard University wouldn’t be a “distraction for” Sumner’s aim to increase the opportunity for Black students
to study psychology—that is, it wouldn’t be something that draws Sumner’s attention away from that goal, but rather the
opposite.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5b71d7b1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 5b71d7b1
In 1973, poet Miguel Algarín started inviting other writers who, like him, were Nuyorican—a term for New
Yorkers of Puerto Rican heritage—to gather in his apartment to present their work. The gatherings were so
well attended that Algarín soon had to rent space in a cafe to accommodate them. Thus, the Nuyorican Poets
Cafe was born. Moving to a permanent location in 1981, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its original
scope beyond the written word, hosting art exhibitions and musical performances as well. Half a century
since its inception, it continues to foster emerging Nuyorican talent.

Which choice best describes the overall purpose of the text?

A. To explain what motivated Algarín to found the Nuyorican Poets Cafe

B. To situate the Nuyorican Poets Cafe within the cultural life of New York as a whole

C. To discuss why the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its scope to include art and music

D. To provide an overview of the founding and mission of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe

ID: 5b71d7b1 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text presents a brief history of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, from how it got started in the ’70s,
to its expansion in the ’80s, to its ongoing mission today.

Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t the overall purpose. The text never mentions Algarín’s motivations. Choice B is incorrect. This
isn’t the overall purpose. The text never discusses the cultural life of New York as a whole. Choice C is incorrect. This is too
narrow. One sentence mentions that the Nuyorican Poets Cafe expanded its scope to include art and music, but this is only
one point in the broader history of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, which is the overall focus of the text.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID cb771ec1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: cb771ec1
Business researcher Melanie Brucks and colleagues found that remote video conference meetings may be
less conducive to brainstorming than in-person meetings are. The researchers suspect that video meeting
participants are focused on staring at the speaker on the screen and don’t allow their eyes or mind to wander
as much, which may ultimately ______ creativity.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. recommend

B. criticize

C. impede

D. construct

ID: cb771ec1 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. The first sentence tells us that video meetings are “less conducive to” (meaning less good for)
brainstorming. This suggests that the video meeting participants’ focus is bad for their creativity. “Impede” means “delay” or
“prevent,” which works perfectly in this context.

Choice A is incorrect. This choice is too positive to fit the context. The first sentence tells us that video meetings are “less
conducive to” (meaning less good for) brainstorming. This suggests that the video meeting participants’ focus is bad for
their creativity. Choice B is incorrect. This choice doesn’t make sense. The participants’ intense focus on the screen is the
subject of the missing verb. It wouldn’t make sense to say that their over-focusing “criticizes” their creativity. Choice D is
incorrect. “Construct” means “build” or “make,” which is too positive to fit the context. The first sentence tells us that video
meetings are “less conducive to” (meaning less good for) brainstorming. This suggests that the video meeting participants’
focus is bad for their creativity.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID eceefa95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: eceefa95
The province of Xoconochco was situated on the Pacific coast, hundreds of kilometers southeast of
Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire. Because Xoconochco’s location within the empire was so
______, cacao and other trade goods produced there could reach the capital only after a long overland
journey.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. unobtrusive

B. concealed

C. approximate

D. peripheral

ID: eceefa95 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the location of the province of
Xoconochco within the Aztec Empire. As used in this context, “peripheral” means situated toward the outer bounds rather
than the center. The text indicates that Xoconochco was located on a coast, hundreds of kilometers away from the capital of
the Aztec Empire. The text also states that trade between the province and the capital required “a long overland journey.”
This context suggests that Xoconochco was situated toward an edge of the empire’s territory rather than near its center.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to refer to Xoconochco’s location within the Aztec Empire as
“unobtrusive,” or not blatant or undesirably prominent; it’s not clear how a province’s physical location would or wouldn’t be
blatant. Instead of focusing on how noticeable Xoconochco’s location was, the text emphasizes the province’s distance from
the capital of the empire, pointing out that because of this distance trade between the two required “a long overland journey.”
Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that the province of Xoconochco was located on a coast far from the capital
of the Aztec Empire, not that it was “concealed,” or kept out of sight or hidden from view. Nothing in the text suggests that
Xoconochco was actually hidden such that people couldn’t see it, and being hidden wouldn’t necessarily result in trade
between the province and the capital requiring “a long overland journey.” Choice C is incorrect because to say that
Xoconochco’s location within the Aztec Empire was “approximate” would mean that the location either wasn’t precisely
correct or was close to some other location. Neither of these meanings would make sense in context because the text
indicates that Xoconochco’s location is known and that it was far from the empire’s capital, so there’s no reason to
characterize the location as either not precisely correct or close to another location.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 6c807e83
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 6c807e83

Text 1
Astronomer Mark Holland and colleagues examined four white dwarfs—small, dense remnants of past stars
—in order to determine the composition of exoplanets that used to orbit those stars. Studying wavelengths of
light in the white dwarf atmospheres, the team reported that traces of elements such as lithium and sodium
support the presence of exoplanets with continental crusts similar to Earth’s.

Text 2
Past studies of white dwarf atmospheres have concluded that certain exoplanets had continental crusts.
Geologist Keith Putirka and astronomer Siyi Xu argue that those studies unduly emphasize atmospheric
traces of lithium and other individual elements as signifiers of the types of rock found on Earth. The studies
don’t adequately account for different minerals made up of various ratios of those elements, and the
possibility of rock types not found on Earth that contain those minerals.

Based on the texts, how would Putirka and Xu (Text 2) most likely characterize the conclusion presented in
Text 1?

A. As unexpected, because it was widely believed at the time that white dwarf exoplanets lack continental
crusts

B. As premature, because researchers have only just begun trying to determine what kinds of crusts white
dwarf exoplanets had

C. As questionable, because it rests on an incomplete consideration of potential sources of the elements

detected in white dwarf atmospheres

D. As puzzling, because it’s unusual to successfully detect lithium and sodium when analyzing wavelengths
of light in white dwarf atmospheres

ID: 6c807e83 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it reflects how Putirka and Xu (Text 2) would likely characterize the conclusion
presented in Text 1. Text 1 discusses a study by Mark Holland and colleagues in which they detected traces of lithium and
sodium in the atmospheres of four white dwarf stars. The team claims that this supports the idea that exoplanets with
continental crusts like Earth’s once orbited these stars. Text 2 introduces Putirka and Xu, who indicate that sodium and
lithium are present in several different minerals and that some of those minerals might exist in types of rock that are not
found on Earth. Therefore, Putirka and Xu would likely describe the conclusion in Text 1 as questionable because it does not
consider that lithium and sodium are also found in rocks that are not like Earth’s continental crust.

Choice A is incorrect because the texts do not indicate how widely held any of the viewpoints described are. Choice B is
incorrect because neither text discusses how new this area of study is. Choice D is incorrect because neither text discusses
how likely lithium and sodium are to be detected by analyzing wavelengths of light.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID dd415de8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: dd415de8
Seminole/Muscogee director Sterlin Harjo ______ television’s tendency to situate Native characters in the
distant past: this rejection is evident in his series Reservation Dogs, which revolves around teenagers who
dress in contemporary styles and whose dialogue is laced with current slang.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. repudiates

B. proclaims

C. foretells

D. recants

ID: dd415de8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Sterlin Harjo’s approach to
representing Native characters on television. As used in this context, “repudiates” means rejects or refuses to have anything
to do with. The text indicates that television shows tend to depict Native characters as living long ago, but that Harjo’s series
Reservation Dogs focuses on Native teenagers in the present day, representing a “rejection” of the typical approach to
depicting Native characters. This context thus indicates that Harjo repudiates television’s general tendency regarding Native
characters.

Choice B is incorrect because the text describes Harjo’s “rejection” of the typical approach to representing Native characters
on television, so it wouldn’t make sense to say that Harjo “proclaims,” or declares or affirms, television’s general tendency
regarding Native characters. Harjo is described as refusing to follow the pattern of depicting Native characters in the distant
past, not as proclaiming that pattern. Choice C is incorrect because the text describes television’s tendency to represent
Native characters in the distant past as something that is already occurring, not as something that Harjo “foretells,” or
predicts will happen in the future. The text is focused on Harjo’s “rejection” of this pattern, not on any predictions he may
have about it. Choice D is incorrect because saying that Harjo “recants” something would mean that he withdraws a
previously held belief, and it wouldn’t make sense to say that Harjo recants television’s tendency to represent Native
characters as living in the past. No beliefs previously held by Harjo are mentioned. Additionally, a tendency isn’t a belief and
thus isn’t something that can be recanted.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c6da512f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: c6da512f
While scholars believe many Mesoamerican cities influenced each other, direct evidence of such influence is
difficult to ascertain. However, recent excavations in a sector of Tikal (Guatemala) unearthed a citadel that
shows ______ Teotihuacán (Mexico) architecture—including a near replica of a famed Teotihuacán temple—
providing tangible evidence of outside influence in portions of Tikal.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. refinements of

B. precursors of

C. commonalities with

D. animosities toward

ID: c6da512f Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of architectural influences among
Mesoamerican cities. In this context, “commonalities with” means similarities to or shared attributes with. The text indicates
that a recently discovered citadel in Tikal includes a close imitation of a famous temple in Teotihuacán (another
Mesoamerican city) and other evidence of Teotihuacán influence, which suggests that the citadel possesses features that
resemble architectural features found in Teotihuacán. This context thus indicates that the Tikal citadel shows commonalities
with Teotihuacán architecture.

Choice A is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text that suggests that the Tikal citadel shows “refinements of,” or
improvements on, Teotihuacán architecture. Although the text suggests that the architecture of Teotihuacán influenced the
architecture of the Tikal citadel, and although it’s possible that later architectural designs could make improvements on
earlier designs, the text doesn’t discuss whether, in imitating Teotihuacán architecture, the Tikal citadel’s builders improved
on it. Choice B is incorrect because describing the citadel in Tikal as showing “precursors of” Teotihuacán architecture—or
features that preceded and foreshadowed those of Teotihuacán architecture—would imply the opposite of what the text
suggests about the relationship between the architecture found in Tikal and Teotihuacán. The text claims that the discovery
of similarities between the Tikal citadel and the architecture of Teotihuacán, including a replica of a temple in Teotihuacán,
provides evidence of outside influences on Tikal architecture. If the Tikal citadel was influenced by Teotihuacán architecture,
then the Teotihuacán architecture must predate the citadel, not the other way around. In this context, therefore, it wouldn’t
make sense to say that the Tikal citadel shows precursors of Teotihuacán architecture. Choice D is incorrect because the
text discusses how the citadel in Tikal indicates the influence of Teotihuacán architecture, which implies that the makers of
the Tikal citadel likely admired aspects of Teotihuacán architecture enough to imitate it. Thus, there’s no reason to think that
the Tikal citadel provides evidence of the Tikal people’s “animosities toward,” or feelings of strong dislike or hostility toward,
Teotihuacán architecture.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f6e632fb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: f6e632fb
Researcher Haesung Jung led a 2020 study showing that individual acts of kindness can ______ prosocial
behavior across a larger group. Jung and her team found that bystanders who witness a helpful act become
more likely to offer help to someone else, and in doing so, can inspire still others to act.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. require

B. remember

C. foster

D. discourage

ID: f6e632fb Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Jung and her team’s study of acts
of kindness. In this context, “foster” means encourage or promote the development of. The text indicates that Jung and her
team found that seeing a helpful (or prosocial) act makes a bystander more likely to help someone else, which can in turn
inspire additional people to help others. That is, the team showed that single acts of kindness can foster additional prosocial
acts across a group.

Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that Jung and her team found that single acts of kindness
“require,” or depend on or make obligatory, broader prosocial (or helpful) behavior across a group. There’s no suggestion in
the text that individual acts of kindness can only occur if other prosocial acts have already occurred, and the text indicates
only that an act of kindness can inspire additional helpful acts, not that it necessarily will do so. Choice B is incorrect
because the text focuses on a possible direct effect of individual acts of kindness, or single helpful actions, and it wouldn’t
make sense to suggest that actions can “remember,” or hold a memory of, something. Choice D is incorrect because the text
doesn’t indicate that Jung and her team found that single acts of kindness can “discourage,” or hinder, prosocial (or helpful)
behavior across a group. On the contrary, the text states that Jung and her team found that seeing a helpful act makes a
bystander more likely to help someone else, which can in turn inspire even more people to help others.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID a0d54459
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: a0d54459
The following text is adapted from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s 1902 novel The Sport of the Gods. Joe and some
of his family members have recently moved to New York City.

[Joe] was wild with enthusiasm and with a desire to be a part of all that the metropolis meant. In the
evening he saw the young fellows passing by dressed in their spruce clothes, and he wondered with a
sort of envy where they could be going. Back home there had been no place much worth going to, except
church and one or two people’s houses.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. It illustrates a character’s reaction to a new environment.

B. It explains why a character has traveled to a city.

C. It compares a character’s thoughts about an event at two different times of day.

D. It presents a character feeling regret over leaving home.

ID: a0d54459 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The narrator describes how
Joe responds to being in “the metropolis”: he’s excited and “wild with enthusiasm.” He also envies the young fellows who
walk by because, dressed as they are, they look as if they have somewhere special to go. The text contrasts this new place
with the place Joe comes from, where apparently there wasn’t as much to do. Thus, the main purpose of the text is to
illustrate Joe’s reaction to a new environment.

Choice B is incorrect because the text makes no reference to why Joe has moved. The narrator indicates that Joe is
enthusiastic about being in a city, but there’s no explanation provided for the move. Choice C is incorrect because the text
makes no reference to how Joe thinks about an event. The narrator describes young men passing by in the evening and then
recalls places worth going to at home—church and a few people’s houses—but there’s no explicit comparison made nor is a
time of day mentioned for these events back home. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t support the idea that Joe
feels regret over leaving home. Instead, Joe is described as “wild with enthusiasm” at being in the city. Joe’s home is
mentioned, but only to compare it unfavorably with the city.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3bb49e6e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 3bb49e6e
The following text is adapted from Gwendolyn Bennett’s 1926 poem “Street Lamps in Early Spring.”
Night wears a garment
All velvet soft, all violet blue...
And over her face she draws a veil
As shimmering fine as floating dew...
And here and there
In the black of her hair
The subtle hands of Night
Move slowly with their gem-starred light.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It presents alternating descriptions of night in a rural area and in a city.

B. It sketches an image of nightfall, then an image of sunrise.

C. It makes an extended comparison of night to a human being.

D. It portrays how night changes from one season of the year to the next.

ID: 3bb49e6e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the overall structure of the text. Throughout the text, the
speaker characterizes nighttime as if it were a person who wears clothing (“a garment” that is “velvet soft” and “violet blue”)
and a veil “over her face” and who moves her hands “slowly with their gem-starred light” through her dark hair. Thus, the text
is structured as an extended comparison of night to a human being.

Choice A is incorrect because the text never mentions any particular location; instead, it focuses on presenting a single
description of night as a person with certain clothing and features. Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t make any
reference to the sun or sunrise; instead, it focuses on presenting a single image of night as a person with certain clothing
and features. Choice D is incorrect. Rather than describing how nighttime changes seasonally (or in any other way), the text
presents a single image of night as a person with certain clothing and features.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID baa60c44
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: baa60c44
Set in a world where science fiction tropes exist as everyday realities, Charles Yu’s 2010 novel How to Live
Safely in a Science Fictional Universe traces a time traveler’s quest to find his father. Because the journey at
the novel’s center is so ______, with the protagonist ricocheting chaotically across time, the reader often
wonders whether the pair will ever be reunited.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. haphazard

B. premeditated

C. inspirational

D. fruitless

ID: baa60c44 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Yu’s novel. In this context,
“haphazard” means marked by a lack of plan or order. The text indicates that the quest featured in the novel, which involves
the protagonist bouncing across time, is chaotic and causes the reader to often wonder what will happen. This context
suggests that the protagonist’s journey seems to be marked by a lack of order.

Choice B is incorrect because the text indicates that the journey featured in Yu’s novel involves a character “ricocheting
chaotically,” or bouncing in a disordered way, across time and causes the reader to often wonder what will happen. It
wouldn’t make sense to say that a chaotic journey seems “premeditated,” or characterized by forethought and planning.
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t give any indication that readers regard the journey in Yu’s novel as
“inspirational,” or as causing extraordinarily creative or brilliant thoughts or actions; instead, the text focuses on the idea that
the protagonist’s journey is chaotic, or disordered, and doesn’t give readers a clear sense of what will happen. Choice D is
incorrect. Rather than suggesting that the journey featured in Yu’s novel is “fruitless,” or has an unsuccessful outcome, the
text focuses on the idea that while reading about the protagonist’s chaotic movements across time, readers are often unsure
of what will happen—that is, they don’t know whether the protagonist will be successful in finding his father.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2e5a7736
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 2e5a7736
As an undergraduate researcher in anthropology, Jennifer C. Chen contributed to a groundbreaking study
challenging the accepted view that among prehistoric peoples, female participation in hunting was ______.
The research team’s review of data from late Pleistocene and early Holocene burials in the Americas
revealed that, in fact, as many as half of the hunters in those populations were female.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. inevitable

B. satisfactory

C. negligible

D. commonplace

ID: 2e5a7736 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the study of female participation in
hunting among prehistoric peoples. In this context, “negligible” means not significant enough to be worth considering. The
text says that the study challenged the accepted view of female participation in hunting among prehistoric peoples. The text
goes on to say that the researchers found that “in fact, as many as half” the hunters in the groups studied were female. The
phrase “in fact” establishes a contrast indicating that the finding that as many as half the hunters were female differs from
the accepted view. This context suggests, then, that the accepted view is that female participation in hunting was negligible.

Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that the study challenged the accepted view by showing that as many as
half of hunters among prehistoric peoples were female, which suggests that the accepted view is that female participation
was low, not that female participation was “inevitable,” or unavoidable. Nothing in the text suggests that the accepted view is
that prehistoric peoples could not avoid female participation in hunting. Choice B is incorrect because nothing in the text
suggests that the accepted view of female participation in hunting among prehistoric peoples is that such participation was
“satisfactory,” or sufficient to meet a requirement or demand. There is no information in the text about any demands or
requirements regarding female participation in hunting, let alone any information about how much female participation in
hunting would be enough to satisfy those demands or requirements. Instead, the text indicates that the study challenged the
accepted view by showing that as many as half the hunters in the groups studied were female, suggesting that the accepted
view is that female participation in hunting was low. Choice D is incorrect because the text indicates that the study
challenged the accepted view by showing that as many as half of hunters among the prehistoric peoples studied were
female, which suggests that the accepted view is that female participation was low, not that female participation was
“commonplace,” or ordinary or unremarkable. Although the study under discussion suggests that female participation may
have been commonplace, that study is presented as challenging the accepted view, not as reinforcing the accepted view.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID 042d162c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 042d162c
The following text is adapted from Susan Glaspell’s 1912 short story “‘Out There.’” An elderly shop owner is
looking at a picture that he recently acquired and hopes to sell.
It did seem that the picture failed to fit in with the rest of the shop. A persuasive young fellow who claimed
he was closing out his stock let the old man have it for what he called a song. It was only a little out-of-the-
way store which subsisted chiefly on the framing of pictures. The old man looked around at his views of
the city, his pictures of cats and dogs, his flaming bits of landscape. “Don’t belong in here,” he fumed.
And yet the old man was secretly proud of his acquisition. There was a hidden dignity in his scowling as he
shuffled about pondering the least ridiculous place for the picture.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To reveal the shop owner’s conflicted feelings about the new picture

B. To convey the shop owner’s resentment of the person he got the new picture from

C. To describe the items that the shop owner most highly prizes

D. To explain differences between the new picture and other pictures in the shop

ID: 042d162c Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The text begins by stating
that the new picture “failed to fit in” with the other items that the shop owner has. The text goes on to illustrate that point by
describing the other pictures the shop owner has, indicating that the shop owner is fuming because he doesn’t think the new
picture belongs in the store. In the second paragraph, however, the text indicates that the shop owner is “secretly proud of
his acquisition.” The main purpose of the text is thus to reveal the shop owner’s conflicted feelings about the new picture.

Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that the shop owner resents the young man who sold him the new
picture; in fact, the text gives no indication of the owner’s feelings about the young man at all. Choice C is incorrect. Although
the text indicates that the new picture is different from the other items in the shop, there’s no suggestion that the shop owner
prizes either the new picture or the pictures of the city, pets, and landscapes more than he prizes any other items. Choice D
is incorrect because the text doesn’t describe what the new picture looks like; rather, the text identifies some of the other
kinds of images that the shop owner has and states that they’re different from the new picture without explaining how
they’re different.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0fd6f290
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 0fd6f290
New and interesting research conducted by Suleiman A. Al-Sweedan and Moath Alhaj is inspired by their
observation that though there have been many studies of the effect of high altitude on blood chemistry, there
is a ______ studies of the effect on blood chemistry of living in locations below sea level, such as the
California towns of Salton City and Seeley.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. quarrel about

B. paucity of

C. profusion of

D. verisimilitude in

ID: 0fd6f290 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically and precisely completes the text’s discussion of studies of altitude’s
effect on blood chemistry. In this context, “paucity of” means lack of. In describing the inspiration behind Al-Sweedan and
Alhaj’s research, the text uses the word “though” to suggest a contrasting relationship between two types of studies: those
examining the effect on blood chemistry of living at a high altitude and those examining the effect on blood chemistry of
living in locations below sea level. This contrasting relationship and the text’s use of the word “many” provide context
suggesting that there are few, if any, examples of the second type of study, whereas there are numerous examples of the first
type.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context for there to be a “quarrel about,” or open disagreement
about, studies of the effect on blood chemistry of living in locations below sea level. The text’s use of the words “though” and
“many” suggests a contrasting relationship in terms of amount between two types of studies: those examining the effect on
blood chemistry of living at a high altitude and those examining the effect on blood chemistry of living in locations below sea
level. There’s nothing in the text to suggest that the contrast between the two types of studies involves the extent to which
researchers broadly agree or disagree about the contents of either type. Choice C is incorrect because it wouldn’t make
sense in context for there to be a “profusion of,” or great abundance of, studies of the effect on blood chemistry of living in
locations below sea level. The text’s use of the words “though” and “many” suggests a contrasting relationship in terms of
amount between two types of studies: those examining the effect on blood chemistry of living at a high altitude and those
examining the effect on blood chemistry of living in locations below sea level. Rather than logically completing this contrast,
“profusion of” would indicate that the two types of studies are similar in terms of amount, with many examples existing of
both types. Choice D is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context for there to be a “verisimilitude in,” or
appearance of truth in, studies of the effect on blood chemistry of living in locations below sea level. The text’s use of the
words “though” and “many” suggests a contrasting relationship in terms of amount between two types of studies: those
examining the effect on blood chemistry of living at a high altitude and those examining the effect on blood chemistry of
living in locations below sea level. There’s nothing in the text to suggest that the contrast between the two types of studies
involves the extent to which either type of study presents an appearance of truth.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 925e4e31
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 925e4e31
Text 1
Polar bears sustain themselves primarily by hunting seals on the Arctic sea ice, but rising ocean
temperatures are causing the ice to diminish, raising concerns about polar bear population declines as these
large predators’ seal-hunting habitats continue to shrink. A 2020 study examining polar bear populations
across the Arctic concluded that populations affected by sea-ice loss are at great risk of extinction by the
end of the twenty-first century.
Text 2
Monitoring carried out by researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute shows that the polar bear
population on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard remains stable and well nourished despite rapidly declining
sea ice in recent years. The researchers attribute this population’s resilience in part to a shift in feeding
strategies: in addition to hunting seals, the Svalbard polar bears have begun relying on a diet of reindeer meat
and birds’ eggs.

Based on the texts, how would the researchers in Text 2 most likely respond to the conclusion presented in
the underlined portion of Text 1?
A. By noting that it neglects the possibility of some polar bear populations adapting to changes in their
environment

B. By suggesting that it is likely incorrect about the rates at which warming ocean temperatures have caused
sea ice to melt in the Arctic

C. By asserting that it overlooks polar bear populations that have not yet been affected by loss of seal-
hunting habitats

D. By arguing that it fails to account for polar bears’ reliance on a single seal-hunting strategy

ID: 925e4e31 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. Text 2 describes how the Svalbard polar bears have adapted to the loss of sea ice by
diversifying their diet and feeding on reindeer and seabird eggs, resulting in a “stable and well nourished” population despite
environmental challenges. This counters the underlined claim that polar bears facing a loss of sea ice are at “great risk of
extinction” by the end of the century.

Choice B is incorrect. Text 2 does not challenge the fact that sea ice is rapidly declining in the Arctic due to warming ocean
temperatures. In fact, it states that the Svalbard polar bears have faced “rapidly declining sea ice in recent years.” Choice C is
incorrect. The claim in Text 1 is specific to polar bear populations affected by the loss of seal hunting habitats, so unaffected
populations are irrelevant to the claim. Also, Text 2 doesn’t mention any polar bear populations that haven’t yet been affected
by loss of seal hunting habitats. It focuses on a population that has been affected by sea-ice loss but has managed to
survive and thrive nevertheless. Choice D is incorrect. Text 2 doesn’t imply that polar bears rely on a single seal-hunting
strategy. In fact, the researcher in Text 2 would say that Text 1 fails to account for polar bears’ ability to develop other
hunting strategies and food sources.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8dd4b0d5
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 8dd4b0d5
Text 1
Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel Orlando is an oddity within her body of work. Her other major novels consist
mainly of scenes of everyday life and describe their characters’ interior states in great detail, whereas
Orlando propels itself through a series of fantastical events and considers its characters’ psychology more
superficially. Woolf herself sometimes regarded the novel as a minor work, even admitting once that she
“began it as a joke.”

Text 2
Like Woolf’s other great novels, Orlando portrays how people’s memories inform their experience of the
present. Like those works, it examines how people navigate social interactions shaped by gender and social
class. Though it is lighter in tone—more entertaining, even—this literary “joke” nonetheless engages seriously
with the themes that motivated the four or five other novels by Woolf that have achieved the status of literary
classics.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the assessment of Orlando
presented in Text 1?
A. By conceding that Woolf’s talents were best suited to serious novels but asserting that the humor in
Orlando is often effective

B. By agreeing that Orlando is less impressive than certain other novels by Woolf but arguing that it should
still be regarded as a classic

C. By acknowledging that Orlando clearly differs from Woolf’s other major novels but insisting on its
centrality to her body of work nonetheless

D. By concurring that the reputation of Orlando as a minor work has led readers to overlook this novel but
maintaining that the reputation is unearned

ID: 8dd4b0d5 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the assessment of
Orlando in Text 1. Both authors agree that Orlando is unusual for Woolf: Text 1 states that the novel examines its characters’
psychologies more superficially than Woolf’s other novels do, and Text 2 describes it as being lighter in tone. However, while
Text 1 calls Orlando an “oddity” and mentions that Woolf “began it as a joke,” Text 2 asserts that Orlando engages the same
themes as Woolf’s other great novels. Hence, the author of Text 2 would most likely accept that Orlando differs from Woolf’s
other novels but would also insist on its importance in the context of Woolf’s work as a writer.

Choice A is incorrect. Text 2 does suggest that the humor in Orlando is effective. However, there’s nothing in Text 2 to
suggest that the author would agree that Woolf’s talents were best suited to serious novels. Rather, the author of Text 2
compares Orlando favorably to other novels by Woolf that are implied to be darker in tone. Choice B is incorrect because the
author of Text 2 does not indicate that Orlando is less impressive than Woolf’s other novels, but instead points out that it
engages the same themes as other novels by Woolf that are considered classics. Choice D is incorrect because there’s
nothing in Text 1 or Text 2 to suggest that readers have generally ignored Orlando because of its reputation.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e5f76480
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: e5f76480
Text 1
Like the work of Ralph Ellison before her, Toni Morrison’s novels feature scenes in which characters deliver
sermons of such length and verbal dexterity that for a time, the text exchanges the formal parameters of
fiction for those of oral literature. Given the many other echoes of Ellison in Morrison’s novels, both in
structure and prose style, these scenes suggest Ellison’s direct influence on Morrison.
Text 2
In their destabilizing effect on literary form, the sermons in Morrison’s works recall those in Ellison’s. Yet
literature by Black Americans abounds in moments where interpolated speech erodes the division between
oral and written forms that literature in English has traditionally observed. Morrison’s use of the sermon is
attributable not only to the influence of Ellison but also to a community-wide strategy of resistance to
externally imposed literary conventions.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely characterize the underlined claim in Text 1?

A. As failing to consider Ellison’s and Morrison’s equivalent uses of the sermon within the wider cultural
context in which they wrote

B. As misunderstanding the function of sermons in novels by Black American writers other than Ellison and
Morrison

C. As disregarding points of structural and stylistic divergence between the works of Ellison and those of
Morrison

D. As being indebted to the tradition of resisting literary conventions that privilege written forms, such as
novels, over sermons and other oral forms

ID: e5f76480 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The author of Text 2 argues that Morrison’s use of the sermon is not only influenced by Ellison,
but also by a “community-wide strategy of resistance” to literary conventions practiced by Black American authors. Ellison,
Text 2 alleges, is only one of many influences on Morrison.

Choice B is incorrect. Neither text specifically mentions sermons in works by authors other than Morrison or Ellison, only a
tendency towards eroding “the division between oral and written forms” among Black American writers. Choice C is
incorrect. Both texts describe similarities between the works of Ellison and Morrison, and neither points out instances of
divergence. Text 2 simply suggests that Morrison was influenced by more than just Ellison. Choice D is incorrect. While Text
2 does discuss Morrison’s resistance to certain literary conventions, it’s unclear what it would mean for the underlined claim
to be “indebted” to that tradition. This choice recycles language from the text, but not in a way that makes any coherent
point.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d3cb31fe
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: d3cb31fe
In the Indigenous intercropping system known as the Three Sisters, maize, squash, and beans form an ______
web of relations: maize provides the structure on which the bean vines grow; the squash vines cover the soil,
discouraging competition from weeds; and the beans aid their two “sisters” by enriching the soil with
essential nitrogen.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. indecipherable

B. ornamental

C. obscure

D. intricate

ID: d3cb31fe Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the Three Sisters intercropping
system. As used in this context, “intricate” would mean made up of complexly related elements. The text indicates that in the
Three Sisters system, maize, squash, and beans form a “web of relations” in which the crops interact in various ways. The
text’s description of these interactions—the bean vines growing on the maize stalks, the squash vines keeping weeds away,
and the beans adding nutrients that the maize and squash use—provides context suggesting that this “web of relations” is
intricate.

Choice A is incorrect because describing the relationship among the crops in the Three Sisters system as “indecipherable,”
or impossible to comprehend, would not make sense in context. Although the text presents the relationship as complex, the
text’s description of the role that each crop plays makes it clear that the relationship is well understood, not
indecipherable. Choice B is incorrect because the text discusses the practical benefits that each plant in the Three Sisters
system provides to other members of the system, showing that the relationship among the crops that make up the system is
not “ornamental,” or mainly serving a decorative purpose. Choice C is incorrect because describing the relationship among
the crops in the Three Sisters system as “obscure,” or unknown or poorly understood, would not make sense in context.
Although the text presents the relationship as complex, the text’s description of the role that each crop plays makes it clear
that the relationship is well understood, not obscure.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d6b84972
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: d6b84972
The following text is from Joseph Conrad’s 1907 novel The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale. Mr. Verloc is
navigating the London streets on his way to a meeting.
Before reaching Knightsbridge, Mr. Verloc took a turn to the left out of the busy main thoroughfare,
uproarious with the traffic of swaying omnibuses and trotting vans, in the almost silent, swift flow of
hansoms [horse-drawn carriages]. Under his hat, worn with a slight backward tilt, his hair had been carefully
brushed into respectful sleekness; for his business was with an Embassy. And Mr. Verloc, steady like a rock—
a soft kind of rock—marched now along a street which could with every propriety be described as private.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined phrase in the text as a whole?

A. It qualifies an earlier description of Mr. Verloc.

B. It emphasizes an internal struggle Mr. Verloc experiences.

C. It contrasts Mr. Verloc with his surroundings.

D. It reveals a private opinion Mr. Verloc holds.

ID: d6b84972 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The underline phrase qualifies (meaning adds limits or conditions to) the description of Mr.
Verloc as “steady like a rock,” adding that he is a “soft” rock.

Choice B is incorrect. In fact, the passage never mentions Mr. Verloc experiencing any internal struggles. Choice C is
incorrect. The underlined phrase doesn’t contrast Mr. Verloc with his surroundings, but is instead modifying the description
of him as a rock. Choice D is incorrect. The underlined phrase doesn’t reveal a private opinion Mr. Verloc holds: instead, it
further describes his character for the reader.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 87d5618f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 87d5618f
The artisans of the Igun Eronmwon guild in Benin City, Nigeria, typically ______ the bronze- and brass-casting
techniques that have been passed down through their families since the thirteenth century, but they don’t
strictly observe every tradition; for example, guild members now use air-conditioning motors instead of
handheld bellows to help heat their forges.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. experiment with

B. adhere to

C. improve on

D. grapple with

ID: 87d5618f Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of bronze- and brass-casting
techniques used by the Igun Eronmwon guild. In this context “adhere to” would mean to act in accordance with. The text
states that although members of the Igun Eronmwon guild typically do something with techniques that have been passed
down since the thirteenth century, they “don’t strictly observe every tradition.” By establishing a contrast with not always
following traditions, the context suggests that guild members do typically adhere to traditional techniques.

Choice A is incorrect because in this context “experiment with” would mean to do something new with. Although using
motors rather than manual bellows is presented as a new approach, the text establishes a contrast between what the guild
members typically do with techniques that have been passed down over centuries and the idea that the members “don’t
strictly observe every tradition.” The phrase “experiment with” wouldn’t support the contrast because regularly trying new
things with the techniques would be an example of not strictly following all traditions. Choice C is incorrect because in this
context “improve on” would mean to make better. Although using motors rather than manual bellows might be an improved
approach, the text establishes a contrast between what the guild members typically do with techniques that have been
passed down over centuries and the idea that the members “don’t strictly observe every tradition.” The phrase “improve on”
wouldn’t support the contrast because regularly making changes to the techniques would be an example of not strictly
following all traditions. Choice D is incorrect because in this context “grapple with” would mean to try hard to solve a difficult
problem. Although bronze- and brass-casting are likely challenging tasks, nothing in the text suggests that the guild
members have any particular difficulties with the techniques passed down since the thirteenth century.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 79543afc
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 79543afc
It is by no means ______ to recognize the influence of Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch on Ali Banisadr’s
paintings; indeed, Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration. However, some scholars have suggested
that the ancient Mesopotamian poem Epic of Gilgamesh may have had a far greater impact on Banisadr’s
work.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. substantial

B. satisfying

C. unimportant

D. appropriate

ID: 79543afc Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the sentence about the influences on Banisadr’s work. In
context, “It is by no means” followed by “unimportant” conveys how it is relevant to recognize Bosch’s influence on Banisadr.
The text points out that the artist himself cites Bosch as an inspiration, and then goes on to claim that The Epic of Gilgamesh
has had a more significant influence than Bosch.

Choice A is incorrect because “substantial,” which means weighty or meaningful, incorrectly suggests that it wouldn’t be
meaningful to acknowledge Bosch’s influence on Banisadr. The phrase “indeed, Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an
inspiration” doesn’t support this suggestion. Choice B is incorrect because “satisfying,” which means pleasing, incorrectly
suggests that it wouldn’t be pleasing to acknowledge Bosch’s influence on Banisadr. The phrase “indeed, Banisadr himself
cites Bosch as an inspiration” doesn’t support this suggestion. Choice D is incorrect because “appropriate,” which means
suitable, incorrectly suggests that it wouldn’t be proper to acknowledge Bosch’s influence on Banisadr. The phrase “indeed,
Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration” doesn’t support this suggestion.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 2856a1f7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 2856a1f7
Disproving the common misconception of Native art as ______, the painters whose work appears in the
collection at the National Museum of the American Indian employ a range of styles. There are artists working
in the traditional arts of their specific tribal communities, artists working in European modernist or American
abstract expressionist art traditions, and artists blending various traditions into something wholly new.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. uncontroversial

B. individualistic

C. theoretical

D. homogeneous

ID: 2856a1f7 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the art at the National Museum of
the American Indian. In this context, "homogenous" means uniform or highly similar. The text explains that the painters
whose works are included in this museum’s collection employ an array of artistic styles, both Native and non-Native,
traditional and new. Given this high degree of stylistic diversity, it is a misconception that Native art is uniform, or
homogenous.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t consider whether Native art is controversial, or causes disagreement or
discussion; instead, the text discusses the stylistic diversity of the collection of the National Museum of the American
Indian. Choice B is incorrect. Although the text indicates that some of the artists whose work is represented in the collection
of the National Museum of the American Indian blend various artistic traditions into highly individual styles of their own, this
is not the primary focus of the text. Instead, the text is concerned with how Native art is often mistakenly perceived as
uniform, when in fact it is stylistically diverse. Choice C is incorrect because the text never implies that people mistakenly
conceive of Native art as theoretical, or concerned with philosophical or abstract issues; instead, the text’s discussion of
Native art is framed around this art’s stylistic diversity versus the misconception of it as homogenous.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7cc8d51f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-text Medium

Connections

ID: 7cc8d51f
Text 1
When companies in the same industry propose merging with one another, they often claim that the merger
will benefit consumers by increasing efficiency and therefore lowering prices. Economist Ying Fan
investigated this notion in the context of the United States newspaper market. She modeled a hypothetical
merger of Minneapolis-area newspapers and found that subscription prices would rise following a merger.
Text 2
Economists Dario Focarelli and Fabio Panetta have argued that research on the effect of mergers on prices
has focused excessively on short-term effects, which tend to be adverse for consumers. Using the case of
consumer banking in Italy, they show that over the long term (several years, in their study), the efficiency
gains realized by merged companies do result in economic benefits for consumers.

Based on the texts, how would Focarelli and Panetta (Text 2) most likely respond to Fan’s findings (Text 1)?
A. They would recommend that Fan compare the near-term effect of a merger on subscription prices in the
Minneapolis area with the effect of a merger in another newspaper market.

B. They would argue that over the long term the expenses incurred by the merged newspaper company will
also increase.

C. They would encourage Fan to investigate whether the projected effect on subscription prices persists over
an extended period.

D. They would claim that mergers have a different effect on consumer prices in the newspaper industry than
in most other industries.

ID: 7cc8d51f Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because, based on the information presented in the texts, it represents how Focarelli and
Panetta would most likely respond to Fan’s findings. Text 1 indicates that Fan found that a newspaper merger would result in
a rise in subscription prices. This rise wouldn’t benefit customers, who would have to pay more for news after a merger. Text
2 presents Focarelli and Panetta’s argument that merger research tends to focus too much on what happens immediately
after the merger. Text 2 goes on to describe their finding that mergers can be economically beneficial for consumers over the
long term. This suggests that Focarelli and Panetta would encourage Fan to investigate the long-term effect of the
hypothetical newspaper merger on subscription prices.
Choice A is incorrect because Text 2 doesn’t indicate that Focarelli and Panetta connect the effects of mergers to specific
locations. Instead, Focarelli and Panetta focus on the length of time over which the effects of mergers should be evaluated.
Choice B is incorrect because Text 2 indicates that Focarelli and Panetta found that merged companies experience
"efficiency gains" over the long term, meaning that their expenses go down relative to their output, not that their expenses
increase. Choice D is incorrect because there’s no indication in Text 2 that Focarelli and Panetta believe that the newspaper
industry is different from any other industry when it comes to the effects of mergers. Although their own research was about
consumer banking, Text 2 suggests that they view their conclusions as applicable to mergers in general.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a05fe244
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: a05fe244
The 1967 release of Harold Cruse’s book The Crisis of the Negro Intellectual isolated him from almost all
other scholars and activists of the American Civil Rights Movement—though many of those thinkers
disagreed with each other, he nonetheless found ways to disagree with them all. He thought that activists
who believed that Black people such as himself should culturally assimilate were naïve. But he also sharply
criticized Black nationalists such as Marcus Garvey who wanted to establish independent, self-contained
Black economies and societies, even though Cruse himself identified as a Black nationalist.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It describes a direction that Cruse felt the Civil Rights Movement ought to take.

B. It indicates that Cruse’s reputation as a persistent antagonist of other scholars is undeserved.

C. It describes a controversy that Cruse’s work caused within the Black nationalist movement.

D. It helps explain Cruse’s position with respect to the community of civil rights thinkers.

ID: a05fe244 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text as a whole claims that Cruse disagreed with virtually all other Civil Rights scholars and
activists. The underlined sentence describes one way that Cruse both did and didn’t fit in with those thinkers: he criticized
Black nationalists, even though he identified as one.

Choice A is incorrect. The underlined sentence doesn’t do this. It describes Cruse’s criticisms—it never mentions what Cruse
did want the movement to do instead. Choice B is incorrect. This conflicts with the text, which argues that Cruse did disagree
with almost all other scholars of the Civil Rights Movement. Choice C is incorrect. This is a step too far. The text never says
that Cruse’s work caused controversy within the Black nationalist movement.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 308abfd7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 308abfd7
Handedness, a preferential use of either the right or left hand, typically is easy to observe in humans.
Because this trait is present but less ______ in many other animals, animal-behavior researchers often employ
tasks specially designed to reveal individual animals’ preferences for a certain hand or paw.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. recognizable

B. intriguing

C. significant

D. useful

ID: 308abfd7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion about handedness in animals. As used
in this context, “recognizable” means apparent or identifiable. The text indicates that handedness is “easy to observe in
humans,” but that animal-behavior researchers use special tasks to determine handedness in other animals. This context
and the use of “less” before the blank indicate that compared with handedness in humans, handedness in other animals is
less recognizable.

Choice B is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to suggest that handedness is less “intriguing,” or fascinating, in
nonhuman animals than it is in humans. The text focuses on how easy it is to observe handedness in humans as compared
with other animals; the text doesn’t suggest that handedness is more fascinating in humans. Choice C is incorrect because
there’s nothing in the text to suggest that handedness is less “significant,” or important or meaningful, in nonhuman animals
than it is in humans. The text focuses on how easy it is to observe handedness in humans as compared with other animals;
the text doesn’t suggest that handedness is more significant in humans. Choice D is incorrect because “useful,” or functional
or helpful, wouldn’t make sense in context. The text focuses on the ease with which researchers can determine whether an
animal or person is right- or left-handed, not on how useful handedness in nonhuman animals is compared with handedness
in humans.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7cd65b89
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 7cd65b89
In a 2019 study, Jeremy Gunawardena and colleagues found that the single-celled protozoan Stentor roeseli
not only uses strategies to escape irritating stimuli but also switches strategies when one fails. This
evidence of protozoans sophisticatedly “changing their minds” demonstrates that single-celled organisms
may not be limited to ______ behaviors.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. aggressive

B. rudimentary

C. evolving

D. advantageous

ID: 7cd65b89 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of single-celled organism behavior. As
used in this context, “rudimentary” means basic or unsophisticated. According to the text, a study of the single-celled
protozoan Stentor roeseli showed that the organisms can switch strategies for escaping certain stimuli, “sophisticatedly
‘changing their minds’” and using new strategies should other strategies fail. This context suggests that single-celled
organisms may not be limited to behaviors that are basic or rudimentary, since the study showed that single-celled
protozoans can respond complexly to irritating stimuli.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behavior that is
“aggressive,” or threatening. Rather, the text suggests that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behaviors that are
basic, since the study of Stentor roeseli showed that single-celled protozoans can respond complexly to irritating stimuli.
Choice C is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behavior that is
“evolving,” or advancing. Rather, the text suggests that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behaviors that are
basic, since the study of Stentor roeseli showed that single-celled protozoans can respond complexly to irritating stimuli.
Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behavior that is
“advantageous,” or helpful. Rather, the text suggests that single-celled organisms may not be limited to behaviors that are
basic, since the study of Stentor roeseli showed that single-celled protozoans can respond complexly to irritating stimuli.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a7038ee7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: a7038ee7
Yawn contagion occurs when one individual yawns in response to another’s yawn. Studies of this behavior in
primates have focused on populations in captivity, but biologist Elisabetta Palagi and her colleagues have
shown that it can occur in wild primate populations as well. In their study, which focused on a wild population
of gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) in Ethiopia, the researchers further reported that yawn contagion
most commonly occurred in males and across different social groups instead of within a single social group.

Which choice best describes the function of the first sentence in the text as a whole?

A. It defines a phenomenon that is discussed in the text.

B. It introduces a problem that is examined in the text.

C. It makes a claim that is challenged in the text.

D. It presents a hypothesis that is evaluated in the text.

ID: a7038ee7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the first sentence functions in the text as a whole.
The first sentence introduces what yawn contagion is, explaining that it occurs when an individual yawns in response to the
yawn of another individual. The text goes on to describe Elisabetta Palagi and her colleagues’ study of this phenomenon in a
wild population of gelada monkeys. According to the text, the study showed that wild primate populations experience yawn
contagion and that the behavior occurs most commonly in male monkeys and across social groups. Thus, the function of
the first sentence is to define the phenomenon of yawn contagion that is discussed in the text.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the first sentence introduces the text’s discussion of yawn contagion, it doesn’t present this
behavior, or anything else, as a problem. Choice C is incorrect because the first sentence doesn’t present a claim but instead
explains what yawn contagion is. Moreover, the text doesn’t challenge anything; it’s an informative text that describes the
findings of a research study about yawning in wild primate populations. Choice D is incorrect. Although the text describes a
scientific study, and most scientific studies are guided by a hypothesis, the text doesn’t say what Palagi and her colleagues’
hypothesis was; the text discusses their findings instead.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 86cd2c78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 86cd2c78
The following text is from Walt Whitman’s 1860 poem “Calamus 24.”
I HEAR it is charged against me that I seek to destroy institutions;
But really I am neither for nor against institutions
(What indeed have I in common with them?—Or what with the destruction of them?),
Only I will establish in the Mannahatta [Manhattan] and in every city of These States, inland and seaboard,
And in the fields and woods, and above every keel [ship] little or large, that dents the water,
Without edifices, or rules, or trustees, or any argument,
The institution of the dear love of comrades.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. The speaker questions an increasingly prevalent attitude, then summarizes his worldview.

B. The speaker regrets his isolation from others, then predicts a profound change in society.

C. The speaker concedes his personal shortcomings, then boasts of his many achievements.

D. The speaker addresses a criticism leveled against him, then announces a grand ambition of his.

ID: 86cd2c78 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it best describes the overall structure of the text. The speaker begins by stating that he
has heard that others are accusing him of seeking to destroy institutions. The speaker then addresses this criticism by
stating that he is “neither for nor against institutions.” Instead, the speaker states that his ultimate goal is to instill “the
institution of the dear love of comrades” everywhere in the country. Therefore, the overall structure of the text is best
described as an address of criticism followed by an announcement of a grand ambition.

Choice A is incorrect. While the speaker does address an opinion of him that he believes to be untrue, he doesn’t indicate
that this attitude has become increasingly prevalent. The speaker also concludes by explaining his goal for the future rather
than his current worldview. Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t portray the speaker as isolated or regretful, and the
speaker gestures toward a hope for societal change but doesn’t offer an explicit prediction that it will happen. Choice C is
incorrect because the speaker addresses a criticism of him that he believes to be false; he doesn’t admit any personal
shortcomings. Moreover, the speaker concludes by stating a goal he has rather than showcasing his achievements.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8cb0c10b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 8cb0c10b

Text 1
Graphic novels are increasingly popular in bookstores and libraries, but they shouldn’t be classified as
literature. By definition, literature tells a story or conveys meaning through language only; graphic novels tell
stories through illustrations and use language only sparingly, in captions and dialogue. Graphic novels are
experienced as series of images and not as language, making them more similar to film than to literature.

Text 2
Graphic novels present their stories through both language and images. Without captions and dialogue,
readers would be unable to understand what is depicted in the illustrations: the story results from the
interaction of text and image. Moreover, Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home and many other graphic novels feature
text that is as beautifully written as the prose found in many standard novels. Therefore, graphic novels
qualify as literary texts.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the overall argument presented in
Text 1?

A. By asserting that language plays a more important role in graphic novels than the author of Text 1
recognizes

B. By acknowledging that the author of Text 1 has identified a flaw that is common to all graphic novels

C. By suggesting that the story lines of certain graphic novels are more difficult to understand than the
author of Text 1 claims

D. By agreeing with the author of Text 1 that most graphic novels aren’t as well crafted as most literary works
are

ID: 8cb0c10b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately states how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the
argument presented in Text 1. In arguing that graphic novels shouldn’t be classified as literature and are more comparable to
film, Text 1 claims that language plays a relatively limited role in graphic novels: images, not language, are the primary
means by which graphic novels tell their stories, and language is used "only sparingly"—that is, comparatively very little—in
the form of captions and dialogue. However, the author of Text 2 asserts that language in graphic novels is as equally vital
for conveying meaning as images are, since without captions and dialogue, readers wouldn’t be able to make sense of the
narrative. Moreover, the author of Text 2 argues that there are many graphic novels that are "beautifully written" and whose
use of language is as accomplished as any standard novel. Because Text 1 argues that language is subordinate to images in
graphic novels, whereas Text 2 highlights how language is an essential component of a graphic novel’s storytelling, it can
reasonably be inferred that the author of Text 2 would say that language plays a more important role in graphic novels than
the author of Text 1 recognizes.

Choice B is incorrect. Although Text 1 indicates that graphic novels shouldn’t be classified as literature based on their limited
use of language, there’s no indication that the author of Text 1 considers this limited use of language as a flaw, just that it
doesn’t fit the particular definition of "literature" proposed in the text. Even if Text 1 had suggested that their use of language
was a common flaw of graphic novels, the author of Text 2 emphasizes how many graphic novels are "beautifully written,"
and would therefore say that their use of language is exemplary, not that it is flawed. Choice C is incorrect because Text 1
doesn’t claim that the story lines of graphic novels are generally relatively easy to understand; in addition, Text 2 argues that
given their dependence on the interaction of image and text, the stories of graphic novels would be incomprehensible if their
captions and dialogue were removed, not that the story lines of some graphic novels are more difficult to understand than
Text 1 acknowledges. Choice D is incorrect because the author of Text 1 doesn’t imply that graphic novels aren’t well crafted,
only that they use language too sparingly to fit the definition of "literature," and that their use of images to convey stories
makes them more comparable to film than to literature. Even if the author of Text 1 had implied that most graphic novels
aren’t well crafted, Text 2 refers to the fact that many graphic novels are as beautifully written—that is, well crafted—as many
standard novels; thus, it wouldn’t be accurate to say that the author of Text 2 would agree with the author of Text 1 that most
graphic novels aren’t well crafted.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0a9b75f3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 0a9b75f3
The following text is adapted from Herman Melville’s 1857 novel The Confidence-Man. Humphry Davy was a
prominent British chemist and inventor.

Years ago, a grave American savant, being in London, observed at an evening party there, a certain
coxcombical fellow, as he thought, an absurd ribbon in his lapel, and full of smart [banter], whisking
about to the admiration of as many as were disposed to admire. Great was the savant’s disdain; but,
chancing ere long to find himself in a corner with the jackanapes, got into conversation with him, when
he was somewhat ill-prepared for the good sense of the jackanapes, but was altogether thrown aback,
upon subsequently being [informed that he was] no less a personage than Sir Humphry Davy.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. It portrays the thoughts of a character who is embarrassed about his own behavior.

B. It presents an account of a misunderstanding.

C. It offers a short history of how a person came to be famous.

D. It explains why one character dislikes another.

ID: 0a9b75f3 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The text tells a story of a first impression that turned out to be wrong: a serious American
savant was dismissive of a goofy-looking, wisecracking guest at a British party, and then was shocked to learn that the guest
was actually a prominent British chemist and inventor.

Choice A is incorrect. This is too strong and too narrow. Only at the very end is the savant "thrown aback" by the fact that the
man was Sir Humphry Davy—he’s not "embarrassed about his own behavior." Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t the main
purpose. The text never provides the history of how Sir Humphry Davy came to be famous. Nor does it provide any history for
the American savant. Choice D is incorrect. This is too narrow. It doesn’t include the second half of the text, where the savant
gets into a conversation with the man and then finds out that the man is Sir Humphry Davy.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 1b68b809
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 1b68b809
In the late 1800s, Spanish-language newspapers flourished in cities across Texas. San Antonio alone
produced eleven newspapers in Spanish between 1890 and 1900. But El Paso surpassed all other cities in
the state. This city produced twenty-two newspapers in Spanish during that period. El Paso is located on the
border with Mexico and has always had a large population of Spanish speakers. Thus, it is unsurprising that
this city became such a rich site for Spanish-language journalism.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To compare Spanish-language newspapers published in Texas today with ones published there during the
late 1800s

B. To explain that Spanish-language newspapers thrived in Texas and especially in El Paso during the late
1800s

C. To argue that Spanish-language newspapers published in El Paso influenced the ones published in San
Antonio during the late 1800s

D. To explain why Spanish-language newspapers published in Texas were so popular in Mexico during the
late 1800s

ID: 1b68b809 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The text begins by stating
that there were many Spanish-language newspapers in cities across Texas in the late 1800s, citing San Antonio as a city that
produced eleven such newspapers. The text then goes on to note that in El Paso, there were twenty-two newspapers
published in Spanish in the late 1800s, more than any other Texas city. The text then concludes by explaining that the reason
for this large number of Spanish-language newspapers was likely El Paso’s location near Mexico and its large population of
Spanish speakers. Therefore, the main purpose of the text is to explain that Spanish-language newspapers thrived in Texas
cities, especially in El Paso, in the late 1800s.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss Spanish-language newspapers published in Texas today, let alone
compare them with newspapers that were published in the 1800s. Choice C is incorrect. Although the text characterizes El
Paso as a particularly rich site for Spanish-language journalism in the late 1800s, the text doesn’t discuss whether
newspapers published in El Paso influenced the newspapers published in other cities across Texas, including San Antonio.
Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t mention whether Spanish-language newspapers published in Texas were also
widely read in Mexico. The text only focuses on the popularity of Spanish-language newspapers within Texas, and especially
in El Paso.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 014ae202
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 014ae202
The following text is adapted from Charles Dickens’s 1854 novel Hard Times. Coketown is a fictional town in
England.
[Coketown] contained several large streets all very like one another, and many small streets still more like one
another, inhabited by people equally like one another, who all went in and out at the same hours, with the
same sound upon the same pavements, to do the same work, and to whom every day was the same as
yesterday and tomorrow, and every year the counterpart of the last and the next.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To emphasize the uniformity of both the town and the people who live there

B. To explain the limited work opportunities available to the town’s residents

C. To reveal how the predictability of the town makes it easy for people lose track of time

D. To argue that the simplicity of life in the town makes it a pleasant place to live

ID: 014ae202 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The author describes Coketown as having streets that are all very similar and residents who live
similarly and do the same work. This repetition of similarities emphasizes how everything in Coketown is alike.

Choice B is incorrect. While the text mentions that all the residents “do the same work,” it never explains what that work is or
why everyone does it. Besides, the idea that they all do the same work is just one of several similarities among the
townspeople described in the text. Choice C is incorrect. While the last sentence states that “every day was the same as
yesterday and tomorrow, and every year the counterpart of the last and the next,” it never suggests that people actually “lose
track of time.” This is also too narrow to be the main idea, since time is just one of many aspects of Coketown that the text
describes as always being the same. Choice D is incorrect. The text never mentions whether life is simple in Coketown, and
the town sounds as though it’s probably a pretty dull place to live, rather than a pleasant one.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 267f8986
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 267f8986
For her 2021 art installation Anthem, Wu Tsang joined forces with singer and composer Beverly Glenn-
Copeland to produce a piece that critics found truly ______: they praised Tsang for creatively transforming a
museum rotunda into a dynamic exhibit by projecting filmed images of Glenn-Copeland onto a massive 84-
foot curtain and filling the space with the sounds of his and other voices singing.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. restrained

B. inventive

C. inexplicable

D. mystifying

ID: 267f8986 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the art installation Anthem. In this
context, “inventive” means characterized by invention and creativity. The text explains that critics’ responses to the
installation involved praise for Tsang’s creative transformation of a space into a dynamic exhibit with huge images and lots
of sound. This context conveys that the critics found the piece particularly creative.

Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that critics praised the installation for being dynamic and including huge
images and lots of sound, and it wouldn’t make sense to describe such an exhibit as “restrained,” or limited and not
extravagant or showy. Choice C is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to say that critics found the installation
“inexplicable,” or incapable of being explained or interpreted, since the critics were able to explain their praise for the
installation’s transformation of a space with huge images and lots of sound. Choice D is incorrect because the text focuses
on the idea that critics praised Tsang for creatively transforming a space into a dynamic exhibit, not that they found the
installation “mystifying,” or bewildering and hard to understand. Nothing in the text suggests that the critics couldn’t
understand the piece.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4183cbda
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 4183cbda

Text 1
In 2007, a team led by Alice Storey analyzed a chicken bone found in El Arenal, Chile, dating it to 1321–1407
CE—over a century before Europeans invaded the region, bringing their own chickens. Storey also found that
the El Arenal chicken shared a unique genetic mutation with the ancient chicken breeds of the Polynesian
Islands in the Pacific. Thus, Polynesian peoples, not later Europeans, probably first introduced chickens to
South America.

Text 2
An Australian research team weakened the case for a Polynesian origin for the El Arenal chicken by
confirming that the mutation identified by Storey has occurred in breeds from around the world. More
recently, though, a team led by Agusto Luzuriaga-Neira found that South American chicken breeds and
Polynesian breeds share other genetic markers that European breeds lack. Thus, the preponderance of
evidence now favors a Polynesian origin.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?

A. By broadly agreeing with the claim but objecting that the timeline it presupposes conflicts with the
findings of the genetic analysis conducted by Storey’s team

B. By faulting the claim for implying that domestic animals couldn’t have been transferred from South
America to the Polynesian Islands as well

C. By critiquing the claim for being based on an assumption that before the European invasion of South
America, the chickens of Europe were genetically uniform

D. By noting that while the claim is persuasive, the findings of Luzuriaga-Neira’s team provide stronger
evidence for it than the findings of the genetic analysis conducted by Storey do

ID: 4183cbda Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it accurately describes how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the
underlined claim in Text 1. Text 1 indicates that Storey found a genetic mutation in South American chickens from before the
European invasion and in Polynesian chickens, which implies that chickens were first brought to South America by
Polynesian people. Text 2 explains that the genetic mutation Storey found is in chickens from all over the world, thus
undercutting the mutation as evidence of a Polynesian origin. However, Text 2 goes on to say “[m]ore recently” Luzuriaga-
Neira and colleagues found multiple genetic markers shared by South American and Polynesian chickens but “that European
breeds lack,” which strongly suggests a Polynesian origin for the South American chickens. This indicates that the author of
Text 2 believes Luzuriaga-Neira’s evidence for a Polynesian origin is compelling while Storey’s evidence has been
undermined. Thus, the author of Text 2 would most likely agree with the underlined statement and believes Luzuriaga-Neira
and colleagues’ evidence for the statement is stronger than Storey’s evidence is.

Choice A is incorrect because both texts indicate that chickens were introduced to South America before the arrival of
Europeans. Text 1 states that the El Arenal chicken bone dates from “1321–1407 CE—over a century before Europeans
invaded the region” and concludes that these chickens were likely brought to South America by Polynesians. While Text 2 is
not as explicit about the time period as Text 1 is, nothing in Text 2 undermines the timing of events ascribed to Storey’s
account in Text 1. Choice B is incorrect because both texts agree that chickens were first brought to South America by
Polynesian peoples (the underlined claim), and nothing in Text 2 suggests that this claim is in any way deficient because the
possibility that animals could have been transferred from South America to Polynesia was not explicitly addressed. Choice C
is incorrect because the criticism that Text 2 raises about the ideas in Text 1 is specifically about whether the single genetic
mutation cited by Storey in fact supports the idea of a Polynesian origin for South American chickens. There is nothing in
Text 2 to suggest that the underlined sentence (Storey’s conclusion) is deficient because it is based on an assumption about
the genetic uniformity of European chickens.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 61f51c7e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 61f51c7e
Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth. Mary Beth Wilhelm and other astrobiologists
search for life, or its remains, in this harsh place because the desert closely mirrors the extreme environment
on Mars. The algae and bacteria found in Atacama’s driest regions may offer clues about Martian life. By
studying how these and other microorganisms survive such extreme conditions on Earth, Wilhelm’s team
hopes to determine whether similar life might have existed on Mars and to develop the best tools to look for
evidence of it.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. To contrast the conditions in the Atacama Desert with those on Mars

B. To explain why many life-forms cannot survive in the Atacama Desert

C. To indicate why astrobiologists choose to conduct research in the Atacama Desert

D. To describe certain limitations to conducting scientific study in the Atacama Desert

ID: 61f51c7e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a
whole. The first sentence describes a unique location on Earth, the Atacama Desert. The next sentence, which is the
underlined sentence, states that the reason why astrobiologists study life, or its remains, in this unique location is that
Atacama is a harsh environment that closely resembles the extreme environment of Mars. The remainder of the text
explains that the researchers hope their work in Atacama will support inquiry into life on Mars. Thus, the underlined portion
functions mainly to indicate why astrobiologists choose to conduct research in the Atacama Desert.

Choice A is incorrect because to contrast two things means to show the differences between them, and the phrase "closely
mirrors" in the underlined sentence indicates that the extreme environment in the Atacama Desert is similar to, not different
from, that on Mars. This similarity is why, according to the underlined sentence, astrobiologists conduct research in
Atacama. Choice B is incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t address forms of life that are unable to survive the
harsh environment of the Atacama Desert. Instead, the underlined sentence explains why astrobiologists study life, or its
remains, in this environment. Choice D is incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t suggest that the scientific
research in the Atacama Desert is limited in any way; instead, the sentence explains that the similarity between the
environments of Atacama and Mars is the reason why astrobiologists search for life, or its remains, in Atacama.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ad1fc529
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: ad1fc529
Interruptions in the supply chain for microchips used in personal electronics have challenged an economist’s
assertion that retailers can expect robust growth in sales of those devices in the coming months. The delays
are unlikely to ______ her projection entirely but will almost certainly extend its time frame.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. dispute

B. withdraw

C. underscore

D. invalidate

ID: ad1fc529 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the economist’s claim about sales
of personal electronic devices. In this context, “invalidate” most nearly means nullify or make invalid. The text indicates that
interruptions in the supply of microchips for personal electronics “have challenged” the economist’s claim that sales of
personal electronics will show strong growth in the coming months. The text goes on to clarify the effect of the delays on the
economist’s projection, stating that the delays are very likely to extend the time frame over which the projected growth in
sales will occur. This context suggests that the delays are unlikely to invalidate the economist’s projection entirely—the
delays will probably alter the time frame of the projection, not nullify it or make it invalid.

Choice A is incorrect because saying that the delays are unlikely to “dispute,” or argue against, the economist’s projection
wouldn’t make sense. Since the delays are an inanimate circumstance, they couldn’t argue against a prediction about the
sales of personal electronics. Choice B is incorrect because saying that the delays are unlikely to “withdraw,” or remove from
consideration, the economist’s projection wouldn’t make sense. Although the economist could withdraw her projection
because of the delays, the delays themselves couldn’t withdraw her projection since they’re an inanimate circumstance and
thus can’t choose to remove something from consideration. Choice C is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to
suggest that the delays will “underscore,” or emphasize, the economist’s projection. Instead, the text suggests that the
delays are likely to extend the time frame of the economist’s projection but not to undermine the projection entirely.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d3fe0b12
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: d3fe0b12
The following text is adapted from Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto’s 1925 memoir A Daughter of the Samurai. As a
young woman, Sugimoto moved from feudal Japan to the United States.

The standards of my own and my adopted country differed so widely in some ways, and my love for both
lands was so sincere, that sometimes I had an odd feeling of standing upon a cloud in space, and gazing
with measuring eyes upon two separate worlds. At first I was continually trying to explain, by Japanese
standards, all the queer things that came every day before my surprised eyes; for no one seemed to
know the origin or significance of even the most familiar customs, nor why they existed and were
followed.

Which choice best describes the main purpose of the text?

A. To convey the narrator’s experience of observing and making sense of differences between two cultures
she embraces

B. To establish the narrator’s hope of forming connections with new companions by sharing customs she
learned as a child

C. To reveal the narrator’s recognition that she is hesitant to ask questions about certain aspects of a culture
she is newly encountering

D. To emphasize the narrator’s wonder at discovering that the physical distance between two countries is
greater than she had expected

ID: d3fe0b12 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The narrator asserts that she
loves both her “own” country (Japan) and her “adopted country” (the United States) even though the two countries differ
“widely.” She also indicates that, at first, she would try to explain unfamiliar experiences that she had in the United States
using the standards ingrained in her from growing up in Japan. Thus, the main purpose of the text is to convey the narrator’s
experience of observing and making sense of the differences between two cultures she embraces.

Choice B is incorrect because the text makes no reference to possible companions. Although the text does indicate that the
narrator sometimes used the cultural framework she acquired growing up in Japan to explain some experiences she’s had,
there is no suggestion that this was in service of making friends. And although “no one seemed to know” strongly implies
that the narrator has interacted with other people in the United States, there is no indication that these conversations
involved her discussing Japanese customs. Choice C is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that the narrator was
hesitant to ask questions. In fact, the narrator indicates that “no one seemed to know the origin” of various customs, which
provides evidence that, rather than being hesitant, she sought information from several people. Choice D is incorrect
because the text makes no reference to the physical distance between Japan and the United States. Although the narrator
indicates that the two countries differ “widely” and likens them to “two separate worlds,” these descriptions relate to cultural
aspects of the countries and the narrator’s feelings about the two countries, not the physical distance between them.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a5307779
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: a5307779
Several studies have found negligible electoral consequences for governments that impose fiscal austerity
measures, yet some European governments recently suffered electorally due to their austerity programs.
Evelyne Huebscher and colleagues attribute this incongruity to governments’ tendency—not followed in the
recent European cases—to implement austerity programs strategically to avoid electoral costs (e.g., setting
spending cuts to take effect only after the next election), which has obscured the inherent political risks of
austerity measures in the election data scholars have examined.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It explains a discrepancy between what has been observed in study settings and what has been observed
in real-world settings that the text goes on to assert is attributable to the studies not using real-world
data.

B. It identifies a conflict between research findings and recent events that the text goes on to suggest is a
consequence of a complicating factor in the data used to generate those findings.

C. It presents a long-standing divergence in research findings that the text goes on to say is due to different
groups of researchers using data that derive from different electoral circumstances.

D. It describes a recent exception to a general pattern in research findings that the text goes on to explain is
a result of researchers underestimating the significance of inconsistencies in the data they’ve analyzed.

ID: a5307779 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it best describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a whole. The
underlined sentence explains that contrary to what several studies would suggest, recent European governments suffered
electorally after the launch of fiscal austerity programs. The text goes on to indicate that the researchers generated their
findings from data that didn’t reveal the true political risk of austerity measures because the data were based on cases in
which governments had set austerity programs to take effect after the next election, a practice the European governments
that recently suffered electorally didn’t adhere to, thus introducing a complicating factor resulting in a conflict between the
research findings and recent events.

Choice A is incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t indicate that the discrepancy described in the text is between
observations made in study settings and observations made in real-world settings. Rather, the underlined sentence indicates
that the outcome of recent events is contrary to what would be expected based on the findings of several studies.
Additionally, there is nothing in the text to suggest that the studies mentioned did not use real-world data; instead, the text
indicates that the data used was generated under potentially different circumstances than the recent events. Choice C is
incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t present a long-standing divergence in research findings but rather a
discrepancy between past research findings and recent events that the text goes on to attribute to researchers’ use of data
that didn’t reveal the true political risk of austerity measures. Choice D is incorrect because while the underlined sentence
notes that there have been some recent exceptions to a general pattern observed in several research studies, it does not go
on to attribute this exception to the researchers underestimating inconsistencies in the data. Rather, the text goes on to
attribute this to a circumstance (fiscal austerity measures being implemented before an election rather than after) which
adds a complicating factor into the data not accounted for in past studies.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 06346bcd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 06346bcd
Some studies have suggested that posture can influence cognition, but we should not overstate this
phenomenon. A case in point: In a 2014 study, Megan O’Brien and Alaa Ahmed had subjects stand or sit
while making risky simulated economic decisions. Standing is more physically unstable and cognitively
demanding than sitting; accordingly, O’Brien and Ahmed hypothesized that standing subjects would display
more risk aversion during the decision-making tasks than sitting subjects did, since they would want to avoid
further feelings of discomfort and complicated risk evaluations. But O’Brien and Ahmed actually found no
difference in the groups’ performance.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. It argues that research findings about the effects of posture on cognition are often misunderstood, as in
the case of O’Brien and Ahmed’s study.

B. It presents the study by O’Brien and Ahmed to critique the methods and results reported in previous
studies of the effects of posture on cognition.

C. It explains a significant problem in the emerging understanding of posture’s effects on cognition and how
O’Brien and Ahmed tried to solve that problem.

D. It discusses the study by O’Brien and Ahmed to illustrate why caution is needed when making claims
about the effects of posture on cognition.

ID: 06346bcd Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The text notes that although
some studies have suggested that posture may have an effect on cognition, this phenomenon should not be overstated. In
other words, the text begins by urging caution and restraint when discussing the effects of posture on cognition, implying
that even though some studies have shown posture to affect cognition, we should not assume that posture always affects
cognition or does so in a strong way. The text goes on to discuss O’Brien and Ahmed’s study as a "case in point" (that is, as
an example of the point made previously). According to the text, O’Brien and Ahmed hypothesized that since standing is
more cognitively demanding than sitting, standing subjects in their experiment would respond differently to decision-making
tasks than sitting subjects would, which would show an effect of posture on cognition. What the researchers actually found,
however, was that the standing and sitting subjects performed the same—posture did not affect cognition. By presenting a
circumstance in which posture does not appear to affect cognition, the discussion of O’Brien and Ahmed’s study shows why
it is important not to overstate the phenomenon. The purpose of the text, therefore, is to discuss O’Brien and Ahmed’s study
to illustrate why caution is needed when making claims about posture’s effects on cognition.
Choice A is incorrect because the text discusses O’Brien and Ahmed’s study as an example of why caution is needed when
discussing posture’s effects on cognition, not as an example of how research findings related to posture and cognition are
often misunderstood. Although the text does warn against misunderstanding the scope of the relationship between posture
and cognition that has been reported in some previous studies, O’Brien and Ahmed’s study is not one of those studies, and
there is no suggestion that anyone has misunderstood O’Brien and Ahmed’s findings. Choice B is incorrect because the text
makes no mention of the methods used in previous studies of the effects of posture on cognition. Although the text does
urge caution when discussing posture’s effects on cognition, it does not critique the results of studies that suggested that
posture can affect cognition. Instead, the text suggests that such results should not be exaggerated or taken too broadly.
Choice C is incorrect because although the text implies that overstating posture’s effects on cognition would be a problem,
nothing in the text suggests that O’Brien and Ahmed share that view or that they attempted to solve that problem. O’Brien
and Ahmed are presented as hypothesizing that posture would affect cognition in their study, not as trying to resolve the
problem the text describes.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID e96be0f7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: e96be0f7
According to a team of neuroeconomists from the University of Zurich, ease of decision making may be
linked to communication between two brain regions, the prefrontal cortex and the parietal cortex. Individuals
tend to be more decisive if the information flow between the regions is intensified, whereas they make
choices more slowly when information flow is ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. reduced

B. evaluated

C. determined

D. acquired

ID: e96be0f7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of how the flow of information
between two regions of the brain may affect the ease of people’s decision making. In this context, "reduced" means
decreased. The text presents the finding from a team of neuroeconomists that decision making may be connected to
communication between the prefrontal cortex and the parietal cortex. In presenting this finding, the text suggests a contrast
between people who tend to be more decisive and people who make decisions more slowly. According to the text, people
tend to be more decisive when the flow of information between the two brain regions is intensified, or strengthened. On the
other hand, this context suggests that people make choices more slowly when the flow of information between the two brain
regions is decreased.

Choice B is incorrect because "evaluated" means assessed, which wouldn’t make sense in context. According to the text,
people tend to be more decisive when the flow of information between two brain regions is intensified, or strengthened. This
suggests that people’s ease of decision making varies based on the rate of information traveling between the regions, not
based on an effort to assess the information. Choice C is incorrect because "determined" means judged or influenced,
neither of which would make sense in context. According to the text, people tend to be more decisive when the flow of
information between two brain regions is intensified, or strengthened. This suggests that people’s ease of decision making
varies based on the rate of information traveling between the regions, not based on an effort to judge or influence the
information. Choice D is incorrect because "acquired" means developed or attained, neither of which would make sense in
context. According to the text, people tend to be more decisive when the flow of information between two brain regions is
intensified, or strengthened. This suggests that people’s ease of decision making varies based on the rate of information
traveling between the regions, not based on the development or attainment of the information.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 52aa1317
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 52aa1317
Raymond Antrobus, an accomplished poet and writer of prose, recently released his debut spoken word
poetry album, The First Time I Wore Hearing Aids, in collaboration with producer Ian Brennan. The album
contains both autobiographical and reflective pieces combining Antrobus’s spoken words with Brennan’s
fragmented audio elements and pieces of music to convey how people who are deaf may experience sound,
both its presence and absence. Some critics suggest that the album questions the function of sound in the
world, highlighting that the experience of sound is multifaceted.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It introduces a collaborative spoken word poetry project, details the approach taken to produce the work,
and then provides an example of critique the album received upon release.

B. It mentions a collection of spoken word poems, distinguishes one poem as being an exemplar on the
album, and then offers a summary of the subject matter of the whole collection.

C. It summarizes the efforts to produce a collection of spoken word poems, presents biographies of two
people who worked on the album, and speculates about the meaning behind the poetry.

D. It connects two artists to the same spoken word poetry project, explains the extent of their collaboration
on each poem, and then provides an overview of the technique used to produce the work.

ID: 52aa1317 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The text first introduces the album as being a collaboration between Antrobus and Brennan,
then describes the approach taken to produce it, then mentions how critics have said that it calls into question the function
of sound.

Choice B is incorrect. While the text does mention a collection of spoken word poems, it doesn’t single out one poem as
being particularly noteworthy. Additionally, the text doesn’t simply summarize the subject matter—it goes into detail about
the content and production of the album. Choice C is incorrect. The text doesn’t provide biographical information about the
two artists, and the text doesn’t speculate about the meaning behind the poetry—instead, it relays what some critics have
said about the album. Choice D is incorrect. The text doesn’t provide just an overview of the production techniques used but
instead goes into more detail about the content and audio elements of the album, as well as critical response to the album.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 333f6512
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 333f6512
The following text is from the 1923 poem “Black Finger” by Angelina Weld Grimké, a Black American writer. A
cypress is a type of evergreen tree.
I have just seen a most beautiful thing,
Slim and still,
Against a gold, gold sky,
A straight black cypress,
Sensitive,
Exquisite,
A black finger
Pointing upwards.
Why, beautiful still finger, are you black?
And why are you pointing upwards?

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. The speaker assesses a natural phenomenon, then questions the accuracy of her assessment.

B. The speaker describes a distinctive sight in nature, then ponders what meaning to attribute to that sight.

C. The speaker presents an outdoor scene, then considers a human behavior occurring within that scene.

D. The speaker examines her surroundings, then speculates about their influence on her emotional state.

ID: 333f6512 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes the overall structure of the text. First, the speaker
describes observing a “most beautiful” sight: a tree (“black cypress”) standing out from the golden sky behind it, looking like
a person’s finger “pointing upwards” and appearing “sensitive” and “exquisite.” Then the speaker wonders about the image’s
meaning, asking why the finger is black and why it’s pointing upward. Thus, the text moves from the speaker’s description of
a distinctive sight in nature to her pondering about what meaning to attribute to that sight.

Choice A is incorrect because the speaker assesses a natural sight—a “black cypress” tree standing “against a gold, gold
sky” like a pointed finger—but doesn’t question the accuracy of her own assessment. Although she wonders why the finger,
which is really a tree, is black and why it’s pointing, the speaker doesn’t suggest that her belief that the tree resembles a
finger is wrong. Choice C is incorrect. Although the speaker describes seeing a “black cypress” tree standing “against a gold,
gold sky” like a pointed finger, she wonders about that natural image (asking why the finger, which is really a tree, is black
and why it’s pointing) and doesn’t give any indication that any people are present in the scene. Choice D is incorrect.
Although the speaker examines and wonders about one thing in her surroundings—a “black cypress” tree standing “against a
gold, gold sky” like a pointed finger—she doesn’t address her own emotional state or consider how it’s affected by her
surroundings.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e8e987a7
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: e8e987a7
Some economic historians ______ that late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century households in the United
States experienced an economy of scale when it came to food purchases—they assumed that large
households spent less on food per person than did small households. Economist Trevon Logan showed,
however, that a close look at the available data disproves this supposition.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. surmised

B. contrived

C. questioned

D. regretted

ID: e8e987a7 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-
century household food purchases. In this context, “surmised” means formed an idea or assumption with little evidence. The
text explains that certain economic historians “assumed” that large and small households spent different amounts on food
per person, but that another economist found this supposition to be false based on evidence from available data. This
context suggests that the economic historians made an incorrect assumption without enough consideration of evidence.

Choice B is incorrect. In this context, “contrived” would mean brought about or created through trickery. Nothing in the text
suggests that the economic historians were deliberately trying to trick people with a claim about food purchasing behaviors
in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century households; the text simply suggests that they made an assumption about
those behaviors that another historian believes isn’t supported by the available data. Choice C is incorrect because the text
indicates that it’s Logan and not the economic historians who “questioned,” or doubted, the assumption that large and small
households in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries spent different amounts on food per person; the economic
historians are the ones who made that assumption to begin with. Choice D is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests
that some economic historians “regretted,” or felt sad or remorseful about, the food purchasing behaviors of late nineteenth-
and early twentieth-century households. The text focuses on the idea that the economic historians made an assumption
about those behaviors that may not be supported by available data, not on the historians’ emotional response to what
households did in the past.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5cc62890
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 5cc62890
Text 1
The live music festival business is growing in event size and genre variety. With so many consumer options,
organizers are finding ways to cement festival attendance as a special experience worth sharing. This
phenomenon is linked to the growing “experiential economy,” where many find it gratifying to purchase lived
experiences. To ensure a profitable event, venues need to consider the overall consumer experience, not just
the band lineup.
Text 2
Music festival appearances are becoming a more important part of musicians’ careers. One factor in this
shift is the rising use of streaming services that allow access to huge numbers of songs for a monthly fee,
subsequently reducing sales of full-length albums. With this shift in consumer behavior, musicians are
increasingly dependent on revenue from live performances.

Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
A. Consumers are more interested in paying subscription fees to stream music than in attending music
festivals in person.

B. Consumers’ growing interest in purchasing experiences is mostly confined to the music industry.

C. Changing consumer behaviors are leading to changes in music-related businesses.

D. The rising consumer demand for live music festivals also generates higher demand for music streaming
platforms.

ID: 5cc62890 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. Both authors mention how consumer behaviors have shifted, and how this affects different
aspects of the music industry. Text 1 states that consumers enjoy purchasing “lived experiences,” and that this influences
how organizers design music festivals. Text 2 states that consumers are using streaming services more, and that this
reduces album sales and increases the importance of live performances for musicians.

Choice A is incorrect. Neither text claims that consumers prefer streaming to festivals, or that these are mutually exclusive
options. Text 1 implies that festivals are popular and profitable, and Text 2 never suggests that streaming services diminish
the demand for live music. Choice B is incorrect. This choice misreads Text 1, which identifies music festivals as just one
example of a broader trend of purchasing “lived experiences.” Text 2 doesn’t mention growing interest in purchasing
experiences, in the music industry or otherwise. Choice D is incorrect. Neither text establishes a cause/effect relationship
between the demand for festivals and the demand for streaming platforms. Text 1 does not mention streaming platforms at
all, and Text 2 does not imply that streaming platforms benefit from the popularity of festivals.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f5860bb2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: f5860bb2
Birds sing to communicate over potentially great distances. For this reason, many researchers believe that
birds in densely vegetated habitats generally sing at lower frequencies than birds living in comparatively
sparse habitats, since dense vegetation tends to ______ the distance that high-frequency sounds can travel.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. exceed

B. diminish

C. encompass

D. conceal

ID: f5860bb2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of birdsong. In this context, "diminish"
means reduce or lessen. The text establishes that birds sing to communicate over potentially large distances and that
researchers believe that birds that live in densely vegetated habitats sing at lower frequencies than birds that live in
comparatively sparsely vegetated habitats. The text then explains that researchers hold this belief due to some effect of
dense vegetation on the distance that high-frequency sounds can travel. If birds sing to communicate over long distances, it
would be logical to conclude that researchers believe that birds in densely vegetated habitats sing at lower frequencies than
birds in relatively sparse habitats do because dense vegetation diminishes the distance that high-frequency sounds can
travel.

Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that dense vegetation can "exceed," or surpass or go beyond, the
distance that high-frequency sounds can travel. The text suggests that dense vegetation reduces the distance that high-
frequency sounds can travel, not that dense vegetation goes farther than that distance. Choice C is incorrect because it
would not be sensible to say that dense vegetation can "encompass," or enclose or encircle, the distance that high-frequency
sounds can travel. The distance that sounds can travel is not an object that can be enclosed or encircled by vegetation.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no information in the text indicating that dense vegetation can "conceal," or hide or
keep from being observed, the distance that high-frequency sounds travel. Instead, the text suggests that dense vegetation
reduces the distance that high-frequency sounds can travel.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 702a74f4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 702a74f4
According to a US tax policy expert, state taxes are ______ other factors when considering an interstate move.
Even significant differences in state taxation have almost no effect on most people’s decisions, while
differences in employment opportunities, housing availability, and climate are strong influences.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. consistent with

B. representative of

C. overshadowed by

D. irrelevant to

ID: 702a74f4 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the factors that influence peoples’
decisions to move to a different state. As used in this context, “overshadowed by” means to be surpassed by or caused to
seem less important than other factors affecting a move. The text indicates that, according to a US tax policy expert, when
people think about an interstate move, state taxes have little effect on their decisions, while employment opportunities,
housing availability, and climate have a very strong effect. This context suggests that people consider these other factors to
be more important than state taxes.

Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that state taxes aren’t as important a consideration as other factors when
people are thinking of moving to another state. The context doesn’t suggest that state taxes are “consistent with,” or in
agreement with these other factors. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to say that state taxes
are “representative of,” or typical of, other factors. Taxes aren’t an example of employment opportunities, housing availability,
and climate, which are the other factors listed in the text. Choice D is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to
say that state taxes are “irrelevant to,” or unconnected or unimportant to other factors. State taxes are irrelevant to peoples’
decisions, not to other factors. In other words, although the text suggests that state taxes may be irrelevant to people
considering a move to another state, the other factors mentioned in the text, such as employment opportunities, are unable
to have an opinion about state taxes. Furthermore, the text indicates that significant differences in state taxes have almost
no effect on peoples’ choices to move, but they aren’t completely unimportant.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7f66ae7e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 7f66ae7e
Within baleen whale species, some individuals develop an accessory spleen—a seemingly functionless
formation of splenetic tissue outside the normal spleen. Given the formation’s greater prevalence among
whales known to make deeper dives, some researchers hypothesize that its role isn’t ______; rather, the
accessory spleen may actively support diving mechanisms.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. replicable

B. predetermined

C. operative

D. latent

ID: 7f66ae7e Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of baleen whale accessory spleens. In
this context, “latent” means dormant or functionless. The text sets up a contrast between the idea that baleen whale
accessory spleens appear not to have a function and the research indicating that the accessory spleen may actually have a
role in supporting the whales’ diving mechanisms. This context therefore conveys the idea that the assumption that baleen
whale accessory spleens are latent may be incorrect.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to say that the role of the accessory spleen is “replicable,” or capable
of being reproduced. The text indicates that the role of the accessory spleen seems to have no function, but some
researchers think it does have a role; the text doesn’t address whether the role of the accessory spleen could or couldn’t be
reproduced. Choice B is incorrect because suggesting that the role of the accessory spleen is “predetermined,” or decided in
advance, wouldn’t make sense in context. Although the researchers may agree that the role of the accessory spleen or any
other organ hasn’t been determined in advance, the text focuses on the idea that the accessory spleen was thought to have
been functionless but may in fact serve an active role for baleen whales. Choice C is incorrect because it’s the opposite of
what the context of the text is conveying. The second sentence of the text indicates that baleen whale accessory spleens
may not be useless, not that they aren’t “operative,” or functional.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 826c2a7e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 826c2a7e
Close analysis of the painting Girl with a Flute, long attributed to the seventeenth-century Dutch painter
Johannes Vermeer, has revealed subtle deviations from the artist’s signature techniques. These variations
suggest that the work may be that of a student under Vermeer’s tutelage—potentially ______ our
understanding of Vermeer as a solitary artist.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. negating

B. prefiguring

C. entrenching

D. substantiating

ID: 826c2a7e Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. "Negating" means "reversing" or "making invalid." Proving that Vermeer worked with students
would reverse the view of him as a solitary artist.

Choice B is incorrect. "Prefiguring" means "being an early indicator of." There already existed views of Vermeer as a solitary
painter, so a new painting would not be an early indicator of those views. Rather, a painting proving that Vermeer had a
student would contradict those earlier views. Choice C is incorrect. "Entrenching" means "solidifying." A painting proving that
Vermeer had a student would not solidify views of him as solitary, but would rather contradict those views. Choice D is
incorrect. "Substantiating" means "supporting with proof." A painting proving that Vermeer had a student would not support
views of him as solitary, but would rather contradict those views.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b99e3267
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: b99e3267
A journalist and well-respected art critic of nineteenth-century Britain, Lady Elizabeth Rigby Eastlake did not
hesitate to publish reviews that went against popular opinion. One of her most divisive works was an essay
questioning the idea of photography as an emerging medium for fine art: in the essay, Eastlake ______ that
the value of photographs was informational rather than creative.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. exposed

B. asserted

C. discovered

D. doubted

ID: b99e3267 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. "Asserted" means "stated confidently." Eastlake "did not hesitate to publish reviews going
against popular opinion," so we can assume that she was confident in sharing her opinions.

Choice A is incorrect. "Exposed" means "made visible by uncovering" and, when talking about ideas, tends to be used in
relation to uncovering the truth. Eastlake was sharing an opinion, not uncovering a truth. Choice C is incorrect. "Discovered"
means "found," but Eastlake was writing an opinion essay. She was writing her own opinion, not "discovering" a new universal
truth. Choice D is incorrect. "Doubted" means "didn’t believe in." We’re told that Eastlake "questioned" the idea that
photography could be fine art. Placing "doubted" in the blank would actually suggest that Eastlake argued that photos were
valuable for creativity and not for information, which is the opposite of what we were told she believes.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e56aedd2
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: e56aedd2

Text 1
Conventional wisdom long held that human social systems evolved in stages, beginning with hunter-
gatherers forming small bands of members with roughly equal status. The shift to agriculture about 12,000
years ago sparked population growth that led to the emergence of groups with hierarchical structures:
associations of clans first, then chiefdoms, and finally, bureaucratic states.

Text 2
In a 2021 book, anthropologist David Graeber and archaeologist David Wengrow maintain that humans have
always been socially flexible, alternately forming systems based on hierarchy and collective ones with
decentralized leadership. The authors point to evidence that as far back as 50,000 years ago some hunter-
gatherers adjusted their social structures seasonally, at times dispersing in small groups but also
assembling into communities that included esteemed individuals.

Based on the texts, how would Graeber and Wengrow (Text 2) most likely respond to the “conventional
wisdom” presented in Text 1?
A. By conceding the importance of hierarchical systems but asserting the greater significance of
decentralized collective societies

B. By disputing the idea that developments in social structures have followed a linear progression through
distinct stages

C. By acknowledging that hierarchical roles likely weren’t a part of social systems before the rise of
agriculture

D. By challenging the assumption that groupings of hunter-gatherers were among the earliest forms of
social structure

ID: e56aedd2 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it describes the most likely way that Graeber and Wengrow (Text 2) would respond to
the “conventional wisdom” presented in Text 1. According to Text 1, the conventional wisdom about human social systems is
that they developed through stages, beginning with hunter-gatherer bands, then moving to clan associations, then
chiefdoms, and finally arriving at states with bureaucratic structures. Text 2 indicates that Graeber and Wengrow believe that
human social systems have been flexible, shifting between different types of structures, including both hierarchical and
collective systems, and that these shifts may have even occurred seasonally. This suggests that Graeber and Wengrow
would dispute the idea that developments in social structures have followed a linear progression through distinct stages.

Choice A is incorrect because nothing in Text 2 suggests that Graeber and Wengrow believe that decentralized collective
societies are more significant than hierarchical systems. Text 2 is focused on Graeber and Wengrow’s view that humans
have flexibly shifted among various social structures, not on the importance of particular structures relative to
others. Choice C is incorrect because Text 2 doesn’t include any information suggesting that Graeber and Wengrow believe
that hierarchies didn’t emerge until after the rise of agriculture. In fact, Text 2 indicates that Graeber and Wengrow cite
evidence suggesting that some hunter-gatherer groups formed social structures with hierarchical elements (“communities
that included esteemed individuals”) 50,000 years ago, long before the rise of agriculture, which Text 1 says occurred around
12,000 years ago. Choice D is incorrect because there’s no information in Text 2 suggesting that Graeber and Wengrow
would challenge the assumption that groupings of hunter-gatherers were among the earliest forms of social structure.
Although Text 1 does indicate that hunter-gatherer groups are assumed to be the earliest human social system, Text 2 says
only that Graeber and Wengrow believe that some hunter-gatherer groups made use of different social structures at different
times. Text 2 doesn’t imply that Graeber and Wengrow doubt that hunter-gatherer groups preceded most other social
structures.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID b5c5b387
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: b5c5b387
The following text is adapted from Louise Erdrich’s 2020 novel The Night Watchman. Louis Pipestone is
collecting signatures for a petition from fellow members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa on the
tribe’s reservation in North Dakota.

Louis Pipestone tended the petition like a garden. He kept it with him at all times. In town, his eyes
sharpened when he noticed a tribal member who hadn’t yet signed. Wherever they were—at the gas
pump, mercantile [general store], at Henry’s [Café], on the road, or outside the clinic and hospital—Louis
cornered them. If they were waiting for a baby to be born, he’d have them sign. If they were laughing, if
they were arguing. If they were taking a child home from school, they signed.
©2020 by Louise Erdrich

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To suggest that some tribal members refuse to sign the petition because they dislike Louis Pipestone

B. To show that attitudes toward the petition within the tribal community change over time

C. To demonstrate that most tribal members are enthusiastic about signing the petition

D. To portray Louis Pipestone’s strong commitment to collecting signatures for the petition

ID: b5c5b387 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately states the text’s main purpose. The text indicates that Louis always
had his petition with him, asked everyone he encountered to sign it if they hadn’t already, and lists several comical
circumstances in which he might try to get someone to sign. Thus, the main purpose of the text is to illustrate Louis’s
dedicated focus on getting people to sign the petition.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text suggests that Louis was aggressive in seeking signatures for the petition—for
example, saying that he "cornered" people—nothing in the text addresses how those people feel toward Louis, let alone that
they are refusing his request. Choice B is incorrect because, other than portraying Louis’s commitment to gathering
signatures, the text doesn’t discuss community members’ attitudes toward Louis or the petition. Choice C is incorrect
because the text never mentions the attitudes of the people Louis approaches toward the petition, but the text does indicate
that he "cornered" prospective signatories, strongly suggesting that their enthusiasm was neither needed nor considered.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9d893693
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 9d893693
Text 1
An excavation in Chiquihuite Cave in central Mexico has upended the belief that approximately 13,000 years
ago, a group known as the Clovis people were the first human inhabitants of North America. More than 200
crude stone tools were found embedded in a layer of earth that is up to 33,150 years old, revealing that
humans occupied the cave thousands of years before the Clovis people reached the continent.

Text 2
The objects uncovered in Chiquihuite Cave are intriguing, but it is premature to characterize them as tools.
The stone pieces are so roughly shaped that they may have simply fractured from rocks during natural
geological activity in the cave. Moreover, their unearthing has thus far not been accompanied by discoveries
of other signs of human activity or even traces of human DNA from surfaces.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?

A. By suggesting that it draws a plausible connection between two groups of people but will need to be
confirmed with further study

B. By asserting that it rests on an assumption about the stone pieces that is not sufficiently supported by
available evidence

C. By acknowledging that it will most likely be proved correct when the stone pieces undergo more detailed
analysis

D. By pointing out that it fails to account for evidence that the Clovis people were active on the continent as
early as is commonly thought

ID: 9d893693 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the underlined claim
about the Clovis people in Text 1. Text 1 explains that the idea that the Clovis people were the first human inhabitants of
North America has been overturned by the unearthing of stone tools in Chiquihuite Cave in Mexico. The tools were found in a
layer of earth that is over 33,000 years old—much older than the Clovis people’s arrival 13,000 years ago. The text ends with
the claim that the tools reveal that humans lived in the cave long before the Clovis people reached the continent. Text 2, on
the other hand, disputes the idea that the stone pieces are definitely tools. Text 2 states that the pieces are so roughly
shaped that they may have simply naturally broken off from rocks and, moreover, that no other signs of human activity have
been found in the cave. In other words, Text 2 argues that there is no proof yet that humans made the pieces as tools or were
even present in the cave. Therefore, the author of Text 2 would most likely say that the claim that humans occupied
Chiquihuite Cave long before the Clovis people reached North America rests on an assumption about the stone pieces—that
they are human-made tools—that is not sufficiently supported by available evidence.

Choice A is incorrect because Text 1 doesn’t claim that human inhabitants of Chiquihuite Cave and the Clovis people had any
connection; the author of Text 1 focuses only on the timing of each group’s presence in North America. Further, the author of
Text 2 makes no mention of the Clovis people and indicates that it isn’t clear yet that any human group did inhabit
Chiquihuite Cave. Choice C is incorrect because nothing in Text 2 suggests that the author believes the stone pieces
probably are human-made tools and will be confirmed as such by further analysis; instead, the author of Text 2 emphasizes
the current lack of evidence of human activity in the cave. Choice D is incorrect because Text 2 focuses on the issue of
characterizing the stone pieces as tools made by humans, not on the timing of any particular group’s activity in North
America; further, Text 1 seems to support the common belief that the Clovis people reached North America 13,000 years ago
and challenges only the idea that they were the continent’s first inhabitants. Therefore, there’s no reason to think the author
of Text 2 would say that the author of Text 1 overlooks evidence that the Clovis people were active as early as is commonly
thought.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 19e19d21
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 19e19d21
The following text is adapted from James Baldwin’s 1956 novel Giovanni’s Room. The narrator is riding in a
taxi down a street lined with food vendors and shoppers in Paris, France.

The multitude of Paris seems to be dressed in blue every day but Sunday, when, for the most part, they
put on an unbelievably festive black. Here they were now, in blue, disputing, every inch, our passage, with
their wagons, handtrucks, their bursting baskets carried at an angle steeply self-confident on the back.
©1956 by James Baldwin

As used in the text, what does the word “disputing” most nearly mean?
A. Arguing about

B. Disapproving of

C. Asserting possession of

D. Providing resistance to

ID: 19e19d21 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because as used in the text, "disputing" most nearly means providing resistance to. The narrator
is in a taxi as it drives down a street lined with so many food vendors and shoppers that the narrator describes them as "the
multitude of Paris," meaning an immense group of people. The street is essentially a large open-air market, and there are so
many people pushing small wagons of goods and carrying shopping baskets that "every inch" of the taxi’s progress is
impeded. In other words, the people are providing resistance to the taxi’s attempt to drive down the street.

Choice A is incorrect. Although in some contexts, "disputing" can mean arguing, the narrator doesn’t portray the shoppers
and vendors as arguing with the driver of the taxi or, indeed, arguing at all. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts,
"disputing" can mean expressing disapproval, the narrator doesn’t suggest that the shoppers and vendors necessarily
disapprove of the taxi’s attempt to drive down the street. Instead, their combined presence along the street has the effect of
impeding the taxi’s progress. Choice C is incorrect because, as the narrator explains, both the multitude of people and the
taxi are using a public space (a street) at the same time. The narrator doesn’t go so far as to suggest that the people feel
that they, and not the taxi, possess exclusive access to the street.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f318de52
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: f318de52
The following text is from the 1895 poem “Marshlands” by Emily Pauline Johnson, a Kanienkahagen
(Mohawk) writer also known as Tekahionwake.

Among the wild rice in the still lagoon,

In monotone the lizard shrills his tune.
The wild goose, homing, seeks a sheltering,
Where rushes grow, and oozing lichens cling.
Late cranes with heavy wing, and lazy flight,
Sail up the silence with the nearing night.
And like a spirit, swathed in some soft veil,
Steals twilight and its shadows o’er the swale.
Hushed lie the sedges, and the vapours creep,
Thick, grey and humid, while the marshes sleep.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It names animal species found in a place, then names plant species there.

B. It sketches a setting by presenting a series of images of nature.

C. It makes an extended comparison of nature to human emotions.

D. It identifies a location, then refers to a person living there.

ID: f318de52 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it best describes the overall structure of the text. The text first establishes the setting, a
"still lagoon," and then goes on to provide more details about the lagoon by presenting several descriptive images of nature,
including a lizard that "shrills his tune," "oozing lichens," and "thick, grey and humid" vapors.

Choice A is incorrect. Instead of simply naming species, the text presents descriptive images of nature; further, instead of
naming animals and then moving on to name plants, the text refers first to a plant ("the wild rice"), then to two animals ("the
lizard," "the wild goose"), then to another plant ("rushes"), and so on. Choice C is incorrect because the text does not draw
any comparison between nature and human emotions; it does not refer to human emotions at all. Choice D is incorrect.
While the text does begin by identifying a specific location, a "still lagoon," it makes no mention of a person living there.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f8eacedb
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: f8eacedb
Text 1
Africa’s Sahara region—once a lush ecosystem—began to dry out about 8,000 years ago. A change in Earth’s
orbit that affected climate has been posited as a cause of desertification, but archaeologist David Wright
also attributes the shift to Neolithic peoples. He cites their adoption of pastoralism as a factor in the region
drying out: the pastoralists’ livestock depleted vegetation, prompting the events that created the Sahara
Desert.
Text 2
Research by Chris Brierley et al. challenges the idea that Neolithic peoples contributed to the Sahara’s
desertification. Using a climate-vegetation model, the team concluded that the end of the region’s humid
period occurred 500 years earlier than previously assumed. The timing suggests that Neolithic peoples didn’t
exacerbate aridity in the region but, in fact, may have helped delay environmental changes with practices
(e.g., selective grazing) that preserved vegetation.

Based on the texts, how would Chris Brierley (Text 2) most likely respond to the discussion in Text 1?
A. By pointing out that given the revised timeline for the end of the Sahara’s humid period, the Neolithic
peoples’ mode of subsistence likely didn’t cause the region’s desertification

B. By claiming that pastoralism was only one of many behaviors the Neolithic peoples took part in that may
have contributed to the Sahara’s changing climate

C. By insisting that pastoralism can have both beneficial and deleterious effects on a region’s vegetation and
climate

D. By asserting that more research needs to be conducted into factors that likely contributed to the
desertification of the Sahara region

ID: f8eacedb Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. Brierley et al.’s research directly challenges Wright’s claim that pastoralism turned the Sahara
into a desert, suggesting that, in a Sahara that turned arid 500 years earlier than previously thought, pastoral practices may
have actually “preserved vegetation” rather than depleting it.

Choice B is incorrect. Brierley et al.’s research actually disputes the idea that any Neolithic peoples’ behaviors, including
pastoralism, could have contributed to the Sahara’s changing climate. In fact, their research implies that the Neolithic
peoples’ practices did not “exacerbate aridity” (i.e., make things worse), but may have slowed environmental changes.
Choice C is incorrect. Brierley et al.’s research does not acknowledge that pastoralism can have deleterious (i.e., negative)
effects on a region’s vegetation and climate. It only describes one possible beneficial effect: preserving vegetation through
practices like selective grazing. Choice D is incorrect. Brierley et al.’s research does not call for more research into factors
that likely contributed to the desertification of the Sahara region.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f3a51fa6
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: f3a51fa6
Horizontal gene transfer occurs when an organism of one species acquires genetic material from an
organism of another species through nonreproductive means. The genetic material can then be transferred
“vertically” in the second species—that is, through reproductive inheritance. Scientist Atma Ivancevic and her
team have hypothesized infection by invertebrate parasites as a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer
between vertebrate species: while feeding, a parasite could acquire a gene from one host, then relocate to a
host from a different vertebrate species and transfer the gene to it in turn.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?

A. It explains why parasites are less susceptible to horizontal gene transfer than their hosts are.

B. It clarifies why some genes are more likely to be transferred horizontally than others are.

C. It contrasts how horizontal gene transfer occurs among vertebrates with how it occurs among
invertebrates.

D. It describes a means by which horizontal gene transfer might occur among vertebrates.

ID: f3a51fa6 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text defines horizontal gene transfer and then gives one possibility for how it happens in
vertebrates (via infection by parasites). The underlined part describes how that mechanism could work.

Choice A is incorrect. The underlined portion doesn’t do this. Parasites are only described as the mechanism that does the
transferring, not the species that gives or receives the genes. Choice B is incorrect. The underlined portion doesn’t do this.
The text never discusses which genes are more likely to be transferred. Choice C is incorrect. The underlined portion doesn’t
do this. The text never discusses how horizontal gene transfer occurs among invertebrates.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e08dee38
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: e08dee38
In Nature Poem (2017), Kumeyaay poet Tommy Pico portrays his ______ the natural world by honoring the
centrality of nature within his tribe’s traditional beliefs while simultaneously expressing his distaste for being
in wilderness settings himself.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. responsiveness to

B. ambivalence toward

C. renunciation of

D. mastery over

ID: e08dee38 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s description of how Pico feels about the natural
world. In this context, to say that Pico portrays his “ambivalence toward” nature would mean that he portrays his mixed
feelings about nature. The text explains that Pico “honors the centrality of nature” and also makes it clear that he doesn’t
enjoy being in nature. This context suggests that Pico feels ambivalence toward nature.

Choice A is incorrect because saying that Pico portrays his “responsiveness to” nature would mean that he portrays himself
as quick to react to nature, which isn’t supported by the text. Instead, the text focuses on Pico’s mixed feelings toward
nature, describing him as both honoring nature’s role in his tribe’s beliefs and expressing his personal dislike for being in
nature. Choice C is incorrect because saying that Pico portrays his “renunciation of” nature would mean that he portrays
himself as rejecting nature, which isn’t supported by the text. The text conveys that Pico demonstrates both positive and
negative responses toward nature, not that he’s giving it up completely. Choice D is incorrect because saying that Pico
portrays his “mastery over” nature would mean that he portrays himself as having control over nature, which isn’t supported
by the text. The text focuses on Pico’s mixed feelings about nature; nothing in the text suggests that Pico feels mastery over
nature.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 43aa094b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 43aa094b
Scholarly accounts of the Chicano movement—a movement that advocated for the social, political, and
cultural empowerment of Mexican Americans and reached its zenith in the 1960s and 1970s—tend to focus
on the most militant, outspoken figures in the movement, making it seem uniformly radical. Geographer Juan
Herrera has shown, however, that if we shift our focus toward the way the movement manifested in
comparatively low-profile neighborhood institutions and projects, we see participants espousing an array of
political orientations and approaches to community activism.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It presents a trend in scholarship on the Chicano movement that the text claims has been reevaluated by
researchers in light of Herrera’s work on the movement’s participants.

B. It identifies an aspect of the Chicano movement that the text implies was overemphasized by scholars
due to their own political orientations.

C. It describes a common approach to studying the Chicano movement that, according to the text, obscures
the ideological diversity of the movement’s participants.

D. It summarizes the conventional method for analyzing the Chicano movement, which the text suggests
creates a misleading impression of the effectiveness of neighborhood institutions and projects.

ID: 43aa094b Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a
whole. The text begins by mentioning scholarly accounts of the Chicano movement, which the underlined portion describes
as tending "to focus on the most militant, outspoken figures in the movement," making the movement as a whole seem
uniformly radical. The text then indicates that the work of geographer Juan Herrera shows that focusing less on such
militant figures and instead paying more attention to manifestations of the Chicano movement in less widely known
neighborhood institutions and projects would reveal that the movement’s participants embraced a range of political
orientations and approaches. Thus, the underlined portion describes a common approach to studying the Chicano
movement that, according to the text, obscures the ideological diversity of the movement’s participants.

Choice A is incorrect. Though the underlined portion does present a trend in scholarship on the Chicano movement, the text
does not indicate that other scholars have reevaluated their methods in light of Herrera’s work. It only indicates that Herrera’s
work suggests that the work of those other scholars does not provide a complete picture of the Chicano movement. Choice
B is incorrect. Though the underlined portion does identify an aspect of the Chicano movement that the text indicates has
been overemphasized, the text does not discuss the political orientations of the scholars whose work is mentioned in the
text. Choice D is incorrect. Though the underlined portion does summarize the conventional method for analyzing the
Chicano movement, the rest of the text does not address the effectiveness of "comparatively low-profile neighborhood
institutions and projects." Instead, the text suggests that those projects were led by people with a variety of approaches to
community activism.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 0c0e9872
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 0c0e9872
The following text is adapted from Oscar Wilde’s 1895 play The Importance of Being Earnest.
CECILY: Have we got to part?
ALGERNON: I am afraid so. It’s a very painful parting.
CECILY: It is always painful to part from people whom one has known for a very brief space of time. The
absence of old friends one can endure with equanimity. But even a momentary separation from anyone to
whom one has just been introduced is almost unbearable.

As used in the text, what does the word “endure” most nearly mean?

A. Regret

B. Persist

C. Tolerate

D. Encourage

ID: 0c0e9872 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because as used in the text, “endure” most nearly means tolerate. In the text, Cecily and
Algernon discuss parting, or saying goodbye. Cecily remarks on the deep pain of saying goodbye to people whom one has
only known briefly and then comments on the equanimity, or calm steadiness, one experiences when separated from old
friends. The text sets up an ironic contrast: one can easily tolerate, or put up with, the absence of close friends, but even a
very short separation from a new acquaintance is unbearable.

Choice A is incorrect. Nothing in the text suggests that Cecily associates regret, or a feeling of sorrow, with the absence of
old friends. Rather, the text sets up an ironic contrast between the feeling of calm steadiness one feels when separated from
old friends and the unbearable pain of being separated from new acquaintances. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some
contexts “endure” can mean persist, or proceed stubbornly, it doesn’t have that meaning in this context because what is
being endured is the absence of old friends. Whereas one can persist despite the absence of someone else, one can’t persist
the absence itself. Choice D is incorrect because the text doesn’t convey that Cecily encourages, or urges, old friends to be
absent. Although it may be that Cecily prefers new acquaintances to friends she has known for a long time, the text focuses
on her feelings as a result of others’ absences, not on her treatment of others.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c71f112d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: c71f112d
Economists often assert that countries looking to increase their reliance on solar energy should expand their
capacity for storage; having an ample reserve of stored energy can mitigate the effects of ______ solar energy
collection caused by unpredictable shifts in cloud cover and haze.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. developments of

B. fluctuations in

C. calibrations with

D. incentives for

ID: c71f112d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of solar energy collection and storage.
In this context, "fluctuations in" means irregular changes in. The text notes that economists recommend that countries that
want to rely more on solar energy (energy captured from sunlight) should attempt to expand their storage capacity. The text
goes on to explain that having a large amount of stored solar energy can lessen the negative effect of "unpredictable shifts
in cloud cover and haze"—that is, unpredictable changes in environmental conditions that at times limit sunlight. This context
suggests that having ample solar energy stored and ready to use can mitigate the issue of fluctuations in solar energy
collection caused by irregular patterns of sunlight availability.

Choice A is incorrect because in this context, "developments of solar energy collection" would most clearly refer to the
creation of ways to collect solar energy (energy captured from sunlight). The text focuses on collection and the idea that
having stored energy can mitigate, or make less bad, the effects of a problem caused by unpredictable changes that affect
sunlight ("cloud cover and haze"); there’s no reason to think that the creation of new collection methods would be viewed as
a problem that would need to be mitigated. Choice C is incorrect because in this context, "calibrations with" would most
clearly refer to precise adjustments for a particular purpose. The text focuses on the collection of solar energy (energy
captured from sunlight) and the idea that having stored energy can mitigate, or make less bad, the effects of a problem
caused by unpredictable changes that affect sunlight ("cloud cover and haze"); there’s no reason to think that precision in
something related to solar energy collection would be viewed as a problem that would need to be mitigated. Choice D is
incorrect. The text focuses on the collection of solar energy (energy captured from sunlight) and the idea that having stored
energy can mitigate, or make less bad, the effects of a problem caused by unpredictable changes that affect sunlight ("cloud
cover and haze"); nothing in the text suggests that "incentives for," or rewards for, solar energy collection would be viewed as
a problem that would need to be mitigated, especially in countries that want to rely more on solar energy than they already
do.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID c9543f2a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: c9543f2a
Although science fiction was dominated mostly by white male authors when Octavia Butler, a Black woman,
began writing, she did not view the genre as ______: Butler broke into the field with the publication of several
short stories and her 1976 novel Patternmaster, and she later became the first science fiction writer to win a
prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. legitimate

B. impenetrable

C. compelling

D. indecipherable

ID: c9543f2a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the discussion of Octavia Butler’s career. In this context,
“impenetrable” means impossible to enter. The text indicates that the field of science fiction was dominated by white males
when Butler, a Black woman, started writing, but she published several science fiction short stories and a novel and later won
a prestigious award; that is, Butler pursued science fiction writing and had success. This context suggests that Butler didn’t
view the genre as impossible to enter.

Choice A is incorrect. In this context, “legitimate” would mean genuinely good or valid. Nothing in the text suggests that
Butler didn’t think the science fiction genre was good or valid; in fact, it indicates that she pursued and made a successful
career of publishing work in that field. Choice C is incorrect. In this context, “compelling” would mean attracting or
demanding attention. The text indicates that Butler chose to write science fiction, so it wouldn’t make sense to say that she
didn’t see the field as drawing her attention. Choice D is incorrect. To say that Butler didn’t consider science fiction
“indecipherable,” or impossible to understand, would suggest that Butler did understand it. However, the text doesn’t address
Butler’s ability to interpret works in the genre; rather, it focuses on Butler’s successful pursuit of writing science fiction.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2d35ba95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 2d35ba95
Recent measurements of the mass of the W boson (a subatomic particle) were notable not only for the mere
fact that the particle’s mass differed from expectations but for the ______ of that difference: the measured
mass of the W boson was seven standard deviations higher than predicted by the standard model of particle
physics.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. cause

B. existence

C. implication

D. scale

ID: 2d35ba95 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the W boson. In this context, "scale"
means size or extent. The text indicates that recent measurements of the W boson were remarkable because they revealed
the subatomic particle’s mass to be much greater ("seven standard deviations higher") than had been expected based on a
standard model. This context conveys not only that the measurements differed from predictions but also that the extent of
the difference was very large.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text indicates that there was a very large difference between the predicted mass and the
actual measured mass of the subatomic particle, it doesn’t explain the cause of, or reason behind, that difference. Choice B
is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense to say that the measurements of the subatomic particle were notable because
they differed from expectations and also because a difference existed between the measurements and what had been
predicted; the text would be repeating the idea that there was a difference instead of adding to that idea. Choice C is
incorrect because the text doesn’t convey any implications of, or consequences of or conclusions drawn from, the fact that
the mass of the subatomic particle differed from expectations; the context indicates only that the actual measured mass
was much higher than the predicted mass.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 95195865
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 95195865
By combining Indigenous and classical music, Cree composer and cellist Cris Derksen creates works that
reflect the diverse cultural landscape of Canada. For her album Orchestral Powwow, Derksen composed new
songs in the style of traditional powwow music that were accompanied by classical arrangements played by
an orchestra. But where an orchestra would normally follow the directions of a conductor, the musicians on
Orchestral Powwow are led by the beat of a powwow drum.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To examine how Derksen’s musical compositions blend cultures

B. To argue that Derksen should be recognized for creating a new style of music

C. To describe the difficulties Derksen encountered when producing her album

D. To establish a contrast between Derksen’s classical training and her Cree heritage

ID: 95195865 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to discuss how
Derksen’s compositions incorporate elements from both Indigenous and classical music. After introducing Derksen, the text
describes how the songs Derksen composed for her album Orchestral Powwow feature aspects of the two musical
traditions. Specifically, the text notes that Derksen wrote songs in the style of traditional powwow music but accompanied
them with classical arrangements played by an orchestra that followed the beat of a powwow drum rather than the
directions of a conductor. In this way, Derksen’s compositions blend different cultures.

Choice B is incorrect because although the text suggests that Derksen’s songs contain innovative elements since they blend
styles from two different musical traditions, it doesn’t discuss whether her compositions constitute a new style of music, let
alone whether Derksen should be recognized for creating a new style of music. Choice C is incorrect because the text
doesn’t mention any difficulties Derksen encountered when producing her album. Rather, the text describes how the songs
on the album exemplify how Derksen combines music from two different cultures. Choice D is incorrect because although
the text mentions Derksen’s Cree heritage and suggests that she relies on knowledge of both Indigenous and classical music
when she composes her songs, it doesn’t discuss her musical training. Additionally, the text is primarily focused on how
Derksen combines different cultural traditions, not on contrasting Derksen’s training with her heritage.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 77d93b6f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 77d93b6f
Text 1
Many studies in psychology have shown that people seek out information even when they know in advance
that they have no immediate use for it and that they won’t directly benefit from it. Such findings support the
consensus view among researchers of curiosity: namely, that curiosity is not instrumental but instead
represents a drive to acquire information for its own sake.
Text 2
While acknowledging that acquiring information is a powerful motivator, Rachit Dubey and colleagues ran an
experiment to test whether emphasizing the usefulness of scientific information could increase curiosity
about it. They found that when research involving rats and fruit flies was presented as having medical
applications for humans, participants expressed greater interest in learning about it than when the research
was not presented as useful.

Based on the texts, how would Dubey and colleagues (Text 2) most likely respond to the consensus view
discussed in Text 1?
A. By suggesting that curiosity may not be exclusively motivated by the desire to merely acquire information

B. By conceding that people may seek out information that serves no immediate purpose only because they
think they can use it later

C. By pointing out that it is challenging to determine when information-seeking serves no goal beyond
acquiring information

D. By disputing the idea that curiosity can help explain apparently purposeless information-seeking
behaviors

ID: 77d93b6f Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The researchers in Text 2 recognize that acquiring information is a powerful motivator, but
showed that this motivation can still be affected by other factors, like whether or not the information is expected to be useful
or not. This suggests that other desires may play a part in driving people to acquire information.

Choice B is incorrect. The consensus view in Text 1 is that people acquire information regardless of whether they think they
can use it later. Dubey and colleagues acknowledge this fact (so they don’t claim people seek out information “only” because
it might be useful later). Choice C is incorrect. This choice misreads the results of Dubey and colleagues’ study in Text 2.
Neither text discusses the difficulty of determining the motivation for information-seeking. Choice D is incorrect. This choice
contradicts Text 2, which starts with Dubey and colleagues “acknowledging that acquiring information is a powerful
motivator” (i.e., agreeing that curiosity explains the seeking of apparently purposeless information). The research in Text 2
simply suggests that more than just curiosity can motivate information-seeking behavior when the information has a
purpose.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0714c5f1
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 0714c5f1
Text 1
Despite its beautiful prose, The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman’s 1962 analysis of the start of World War I,
has certain weaknesses as a work of history. It fails to address events in Eastern Europe just before the
outbreak of hostilities, thereby giving the impression that Germany was the war’s principal instigator. Had
Tuchman consulted secondary works available to her by scholars such as Luigi Albertini, she would not have
neglected the influence of events in Eastern Europe on Germany’s actions.

Text 2
Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August is an engrossing if dated introduction to World War I. Tuchman’s
analysis of primary documents is laudable, but her main thesis that European powers committed themselves
to a catastrophic outcome by refusing to deviate from military plans developed prior to the conflict is
implausibly reductive.

Which choice best describes a difference in how the authors of Text 1 and Text 2 view Barbara Tuchman’s
The Guns of August?
A. The author of Text 1 argues that Tuchman should have relied more on the work of other historians, while
the author of Text 2 implies that Tuchman’s most interesting claims result from her original research.

B. The author of Text 1 believes that the scope of Tuchman’s research led her to an incorrect interpretation,
while the author of Text 2 believes that Tuchman’s central argument is overly simplistic.

C. The author of Text 1 asserts that the writing style of The Guns of August makes it worthwhile to read
despite any perceived deficiency in Tuchman’s research, while the author of Text 2 focuses exclusively on
the weakness of Tuchman’s interpretation of events.

D. The author of Text 1 claims that Tuchman would agree that World War I was largely due to events in
Eastern Europe, while the author of Text 2 maintains that Tuchman would say that Eastern European
leaders were not committed to military plans in the same way that other leaders were.

ID: 0714c5f1 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. Both texts are critical of The Guns of August, but for different reasons: the author of Text 1
argues that Tuchman missed an important factor leading up to the war because she didn’t consult secondary sources, and
the author of Text 2 argues that Tuchman’s main thesis is "reductive," which is a close synonym for "overly simplistic."
Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t accurately describe the difference. This choice’s summary of Text 1 is accurate, but Text 2
never says that Tuchman’s most interesting claims result from her original research. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t
accurately describe the difference. Text 1 never says that The Guns of August is worthwhile to read despite its research
weaknesses. Text 2 does call out a weakness of Tuchman’s interpretation of events, but it also praises her analysis of
primary sources. Choice D is incorrect. This doesn’t accurately describe the difference. Text 1 actually says that Tuchman
"fails to address" the influence of events in Eastern Europe, while Text 2 says that Tuchman’s thesis was that European
powers (not Eastern European leaders) were committed to military plans.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID f7ed26a4
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: f7ed26a4
In 2020, rap artist and professor A.D. Carson published the first peer-reviewed rap album about his
experiences with Black masculinity called “i used to love to dream.” Typically in peer review, experts evaluate
scholarly articles prior to publication. For Carson’s album, dubbed a “mixtap/e/ssay,” peer review involved
both scholars and rap artists. In combining elements of a mixtape album with scholarly essays that connect
Carson’s lyrics to historical and contemporary contexts for listeners both inside and outside academia,
Carson’s album helped redefine how scholarship is created and shared.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To compare the relative public impact of scholarly articles and albums

B. To capture one scholar’s opinion of a new rap album

C. To explain why a certain rap album is particularly innovative

D. To describe how each step of the peer review process unfolds

ID: f7ed26a4 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it best describes the main purpose of the text, which is to explain why a certain rap
album is particularly innovative. The text mentions rap artist and professor A.D. Carson, who published "the first peer-
reviewed rap album." The text also describes the unusual process of having the work evaluated by both scholars and rap
artists before its release, and details how the album combines elements of a mixtape album with elements of scholarly
essays. All of these characteristics of the album and the way in which it was developed help to demonstrate the album’s
novelty.

Choice A is incorrect because though the text mentions an album that combines elements of scholarly essays and mixtapes,
it does not compare the relative public impact of scholarly articles and albums. Choice B is incorrect because the text does
not present the opinion of a scholar regarding the rap album. Choice D is incorrect because though the text mentions that
the album was peer reviewed, it does not detail the steps of the review.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d7048b13
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: d7048b13
The field of study called affective neuroscience seeks instinctive, physiological causes for feelings such as
pleasure or displeasure. Because these sensations are linked to a chemical component (for example, the
release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain when one receives or expects a reward), they can be
said to have a partly physiological basis. These processes have been described in mammals, but Jingnan
Huang and his colleagues have recently observed that some behaviors of honeybees (such as foraging) are
also motivated by a dopamine-based signaling process.

What choice best describes the main purpose of the text?

A. It describes an experimental method of measuring the strength of physiological responses in humans.

B. It illustrates processes by which certain insects can express how they are feeling.

C. It summarizes a finding suggesting that some mechanisms in the brains of certain insects resemble
mechanisms in mammalian brains.

D. It presents research showing that certain insects and mammals behave similarly when there is a
possibility of a reward for their actions.

ID: d7048b13 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to summarize a
finding suggesting that some mechanisms in the brains of certain insects resemble mechanisms in mammalian brains. The
text begins by explaining that feelings such as pleasure and displeasure are linked to chemical processes in the brain, such
as the release of dopamine when one receives a reward. The text then indicates that such processes have been seen in
mammals but that researchers have recently observed similar processes involving dopamine in honeybees. Taken together,
this information serves to sum up the discovery that some mechanisms in the brains of certain insects may resemble
mechanisms linked to feelings such as pleasure and displeasure in mammals.

Choice A is incorrect because the text doesn’t describe any experiments or experimental methods. Instead, the text
describes a phenomenon that has been observed in mammals and then presents the recent observations of Huang and
colleagues that this phenomenon is also seen in honeybees. Choice B is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to
suggest that certain insects can express how they’re feeling through particular processes. The text does indicate that certain
honeybee behaviors such as foraging are linked to dopamine, but it doesn’t suggest that these behaviors enable honeybees
to communicate feelings or sensations. Choice D is incorrect because the text presents research showing that certain
honeybee behaviors such as foraging are linked to dopamine and therefore may be motivated by similar mechanisms to
those in mammalian brains, not that honeybees and mammals behave similarly when there is the possibility of reward for
their actions.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 5cf1663b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 5cf1663b
The following text is from Annie Dillard’s 1987 autobiographical novel An American Childhood. The narrator is
a young girl living in Pittsburgh.

I walked. My mother had given me the freedom of the streets as soon as I could say our telephone
number. I walked and memorized the neighborhood. I made a mental map and located myself upon it. At
night in bed I rehearsed the small world’s scheme and set challenges: Find the store using backyards
only. Imagine a route from the school to my friend’s house.
©1987 by Annie Dillard

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It describes the narrator trying to memorize her telephone number.

B. It provides examples of what the narrator thinks about at night.

C. It gives directions to the narrator’s favorite local store.

D. It portrays the narrator’s relationship with her mother.

ID: 5cf1663b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a whole. In
the text, the narrator explains that she walks around her neighborhood, making a "mental map" of the area that she imagines
herself navigating through. She then states that she rehearses "the small world’s scheme"—that is, imagines moving through
her mental map—and challenges herself to use the map in her mind while lying in bed at night. The underlined portion
presents two such challenges (getting to the store through backyards and traveling from school to a friend’s house) and thus
provides examples of what the narrator thinks about at night.

Choice A is incorrect because the underlined portion makes no mention of memorizing a telephone number. Although the
narrator mentions that she had to learn the home telephone number before her mother would give her permission to walk
around the neighborhood, there is nothing in the underlined portion or the rest of the text about memorizing the telephone
number. Choice C is incorrect. Although the underlined portion refers to navigation tasks like finding a route to a store only
through backyards, the text contains no specific directions to any store, nor is any store identified as the narrator’s favorite.
Choice D is incorrect because the underlined portion makes no mention of the narrator’s mother and doesn’t address the
narrator’s relationship with her. Although the narrator mentions that her mother gave her permission as a child to walk
around the neighborhood, there is nothing in the underlined portion or the rest of the text about the mother or her
relationship to her child.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 5405400f
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 5405400f
The following text is from Herman Melville’s 1854 novel The Lightning-rod Man.
The stranger still stood in the exact middle of the cottage, where he had first planted himself. His singularity
impelled a closer scrutiny. A lean, gloomy figure. Hair dark and lank, mattedly streaked over his brow. His
sunken pitfalls of eyes were ringed by indigo halos, and played with an innocuous sort of lightning: the gleam
without the bolt. The whole man was dripping. He stood in a puddle on the bare oak floor: his strange
walking-stick vertically resting at his side.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It elaborates on the previous sentence’s description of the character.

B. It introduces the setting that is described in the sentences that follow.

C. It establishes a contrast with the description in the previous sentence.

D. It sets up the character description presented in the sentences that follow.

ID: 5405400f Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. This best states the function of the underlined sentence. The sentence basically says: “He
stood out, so I looked more closely at him.” Then the rest of the text describes him in detail.

Choice A is incorrect. This doesn’t state the function of the underlined sentence. The previous sentence basically says: “He
was still standing in the middle of the cottage”—it doesn’t include any description of the character himself. Choice B is
incorrect. This doesn’t state the function of the underlined sentence. The following sentences describe the character, not the
setting. Choice C is incorrect. This doesn’t state the function of the underlined sentence. The underlined sentence basically
says: “He stood out, so I looked more closely at him.” The previous sentence basically says: “He was still standing in the
middle of the cottage.” There’s no contrast between these two sentences.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID e2aebe0a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: e2aebe0a
Early in the Great Migration of 1910–1970, which involved the mass migration of Black people from the
southern to the northern United States, political activist and Chicago Defender writer Fannie Barrier Williams
was instrumental in helping other Black women establish themselves in the North. Many women hoped for
better employment opportunities in the North because, in the South, they faced much competition for
domestic employment and men tended to get agricultural work. To aid with this transition, Barrier Williams
helped secure job placement in the North for many women before they even began their journey.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To introduce and illustrate Barrier Williams’s integral role in supporting other Black women as their
circumstances changed during part of the Great Migration

B. To establish that Barrier Williams used her professional connections to arrange employment for other
Black women, including jobs with the Chicago Defender

C. To demonstrate that the factors that motivated the start of the Great Migration were different for Black
women than they were for Black men

D. To provide an overview of the employment challenges faced by Black women in the agricultural and
domestic spheres in the southern United States

ID: e2aebe0a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the text’s purpose, which is to discuss the important role
Barrier Williams played in supporting many other Black women as they relocated to the northern United States during the
early years of the Great Migration. After introducing Barrier Williams, the text describes how she helped find jobs for other
Black women, who in many cases relocated in search of better employment prospects than the South could offer at the time.
The text indicates that by doing so, she eased these women’s transition as their circumstances changed.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the text mentions Barrier Williams’s work as a political activist and writer for the Chicago
Defender, it doesn’t discuss any professional connections she made in these roles or indicate that she used any such
connections in her work to secure employment for other Black women. Choice C is incorrect. Although the text discusses a
factor that caused many women to relocate during the Great Migration, their difficulty finding employment in the South, the
text doesn’t indicate that this factor motivated the start of the Great Migration. Moreover, the text doesn’t discuss the factors
that motivated Black men to migrate. Choice D is incorrect. Although the text mentions the difficult employment prospects
for Black women in the domestic and agricultural sectors in the South during the Great Migration, the text’s main purpose
isn’t to provide an overview of the employment challenges Black women faced in these sectors. Rather, it provides this
information to show that Barrier Williams played a crucial role in supporting many Black women who relocated to the North
by helping them achieve one of their main goals, securing a job.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 28fae87d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 28fae87d
Bicycle sharing systems allow users to rent a bicycle at one location within a city and return it to any other
designated location in that city, which can cause serious problems of bicycle supply and user demand within
the city’s system. Tohru Ikeguchi uses open-source data and statistical modeling to identify when a high
number of users making one-way trips is likely to leave some locations within the system ______ bicycles and
other areas with insufficient supply.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. susceptible to

B. contingent on

C. saturated with

D. depleted of

ID: 28fae87d Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Ikeguchi’s model of bicycle supply.
In this context, “saturated with” means thoroughly or completely supplied with. The text explains a problem encountered by
some bicycle-sharing programs: users can return bicycles to different locations than where the users picked up the bicycles
to start, which can result in a mismatch between bicycle supply (that is, where the bicycles are currently located) and user
demand (that is, the locations where users are hoping to pick up bicycles). The text goes on to explain that Ikeguchi
developed a way to identify when this mismatch is likely to occur. This context suggests that Ikeguchi’s method will show
when it is likely that some locations have an insufficient supply and other locations, by implicit contrast, are saturated with
bicycles.

Choice A is incorrect because nothing in the text suggests that some locations are “susceptible to,” or sensitive to or easily
influenced by, bicycles. The text describes the phenomenon of bicycles being redistributed away from locations where users
want them, not anything about those locations being influenced by the bicycles. Choice B is incorrect because the text
describes situations in which some locations have an insufficient supply of bicycles because the bicycles have been
relocated elsewhere, which suggests that the other locations have many bicycles, not that the other locations are “contingent
on,” or dependent on, the bicycles. Nothing in the text suggests that the locations themselves depend on the bicycles for
anything. Choice D is incorrect because it would not make sense in context to say that some locations are “depleted of,” or
empty of, bicycles while others have an insufficient supply. The text describes situations in which bicycles have been
relocated such that there is a mismatch between bicycle supply and user demand—the bicycles are no longer at the
locations where users want to pick them up. This means that some locations do not have enough bicycles, while other
locations must have many bicycles, not be depleted of bicycles.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 218b932d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 218b932d
Text 1
The fossil record suggests that mammoths went extinct around 11 thousand years (kyr) ago. In a 2021 study
of environmental DNA (eDNA)—genetic material shed into the environment by organisms—in the Arctic,
Yucheng Wang and colleagues found mammoth eDNA in sedimentary layers formed millennia later, around 4
kyr ago. To account for this discrepancy, Joshua H. Miller and Carl Simpson proposed that arctic
temperatures could preserve a mammoth carcass on the surface, allowing it to leach DNA into the
environment, for several thousand years.
Text 2
Wang and colleagues concede that eDNA contains DNA from both living organisms and carcasses, but for
DNA to leach from remains over several millennia requires that the remains be perpetually on the surface.
Scavengers and weathering in the Arctic, however, are likely to break down surface remains well before a
thousand years have passed.

Which choice best describes how Text 1 and Text 2 relate to each other?
A. Text 1 discusses two approaches to studying mammoth extinction without advocating for either, whereas
Text 2 advocates for one approach over the other.

B. Text 1 presents findings by Wang and colleagues and gives another research team’s attempt to explain
those findings, whereas Text 2 provides additional detail that calls that explanation into question.

C. Text 1 describes Wang and colleagues’ study and a critique of their methodology, whereas Text 2 offers
additional details showing that methodology to be sound.

D. Text 1 argues that new research has undermined the standard view of when mammoths went extinct,
whereas Text 2 suggests a way to reconcile the standard view with that new research.

ID: 218b932d Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. Text 1 introduces Wang and colleagues’ study and its surprising results, and then mentions
Miller and Simpson’s hypothesis as a possible way to explain them. Text 2, however, challenges Miller and Simpson’s
hypothesis by pointing out the difficulties of preserving mammoth carcasses on the surface for thousands of years:
“scavengers and weathering” are the additional details that complicate the Miller/Simpson hypothesis.

Choice A is incorrect. Neither text compares two different approaches for studying mammoth extinction. Text 1 describes
one study and one hypothesis pertaining to it. Text 2 critiques that hypothesis. Choice C is incorrect. Text 1 does not
describe a critique of Wang and colleagues’ methodology, but rather an interpretation of their results by Miller and Simpson.
Text 2 does not offer additional details showing that methodology to be sound, but rather casts doubt on the Miller/Simpson
explanation. Choice D is incorrect. Both components mentioned here (the new “undermining” research and the theory for
reconciling this discovery) are contained in Text 1. Text 2 then shows how the attempt to reconcile the standard view and
new research is flawed, and still fails to explain the discrepancy.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 3fcc2cee
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 3fcc2cee
The following text is from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables. Anne, an eleven-year-
old girl, has come to live on a farm with a woman named Marilla in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Anne reveled in the world of color about her.

“Oh, Marilla,” she exclaimed one Saturday morning, coming dancing in with her arms full of gorgeous
boughs, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from
September to November, wouldn’t it? Look at these maple branches. Don’t they give you a thrill—several
thrills? I’m going to decorate my room with them.”
“Messy things,” said Marilla, whose aesthetic sense was not noticeably developed. “You clutter up your
room entirely too much with out-of-doors stuff, Anne. Bedrooms were made to sleep in.”

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To demonstrate that Anne has a newly developed appreciation of nature

B. To describe an argument that Anne and Marilla often have

C. To emphasize Marilla’s disapproval of how Anne has decorated her room

D. To show that Anne and Marilla have very different personalities

ID: 3fcc2cee Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text. The text begins by noting
that Anne “reveled in the world of color about her”—that is, she takes great delight in colorful things. It then relates a scene
when she enthusiastically enters the house with autumn foliage and announces that she will decorate her room with it. The
focus of the text then shifts to Marilla, who has an undeveloped “aesthetic sense,” or appreciation of beauty, as can be seen
when she dismisses the maple leaves as “messy things” and criticizes Anne for cluttering her room with objects from
outside. This episode thus illustrates that Anne and Marilla differ in their appreciation of beauty and, more generally, in their
basic character: Anne is exuberant and joyful, while Marilla is stern and critical. Therefore, the purpose of the text is to show
that Anne and Marilla have very different personalities.

Choice A is incorrect because the text presents Anne’s appreciation of nature as a basic personality trait, not as a newfound
enthusiasm, and never indicates how recently she developed that appreciation. Choice B is incorrect. Although the text
portrays Anne and Marilla as having different personalities and attitudes toward natural beauty and home decoration, it
doesn’t show them engaging in an argument about this difference or suggest that they often argue about it. Choice C is
incorrect. Although the text does indicate that Marilla disapproves of how Anne plans to decorate her room, Marilla’s
disapproval is a supporting detail that serves to develop her personality, which the text as a whole contrasts with Anne’s
personality.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID df7bc1cf
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-text Hard

Connections

ID: df7bc1cf
Text 1
What factors influence the abundance of species in a given ecological community? Some theorists have
argued that historical diversity is a major driver of how diverse an ecological community eventually becomes:
differences in community diversity across otherwise similar habitats, in this view, are strongly affected by the
number of species living in those habitats at earlier times.
Text 2
In 2010, a group of researchers including biologist Carla Cáceres created artificial pools in a New York forest.
They stocked some pools with a diverse mix of zooplankton species and others with a single zooplankton
species and allowed the pool communities to develop naturally thereafter. Over the course of four years,
Cáceres and colleagues periodically measured the species diversity of the pools, finding—contrary to their
expectations—that by the end of the study there was little to no difference in the pools’ species diversity.

Based on the texts, how would Cáceres and colleagues (Text 2) most likely describe the view of the theorists
presented in Text 1?
A. It is largely correct, but it requires a minor refinement in light of the research team’s results.

B. It is not compelling as a theory regardless of any experimental data collected by the research team.

C. It may seem plausible, but it is not supported by the research team’s findings.

D. It probably holds true only in conditions like those in the research team’s study.

ID: df7bc1cf Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer. This is how Cáceres and co. would most likely describe the view presented in Text 1. The view
in Text 1 is that historical diversity affects how diverse an ecological community eventually becomes. But Cáceres and co.
did not get this result: they found no difference in eventual diversity between a zooplankton pool that started out diverse and
a zooplankton pool that started out with only a single species.

Choice A is incorrect. Cáceres and co. would probably not describe the view presented in Text 1 this way. The view in Text 1
is that historical diversity affects how diverse an ecological community eventually becomes. Cáceres and co’s findings
directly undermine this view: they found no difference in eventual diversity between a zooplankton pool that started out
diverse and a zooplankton pool that started out with only a single species. Choice B is incorrect. Cáceres and co. would
probably not describe the view presented in Text 1 this way. Their experiment was designed to test this hypothesis, and their
findings were "contrary to their expectations." In other words, before the study, they predicted the theory was correct. Choice
D is incorrect. Cáceres and co. would not describe the view presented in Text 1 this way. Their research finding directly
undermines the view presented in Text 1: so it definitely doesn’t hold true in conditions like those in the study.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID bf2915a9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: bf2915a9
Mathematician Claude Shannon is widely regarded as a foundational figure in information theory. His most
important paper, “A Mathematical Theory of Communication,” published in 1948 when he was employed at
Bell Labs, utilized a concept called a “binary digit” (shortened to “bit”) to measure the amount of information
in any signal and determine the fastest rate at which information could be transmitted while still being
reliably decipherable. Robert Gallagher, one of Shannon’s colleagues, said that the bit was “[Shannon’s]
discovery, and from it the whole communications revolution has sprung.”

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It presents a theoretical concept, illustrates how the name of the concept has changed, and shows how
the name has entered common usage.

B. It introduces a respected researcher, describes an aspect of his work, and suggests why the work is
historically significant.

C. It names the company where an important mathematician worked, details the mathematician’s career at
the company, and provides an example of the recognition he received there.

D. It mentions a paper, offers a summary of the paper’s findings, and presents a researcher’s commentary on
the paper.

ID: bf2915a9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The text starts with a general statement that introduces Shannon, then describes a specific
contribution from one of his papers, then provides a quote that illustrates just how important this contribution was.

Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t the overall structure. The text only mentions very briefly, in parentheses, that “binary digit”
was shortened to “bit.” It doesn’t go into detail about this name change, and it doesn’t discuss any “common usage” of the
name at all. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t the overall structure. Shannon’s employment at Bell Labs is only mentioned once,
very briefly: the text never goes into detail about his career there, and it never mentions any recognition he received there.
Choice D is incorrect. This is too narrow. Overall, the text is about Shannon’s importance in his field, not just this one paper of
his.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 8094a5a8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 8094a5a8
Eighteenth-century historian Edward Gibbon thought the only character defect of the Roman emperor Marcus
Aurelius was his mild temperament—though the emperor was widely considered virtuous, his overly
permissive nature led him to ______ the vices of those who surrounded him.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. indulge

B. despise

C. moderate

D. criticize

ID: 8094a5a8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the Roman emperor Marcus
Aurelius. In this context, "indulge" means treat with excessive leniency. The text states that according to historian Edward
Gibbon, Marcus Aurelius, who was widely considered virtuous, had only a single character flaw: his mild temperament. The
text suggests that because of this flaw, Marcus Aurelius had an overly permissive nature. This context, in turn, supports the
idea that Marcus Aurelius treated the vices, or evils, of those around him with excessive leniency, indulging rather than
punishing those vices.

Choice B is incorrect. While the text does state that Marcus Aurelius was widely considered virtuous, it gives no indication
that he was inclined to "despise," or hate, others’ vices. Rather, the text suggests that he showed undue tolerance for these
vices because of his overly permissive nature—that is, his inclination to allow others to do as they wished. Choice C is
incorrect because the text’s description of Marcus Aurelius as overly permissive suggests that he showed undue tolerance
for others’ vices, not that he tried to "moderate" those vices, or lessen their intensity. Choice D is incorrect because the text’s
description of Marcus Aurelius as overly permissive suggests that he showed undue tolerance for others’ vices, not that he
attempted to "criticize," or speak disapprovingly of, those vices.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 672d26e8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 672d26e8
When ancient oak planks were unearthed during subway construction in Rome, Mauro Bernabei and his team
examined the growth rings in the wood to determine where these planks came from. By comparing the
growth rings on the planks to records of similar rings in oaks from Europe, the team could trace the wood to
the Jura region of France, hundreds of kilometers from Rome. Because timber could only have been
transported from distant Jura to Rome by boat, the team’s findings suggest the complexity of Roman trade
routes.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It presents a conclusion about Roman trade routes based on the team’s findings.

B. It questions how the team was able to conclude that the planks were used to build a boat.

C. It explains why the planks were made from oak rather than a different kind of wood.

D. It describes common methods used in Roman subway construction.

ID: 672d26e8 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a
whole. The first sentence explains that Bernabei and his team studied growth rings to obtain information about the ancient
oak planks found during a construction project in Rome. The next sentence presents what the researchers learned: the wood
from the planks came from France’s Jura region, which is far from Rome. The underlined sentence then presents the
implications of the findings about the planks: the wood must have been brought to Rome by boat, a difficult task that
suggests Roman trade routes were complex. Thus, the underlined sentence mainly functions to present a conclusion about
Roman trade routes based on the team’s findings.

Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t suggest that the team thought the ancient planks were used in the
construction of a boat, nor does the underlined sentence question that conclusion. Instead, the text states that the wood
could only have been transported from Jura to Rome in a boat. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined sentence simply
offers a conclusion drawn from the team’s findings about the likely place of origin of the ancient planks; the text never
mentions why oak was chosen for the planks instead of other wood. Choice D is incorrect because neither the underlined
sentence nor the text as a whole addresses any methods that Romans used in constructing subways. Instead, the underlined
sentence offers a conclusion drawn from the team’s findings about the likely place of origin of the ancient wooden planks
discovered.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3c731121
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 3c731121
Stars form in cloudlike swirls of gas and dust that cannot be touched‚ but astrophysicist Nia Imara believes
these formations need not remain completely ______ to researchers: she uses simulation data and
sophisticated 3D printers to produce interactive models of these stellar nurseries.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. repeatable

B. explicable

C. regrettable

D. intangible

ID: 3c731121 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of how Nia Imara facilitates the study
of star formations. As used in this context "intangible" means unable to be physically handled or touched. The text states
that star formations cannot be touched, and then goes on to explain that Imara created a special model to research star
formations. In other words, despite the fact that real star formations are intangible, thanks to Imara, researchers can handle
models of star formations to better understand them.

Choice A is incorrect because "repeatable" means can be duplicated or done again, which wouldn’t make sense in context.
The text indicates that the swirls of gas and dust in which stars form are untouchable, but that Nia Imara has produced
interactive models of them. It would therefore be illogical to suggest that Imara believes that the formations need not be
duplicated and then go on to say that she has copied them. Choice B is incorrect because "explicable" means explainable or
understandable, which wouldn’t make sense in context. The text does not suggest that Nia Imara believes that star
formations can be fully explained but rather that she produced interactive models to physically study them because
researchers are unable to touch them directly. Choice C is incorrect because "regrettable" means distressing or unfortunate,
which wouldn’t make sense in context. The text does not suggest that Imara believes the researchers regret the star
formations or find them distressing, but rather that she uses interactive models to physically study them.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID a1b07d88
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: a1b07d88
The mimosa tree evolved in East Asia, where the beetle Bruchidius terrenus preys on its seeds. In 1785,
mimosa trees were introduced to North America, far from any B. terrenus. But evolutionary links between
predators and their prey can persist across centuries and continents. Around 2001, B. terrenus was
introduced in southeastern North America near where botanist Shu-Mei Chang and colleagues had been
monitoring mimosa trees. Within a year, 93 percent of the trees had been attacked by the beetles.

Which choice best describes the function of the third sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It states the hypothesis that Chang and colleagues had set out to investigate using mimosa trees and B.
terrenus.

B. It presents a generalization that is exemplified by the discussion of the mimosa trees and B. terrenus.

C. It provides context that clarifies why the species mentioned spread to new locations.

D. It offers an alternative explanation for the findings of Chang and colleagues.

ID: a1b07d88 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes the function of the third sentence within the overall
structure of the text. The third sentence makes a generalization, asserting that evolutionary links between predators and prey
can persist across great expanses of time and distance. This generalization is exemplified by the text’s discussion of the
relationship between mimosa trees and B. terrenus beetles. When mimosa trees were introduced to North America in 1785,
no B. terrenus beetles were present, so the relationship between the trees and the beetles that exists in their native East Asia
was disrupted. When the beetles were introduced to North America more than 200 years later, however, they quickly attacked
mimosa trees, illustrating the generalization that links between predators and prey "can persist across centuries and
continents."

Choice A is incorrect because the third sentence doesn’t indicate that Chang and colleagues were investigating any
hypothesis. According to the text, Chang and colleagues were simply monitoring mimosa trees when the beetles happened
to be introduced to the area. Choice C is incorrect because the third sentence doesn’t discuss any particular species, let
alone the species mentioned elsewhere in the text, nor does the sentence explain why species spread to new locations.
Choice D is incorrect because the third sentence offers a generalization about the relationship between predators and prey,
not an explanation for the findings by Chang and colleagues that’s an "alternative" to an explanation presented elsewhere in
the text.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID aae79e3a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: aae79e3a

Text 1
Ecologists have long wondered how thousands of microscopic phytoplankton species can live together near
ocean surfaces competing for the same resources. According to conventional wisdom, one species should
emerge after outcompeting the rest. So why do so many species remain? Ecologists’ many efforts to explain
this phenomenon still haven’t uncovered a satisfactory explanation.

Text 2
Ecologist Michael Behrenfeld and colleagues have connected phytoplankton’s diversity to their microscopic
size. Because these organisms are so tiny, they are spaced relatively far apart from each other in ocean
water and, moreover, experience that water as a relatively dense substance. This in turn makes it hard for
them to move around and interact with one another. Therefore, says Behrenfeld’s team, direct competition
among phytoplankton probably happens much less than previously thought.

Based on the texts, how would Behrenfeld and colleagues (Text 2) most likely respond to the “conventional
wisdom” discussed in Text 1?
A. By arguing that it is based on a misconception about phytoplankton species competing with one another

B. By asserting that it fails to recognize that routine replenishment of ocean nutrients prevents competition
between phytoplankton species

C. By suggesting that their own findings help clarify how phytoplankton species are able to compete with
larger organisms

D. By recommending that more ecologists focus their research on how competition among phytoplankton
species is increased with water density

ID: aae79e3a Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because based on Text 2, it represents how Behrenfeld and colleagues would most likely
respond to the “conventional wisdom” discussed in Text 1. The conventional wisdom cited holds the opinion that when there
is species diversity within a phytoplankton population, “one species should emerge after outcompeting the rest”—that is,
after being so successful in competing for resources that the other species vanish from the population. However, Text 2
explains that according to Behrenfeld and colleagues, phytoplankton are so small and spaced so far apart in the water that
there is “much less” direct competition for resources within phytoplankton populations than scientists had previously
thought.

Choice B is incorrect because Text 2 never discusses whether routine replenishment of ocean nutrients affects competition
between phytoplankton species. Choice C is incorrect because the interspecies competition discussed in both texts is
specifically between phytoplankton species, and neither text considers whether phytoplankton compete for resources with
larger nonphytoplankton species. Choice D is incorrect because according to Text 2, Behrenfeld and colleagues argue that
water density decreases, not increases, competition between phytoplankton species.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID eb30c3c0
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: eb30c3c0
In 1891, design artist William Morris cofounded the Kelmscott Press, which printed editions of books using
preindustrial methods. Historians argue that Morris’s repudiation of industrialization is ______ the Kelmscott
editions’ use of handmade materials and intricate ornamentation reminiscent of medieval manuscripts:
these meticulously handcrafted elements exemplify the artistry involved.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. insensible to

B. manifest in

C. scrutinized by

D. complicated by

ID: eb30c3c0 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the Kelmscott Press’s books. In this
context, "manifest in" means evident or apparent from. The text states that the Kelmscott Press, which was cofounded by
William Morris, produced its books using preindustrial methods. The text notes the similarity between those methods, which
include the use of handmade materials and intricate ornamentation, and methods used in the creation of medieval
manuscripts. This context suggests that Morris’s repudiation of industrialization is apparent from, or manifest in, the
methods and materials his company employed.

Choice A is incorrect because there is nothing in the text to suggest that Morris’s repudiation of industrialization is
"insensible to," or unaware of or lacking perception of, the use of handmade materials and intricate ornamentation in the
production of the Kelmscott editions. Instead, the text suggests that the methods and materials used to produce the
Kelmscott editions are evidence of Morris’s repudiation of industrialization. Choice C is incorrect because it would not make
sense to say that Morris’s repudiation of industrialization was "scrutinized by," or examined closely by, the Kelmscott editions’
use of handmade materials and intricate ornamentation. Although creating the Kelmscott editions may have involved
examining the books closely, the text does not mention this aspect of Morris’s work, and in any case, the action of using
certain materials to create those editions cannot scrutinize Morris’s attitude toward industrialization. Choice D is incorrect
because the text gives no indication that Morris’s repudiation of industrialization is "complicated by," or made more complex
or difficult by, the Kelmscott Press’s use of preindustrial methods and handcrafted elements to produce books. Instead, the
text presents those methods as exemplifying Morris’s repudiation of industrialization.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 7d1c8a2b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 7d1c8a2b
Musician Joni Mitchell, who is also a painter, uses images she creates for her album covers to emphasize
ideas expressed in her music. For the cover of her album Turbulent Indigo (1994), Mitchell painted a striking
self-portrait that closely resembles Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear (1889). The image
calls attention to the album’s title song, in which Mitchell sings about the legacy of the postimpressionist
painter. In that song, Mitchell also hints that she feels a strong artistic connection to Van Gogh—an idea that
is reinforced by her imagery on the cover.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It presents a claim about Mitchell, then gives an example supporting that claim.

B. It discusses Van Gogh’s influence on Mitchell, then considers Mitchell’s influence on other artists.

C. It describes a similarity between two artists, then notes a difference between them.

D. It describes the songs on Turbulent Indigo, then explains how they relate to the album’s cover.

ID: 7d1c8a2b Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it accurately describes the organization of the elements within the text. The text begins
with the claim that Joni Mitchell’s album covers use images she creates in order to emphasize ideas embedded in her
albums. It then goes on to provide an example of how Mitchell’s self-portrait on the cover of Turbulent Indigo resembles a
painting by Van Gogh, which the text indicates helps emphasize the strong connection Mitchell feels toward Van Gogh, a
connection that is also expressed in the album’s title song.

Choice B is incorrect because there are no references in the text to artists other than Joni Mitchell and Van Gogh. Choice C is
incorrect because there is nothing in the text that calls attention to any similarities or differences between Joni Mitchell and
Van Gogh. Instead, it mentions that Mitchell feels a strong “artistic connection” to Van Gogh. Choice D is incorrect because
the text discusses the cover before referring to any songs, and it only references one song from the album not all the songs.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID cd920288
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: cd920288
The following text is from Edith Wharton’s 1905 novel The House of Mirth. Lily Bart and a companion are
walking through a park.
Lily had no real intimacy with nature, but she had a passion for the appropriate and could be keenly
sensitive to a scene which was the fitting background of her own sensations. The landscape outspread
below her seemed an enlargement of her present mood, and she found something of herself in its
calmness, its breadth, its long free reaches. On the nearer slopes the sugar-maples wavered like pyres of
light; lower down was a massing of grey orchards, and here and there the lingering green of an oak-grove.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It creates a detailed image of the physical setting of the scene.

B. It establishes that a character is experiencing an internal conflict.

C. It makes an assertion that the next sentence then expands on.

D. It illustrates an idea that is introduced in the previous sentence.

ID: cd920288 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it best describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a whole. The first
sentence of the text establishes that Lily can be “keenly sensitive to” scenes that serve as a “fitting background” for her
feelings—that is, she’s very aware of when a setting seems to reflect her mood. The next sentence, which is underlined, then
demonstrates this awareness: Lily views the landscape she’s in as a large-scale reflection of her current mood, identifying
with elements such as its calmness. Thus, the function of the underlined sentence is to illustrate an idea introduced in the
previous sentence.

Choice A is incorrect because the underlined sentence describes the scene only in very general terms, referring to its
calmness, breadth, and long stretches of land. It’s the next sentence that adds specific details about colors, light, and various
trees nearby. Choice B is incorrect because nothing in the underlined sentence suggests that Lily is experiencing an internal
conflict. In fact, the sentence indicates that Lily thinks the landscape reflects her own feeling of calmness. Choice C is
incorrect because the only assertion in the underlined sentence is that Lily feels that broad aspects of the landscape, such
as its calmness, reflect her current mood, and that assertion isn’t expanded on in the next sentence. Instead, the next
sentence describes specific details of the scene without connecting them to Lily’s feelings.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID cd742fda
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: cd742fda
Michelene Pesantubbee, a historian and citizen of the Choctaw Nation, has identified a dilemma inherent to
research on the status of women in her tribe during the 1600s and 1700s: the primary sources from that era,
travel narratives and other accounts by male European colonizers, underestimate the degree of power
conferred on Choctaw women by their traditional roles in political, civic, and ceremonial life. Pesantubbee
argues that the Choctaw oral tradition and findings from archaeological sites in the tribe’s homeland
supplement the written record by providing crucial insights into those roles.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It details the shortcomings of certain historical sources, then argues that research should avoid those
sources altogether.

B. It describes a problem that arises in research on a particular topic, then sketches a historian’s approach to
addressing that problem.

C. It lists the advantages of a particular research method, then acknowledges a historian’s criticism of that
method.

D. It characterizes a particular topic as especially challenging to research, then suggests a related topic for
historians to pursue instead.

ID: cd742fda Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. The text begins by stating a problem with research on the status of Choctaw women in the
1600s and 1700s: written primary sources underestimate the power they had in their traditional roles. Then it presents one
historian’s solution: looking to oral tradition and archeological findings for more insight into these roles.

Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t the overall structure. The text never says that research should avoid written primary sources,
just that research should also use oral tradition and archeological sites as sources. Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t the
overall structure. The text never mentions the advantages of using written primary sources. Choice D is incorrect. This isn’t
the overall structure. The text never says that the status of Choctaw women during the 1600s and 1700s is too challenging
to research. And it doesn’t mention any other topics to research instead.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f242d54d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: f242d54d
Many archaeologists assume that large-scale engineering projects in ancient societies required an elite class
to plan and direct the necessary labor. However, recent discoveries, such as the excavation of an ancient
canal near the Gulf Coast of Alabama, have complicated this picture. Using radiocarbon dating, a team of
researchers concluded that the 1.39-kilometer-long canal was most likely constructed between 576 and 650
CE by an Indigenous society that was relatively free of social classes.

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

A. It describes a common view among archaeologists, then discusses a recent finding that challenges that
view.

B. It outlines a method used in some archaeological fieldwork, then explains why an alternative method is
superior to it.

C. It presents contradictory conclusions drawn by archaeologists, then evaluates a study that has apparently
resolved that contradiction.

D. It identifies a gap in scientific research, then presents a strategy used by some archaeologists to remedy
that gap.

ID: f242d54d Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. The text starts by introducing a common view among archaeologists about the need for an elite
class to direct large-scale engineering projects. Then, it discusses the discovery of a large canal most likely built by a society
without an elite class, which challenges the first view.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the text discusses carbon dating as an archaeological method, it doesn’t compare it to any
other alternative methods. Choice C is incorrect. The study doesn’t resolve any contradictions—rather, it introduces a
contradiction to the one view presented at the beginning of the text. Choice D is incorrect. The text never identifies any gaps
in scientific research.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 74bccb47
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: 74bccb47
Text 1
The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event is usually attributed solely to an asteroid impact
near Chicxulub, Mexico. Some scientists argue that volcanic activity was the true cause, as the K-Pg event
occurred relatively early in a long period of eruption of the Deccan Traps range that initially produced huge
amounts of climate-altering gases. These dissenters note that other mass extinctions have coincided with
large volcanic eruptions, while only the K-Pg event lines up with an asteroid strike.

Text 2
In a 2020 study, Pincelli Hull and her colleagues analyzed ocean core samples and modeled climate changes
around the K-Pg event. The team concluded that Deccan Traps gases did affect global conditions prior to the
event, but that the climate returned to normal well before the extinctions began—extinctions that instead
closely align with the Chicxulub impact.

Based on the texts, how would Hull’s team (Text 2) most likely respond to the argument in the underlined
portion of Text 1?

A. By agreeing that the Chicxulub impact changed the climate and that the Deccan Traps eruption caused
the K-Pg event

B. By declaring that the changes in climate caused by the Deccan Traps eruption weren’t the main cause of
the K-Pg event

C. By questioning why those scientists assume that the Chicxulub impact caused the Deccan Traps eruption

D. By asserting that the Deccan Traps eruption had a more significant effect on global conditions than those
scientists claim

ID: 74bccb47 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it describes how Hull’s team would most likely respond to the argument in the
underlined portion of Text 1, which asserts that volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps range led to changes in the climate and
caused the K-Pg mass extinction event. According to Text 2, although Hull’s team found that activity in the Deccan Traps did
indeed alter the climate before the K-Pg event, the team determined that the climate had returned to normal before mass
extinctions began. This finding and the observation that the K-Pg extinctions closely align with the Chicxulub asteroid impact
suggest that Hull’s team would likely dispute the claim in the underlined portion of Text 1 and say that the climate changes
caused by the Deccan Traps activity were not the main cause of the extinctions.

Choice A is incorrect because Text 2 describes how Hull’s team found that the climate had recovered from the changes
brought about by the Deccan Traps activity before the K-Pg event occurred, which suggests that Hull’s team would disagree
that the Deccan Traps activity caused the K-Pg event. Additionally, the claim in the underlined portion of Text 1 says nothing
about how the Chicxulub impact changed the climate, so while Hull’s team might believe that the impact did in fact change
the climate, they could not be said to agree with the claim in Text 1 on this point. Choice C is incorrect because there is no
indication in either text that any scientists assume that the Chicxulub impact caused the Deccan Traps activity, so there is no
reason to conclude that Hull’s team would question why the scientists referred to in Text 1 make such an
assumption. Choice D is incorrect because Text 2 describes how Hull’s team found that the climate had recovered from the
changes brought about by the Deccan Traps activity before the K-Pg event occurred, which suggests that Hull’s team would
say that the Deccan Traps activity had a less enduring effect on global conditions than the scientists referenced in Text 1
believe, not that the effect on global conditions was more significant than those scientists claim.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 12bece85
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 12bece85
Rejecting the premise that the literary magazine Ebony and Topaz (1927) should present a unified vision of
Black American identity, editor Charles S. Johnson fostered his contributors’ diverse perspectives by
promoting their authorial autonomy. Johnson’s self-effacement diverged from the editorial stances of W.E.B.
Du Bois and Alain Locke, whose decisions for their publications were more ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. proficient

B. dogmatic

C. ambiguous

D. unpretentious

ID: 12bece85 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. A person who is "dogmatic" believes strongly that their principles and opinions are true.
Because Du Bois and Locke are implied to have one "unified vision" of Black American identity that they prioritize over the
"diverse perspectives" of different writers, they can be described as dogmatic.

Choice A is incorrect. "Proficient" means "skilled." Du Bois and Locke are contrasted with Johnson, but nothing in the text
suggests that Johnson was not skilled at making editorial decisions. Based on the text, the three editors just have different
styles; they’re not necessarily more or less skilled. Choice C is incorrect. "Ambiguous" means "unclear" or "open to multiple
interpretations." However, it’s actually Johnson who encouraged multiple interpretations ("diverse perspectives"). Since Du
Bois and Locke are said to "diverge" from Johnson, we can assume that the views they published were not ambiguous, but
instead clear and firm (a "unified vision"). Choice D is incorrect. "Unpretentious" means "not trying to impress others with
greater skill or importance than is actually possessed." Du Bois and Locke are contrasted with Johnson, but nothing in the
text suggests that Johnson is pretentious (trying to impress others).

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 599c3dd8
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 599c3dd8
Text 1
It seems clear that emotional contagion (the unintentional transfer of an emotional state from one person to
another) requires physical interaction and the observation of body language. After all, research shows that
talking to someone who is smiling and expressing positive feelings often causes people to respond in a
comparably positive way. Similarly, displays of nervous fidgeting have been found to prompt others to begin
behaving more nervously, too.

Text 2
In an experiment using a social networking service, Zeyao Yang and Emilio Ferrara found evidence of
emotional contagion in text-based online interactions. The researchers discovered that reading social media
posts that expressed a positive outlook led people to make more positive posts themselves, while posts with
a negative emotional tone led people to make more negative posts.

Based on the texts, what would the researchers in Text 2 most likely say about the claim underlined in Text 1?
A. It perpetuates a flawed understanding of emotional contagion, because there isn’t enough evidence to
suggest that smiling is a sign of emotional contagion.

B. It reflects an incomplete view of emotional contagion, because this phenomenon can occur even without
in-person interaction.

C. It’s fairly persuasive, because studies attempting to identify emotional contagion in situations without in-
person interaction have thus far yielded unclear results.

D. It’s mostly accurate, because the social networking study confirmed that emotional contagion primarily
occurs in response to negative emotions like nervousness.

ID: 599c3dd8 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it represents how the researchers in Text 2 would most likely respond to the underlined
claim in Text 1. Text 1 begins by asserting that the unintended transfer of feelings from one person to another, known as
emotional contagion, seems to rely on both people being physically present and able to observe body language. Text 1 then
references research that supports this assertion. Text 2 describes an experiment conducted by the researchers Yang and
Ferrara in which they found evidence of emotional contagion in the absence of physical interaction, namely through text-
based interactions on social media. The researchers in Text 2 wouldn’t completely agree with what is asserted in the
underlined portion of Text 1 (that emotional contagion seems to require physical proximity), because their study, which used
a social media networking service, found that physical interaction isn’t the only way that emotional contagion can take place.
Thus, the researchers in Text 2 would most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1 by stating that it reflects an
incomplete view of emotional contagion, because the phenomenon can occur without an in-person interaction.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the researchers in Text 2 would likely agree that the underlined statement in Text 1
perpetuates a flawed conclusion that emotional contagion requires physical interaction, Text 2 doesn’t address what the
researchers thought about smiling as a sign of emotional contagion. Choice C is incorrect because the researchers in Text 2
wouldn’t say that the underlined claim in Text 1 is fairly persuasive. According to Text 2, the researchers conducted a study
that found emotional contagion didn’t require physical interaction, because they found evidence of it in text-based online
interactions. Choice D is incorrect because neither of the texts claim that emotional contagion primarily occurs when a
person is exposed to negativity. Instead, Text 1 claims that physical interaction is required for emotional contagion to occur,
and Text 2 describes a study that suggests emotional contagion can occur in text-based online interactions.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ba3ddf3b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: ba3ddf3b
Text 1
Because literacy in Nahuatl script, the writing system of the Aztec Empire, was lost after Spain invaded
central Mexico in the 1500s, it is unclear exactly how meaning was encoded in the script’s symbols. Although
many scholars had assumed that the symbols signified entire words, linguist Alfonso Lacadena theorized in
2008 that they signified units of language smaller than words: individual syllables.

Text 2
The growing consensus among scholars of Nahuatl script is that many of its symbols could signify either
words or syllables, depending on syntax and content at any given site within a text. For example, the symbol
signifying the word huipil (blouse) in some contexts could signify the syllable “pil” in others, as in the place
name “Chipiltepec.” Thus, for the Aztecs, reading required a determination of how such symbols functioned
each time they appeared in a text.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely characterize Lacadena’s theory, as described
in Text 1?
A. By praising the theory for recognizing that the script’s symbols could represent entire words

B. By arguing that the theory is overly influenced by the work of earlier scholars

C. By approving of the theory’s emphasis on how the script changed over time

D. By cautioning that the theory overlooks certain important aspects of how the script functioned

ID: ba3ddf3b Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. Lacadena’s theory is that Nahuatl script symbols signified syllables, but the consensus
described in Text 2 is that they can signify either symbols or full words, depending on the context. So the author of Text 2
would likely consider Lacadena’s theory too simplistic: it’s missing the importance of the context in determining the meaning
of a symbol.

Choice A is incorrect. This conflicts with Text 1’s description of Lacadena’s theory. Lacadena’s theory is that Nahuatl script
symbols signified syllables. Choice B is incorrect. This conflicts with Text 1’s description of Lacadena’s theory. Text 1 states
that Lacadena’s theory differed from what earlier scholars believed. Choice C is incorrect. We can’t infer that this is how the
author of Text 2 would characterize Lacadena’s theory. Neither text mentions how or even if the script changed over time.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID 6447ef95
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 6447ef95
Ecologist Exequiel Ezcurra and colleagues found that the inhabitants of the Mexica empire used natural
landmarks to track time with a high degree of ______. By observing the sun’s position in relation to various
points on the mountains surrounding the Basin of Mexico, the Mexica were able to precisely identify the
dates when significant events such as solstices occurred.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. precariousness

B. exactitude

C. resilience

D. inconspicuousness

ID: 6447ef95 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the method the inhabitants of the
Mexica empire used to track time. In this context, "exactitude" means precision. The text indicates that the Mexica used the
sun’s position relative to various natural landmarks to track the passage of time, explaining that such methods allowed the
Mexica to accurately determine the dates of important events such as solstices. This context supports the idea that the
Mexica people were able to track time with a high degree of precision, or exactitude.

Choice A is incorrect because in this context "precariousness" would mean instability, and there’s nothing in the text to
suggest that the method used by the Mexica people to track time was unstable or produced unstable results. Rather, the text
indicates that the method yielded precise results, allowing the Mexica to accurately determine the dates of significant
events. Choice C is incorrect because in this context "resilience" would mean persistence, and there’s nothing in the text to
suggest that the Mexica worked stubbornly in spite of obstacles in order to track time. Choice D is incorrect because in this
context "inconspicuousness" would mean discreetness, and there’s nothing in the text to suggest that the Mexica wanted to
track time without being noticed.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8a4a2079
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 8a4a2079
Novelist N. K. Jemisin declines to ______ the conventions of the science fiction genre in which she writes, and
she has suggested that her readers appreciate her work precisely because of this willingness to thwart
expectations and avoid formulaic plots and themes.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. question

B. react to

C. perceive

D. conform to

ID: 8a4a2079 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Jemisin’s writing. In this context,
“conform to” means to act in accordance with something. The text suggests that in her science fiction writing, Jemisin’s
willingness to go against expectations and not use plots and themes that seem to follow a formula reflects how she treats
the standard practices of the genre. This context conveys that Jemisin chooses not to act in accordance with those
conventions.

Choice A is incorrect. In this context, “question” would mean doubt or object to. The text indicates that Jemisin is willing to
go against expectations and not use formulaic plots and themes in her science fiction writing, suggesting that she may
actually object to those conventions of the genre, not that she chooses not to question them. Choice B is incorrect because
the text indicates that in her science fiction writing, Jemisin is willing to go against expectations and not use formulaic plots
and themes. Rather than suggesting that Jemisin chooses not to “react to,” or act in response to, the standard practices of
the genre, this context suggests that she is acting in response to such conventions by deliberately avoiding them. Choice C
is incorrect. In this context, “perceive” would mean become aware of or understand. The text indicates that in her science
fiction writing, Jemisin is willing to go against expectations and not use formulaic plots and themes. This context conveys
that Jemisin is aware of and deliberately avoids those conventions of the genre, not that she chooses not to be aware of
them.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 3d57f884
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 3d57f884
Economist Jingting Fan argues that the effects of international trade may display spatial variation at sub-
national levels. For instance, imported goods may reduce expenses for a country’s average consumer, but for
consumers living far from ports, high intranational transport costs could ______ the price advantages
associated with imports.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. nullify

B. denigrate

C. underestimate

D. misconstrue

ID: 3d57f884 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it logically completes the text’s discussion of imported goods and consumer prices. In
this context, "nullify" most nearly means negate or undermine. The text indicates that importing goods to a country can
reduce consumer prices in that country, then cautions that the costs of transporting goods within the country is also a factor.
These transportation costs likely raise the prices that must be paid by people who live far from the ports of entry. Therefore,
the intranational transportation costs could nullify the price advantages to consumers of importing goods.

Choice B is incorrect. In this context, "denigrate" would most nearly mean disparage or deny the importance of. Since
transportation costs would not be capable of denying the importance of price advantages, it would not make sense to state
that intranational transportation costs denigrate the price advantages of importing goods. Choice C is incorrect. In this
context, "underestimate" would most nearly mean predict a lower value for, or to undervalue, someone or something. Though
transportation costs might be undervalued, they cannot themselves undervalue something else, so it would not make sense
to state that intranational transportation costs underestimate the price advantages of importing goods. Choice D is
incorrect. In this context, "misconstrue" would most nearly mean misunderstand. Since transport costs are not capable of
understanding, it would not make sense to claim that intranational transportation costs misconstrue the price advantages of
importing goods.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 0a589ca9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 0a589ca9
Rydra Wong, the protagonist of Samuel R. Delany’s 1966 novel Babel-17, is a poet, an occupation which, in
Delany’s work, is not ______: nearly a dozen of the characters that populate his novels are poets or writers.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. infallible

B. atypical

C. lucrative

D. tedious

ID: 0a589ca9 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Samuel R. Delany’s character Rydra
Wong. As used in this context, “atypical” would mean unrepresentative or not common. The text indicates that Wong is one
of “nearly a dozen” characters in Delany’s novels who are poets or writers. This context conveys that being a poet isn’t an
atypical occupation for a character in one of Delany’s works.

Choice A is incorrect because “infallible” means to be accurate or without fault, which wouldn’t make sense in context. The
text focuses on the fact that Delany has written many characters who are poets and writers. This context suggests that the
occupation isn’t atypical for Delany, not that the occupation isn’t infallible, or problematic. Choice C is incorrect because
“lucrative” means to be profitable, which wouldn’t make sense in context. If writing poet characters weren’t profitable, it
wouldn’t be logical to explain this by citing that Delany gave many of his characters the same occupation. Choice D is
incorrect because “tedious” means to be boring, which wouldn’t make sense in context. The text focuses on the fact that
Delany has written many characters who are poets and writers. This context suggests that the occupation isn’t atypical for
Delany, not that the occupation isn’t tedious.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2891bf1b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 2891bf1b
In editor Lisa Yaszek’s introduction to her anthology The Future Is Female! More Classic Science Fiction
Stories by Women, Yaszek identifies an increasing sense of ______ feminist mode of writing in the 1970s, in
contrast to many woman-authored science fiction stories of the 1920s to 1960s whose politics were less
deliberately signaled.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. a prudently

B. an overtly

C. a cordially

D. an inadvertently

ID: 2891bf1b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Yaszek’s introduction to her science
fiction anthology. In this context "overtly" means openly or without concealment. The text draws a contrast between the lack
of "deliberately signaled" political themes in women-authored science fiction from the 1920s to the 1960s and what Yaszek
notes about women-authored science fiction from the 1970s. This contrast implies that the work from the 1970s did clearly
reflect feminist political themes. In other words, the text indicates that unlike women who wrote science fiction in the 1920s
to the 1960s, the women who wrote science fiction in the 1970s expressed overtly feminist themes.

Choice A is incorrect. In this context "prudently" would mean cautiously, which might plausibly describe the women who
wrote science fiction from the 1920s to the 1960s, in that they tended to avoid revealing their political views; however, the
text contrasts these authors with the women writing science fiction in the 1970s, thereby suggesting that the authors writing
in the 1970s were not restrained in that way. Choice C is incorrect because in this context "cordially" would mean politely,
and nothing in the text indicates that politeness was a significant factor for women writing science fiction either from the
1920s to the 1960s or in the 1970s. The text draws a contrast between the lack of "deliberately signaled" political themes in
women-authored science fiction from the 1920s to the 1960s and what Yaszek notes about women-authored science fiction
from the 1970s. It’s unclear how "less deliberately signaled" politics and an increasing sense of politeness toward feminism
would constitute a meaningful contrast. Choice D is incorrect because in this context, "inadvertently" would mean
unintentionally, and nothing in the text suggests that Yaszek thought the feminist elements of the women-authored science
fiction from the 1970s arose without deliberate effort.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 4550a349
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 4550a349
Text 1
In 1954 George Balanchine choreographed a production of The Nutcracker, a ballet by Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky. It has since become a tradition for hundreds of dance companies in North America to stage
The Nutcracker each year. But the show is stuck in the past, with an old-fashioned story and references, so it
should no longer be produced. Ballet needs to create new traditions if it wants to stay relevant to
contemporary audiences.

Text 2
The Nutcracker is outdated, but it should be kept because it’s a holiday favorite and provides substantial
income for some dance companies. Although it can be behind the times, there are creative ways to update
the show. For example, Debbie Allen successfully modernized the story. Her show Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
combines ballet, tap, hip-hop, and other styles, and it has been gaining in popularity since it opened in 2009.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?
A. By questioning the idea that the story of The Nutcracker is stuck in the past and by rejecting the
suggestion that contemporary audiences would enjoy an updated version

B. By agreeing that contemporary audiences have largely stopped going to see performances of The
Nutcracker because it’s so old-fashioned

C. By pointing out that most dance companies could increase their incomes by offering modernized versions
of The Nutcracker

D. By suggesting that dance companies should consider offering revised versions of The Nutcracker instead
of completely rejecting the show

ID: 4550a349 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would most likely respond to the underlined claim in
Text 1. Text 1 begins by noting the success of The Nutcracker but then claims that the ballet is "stuck in the past" and should
"no longer be produced." Text 2 begins by conceding that The Nutcracker is indeed outdated but argues that it should
continue to be performed, states that the show can be updated to include more contemporary dance styles, and provides an
example of one such modernized version, Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Hence, the author of Text 2 would most likely respond
to the underlined claim in Text 1 by suggesting that dance companies should consider offering revised versions of The
Nutcracker instead of completely rejecting the show.

Choice A is incorrect because the author of Text 2 advocates for using creative ways to update The Nutcracker and therefore
wouldn’t respond to the underlined claim by rejecting the suggestion that contemporary audiences would enjoy an updated
version. Choice B is incorrect because although the authors of both texts claim that The Nutcracker is outdated, neither text
suggests that contemporary audiences have largely stopped attending productions of the show. On the contrary, Text 2
states that The Nutcracker is a holiday favorite and generates substantial income for some dance companies. Choice C is
incorrect because although Text 2 provides an example of a contemporized version of The Nutcracker, the text doesn’t
suggest that offering modernized versions is a way to increase income for most dance companies. Rather, the author of Text
2 suggests that offering modernized versions is a way to make the ballet discussed in Text 1 feel less outdated.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 651e7f7c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 651e7f7c
The güiro, a musical instrument traditionally made from a dried and hollowed gourd, is thought to have
originated with the Taíno people of Puerto Rico. Players use a wooden stick to scrape along ridges cut into
the side of the gourd, creating sounds that are highly ______: the sounds produced by güiros can differ based
on the distance between the ridges, the types of strokes the player uses, and the thickness of the gourd.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. overlooked

B. powerful

C. routine

D. variable

ID: 651e7f7c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the sounds made by güiros. In this
context, “variable” means able to change. The text begins by explaining that güiros are instruments made out of hollowed
gourds with ridges cut into their sides and that players scrape the ridges with wooden sticks to produce sounds. The text
goes on to say that güiros’ sounds can change depending on gourd thickness, the distance between ridges, and the types of
strokes the player uses, thus supporting the idea that the sounds created by these instruments are variable.

Choice A is incorrect because “overlooked” means not being seen or noticed, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that
the sounds produced by güiros are overlooked or not noticed. Choice B is incorrect because in this context, “powerful” would
mean having a great ability to produce an effect. While it’s possible that the sounds produced by güiros have a strong effect
on listeners, the text doesn’t discuss this aspect of their sounds. Choice C is incorrect because “routine” means usual and
unvarying, and there is nothing in the text to suggest that the sounds produced by güiros are unvarying. In fact, the text
describes how the sounds produced by güiros can differ based on several factors.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 4cebc520
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 4cebc520
Researchers have long hypothesized that woolly mammoths were hunted to extinction in North America by
humans using spears with grooved tips known as Clovis points. One anthropologist set out to test this
hypothesis. Using a mechanical spear-thrower, he launched spears with Clovis points into mounds of clay—
substitutes for the animals’ large bodies. The projectiles generally penetrated only a few inches into the clay,
an amount insufficient to have harmed most woolly mammoths. This led the anthropologist to conclude that
hunters using spears with Clovis points likely weren’t the principal drivers of the extinction.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To argue for the significance of new findings amid an ongoing debate among researchers

B. To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the method used in an experiment

C. To summarize two competing hypotheses and a major finding associated with each one

D. To describe an experiment whose results cast doubt on an established hypothesis

ID: 4cebc520 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately states the main purpose of the text, which is to describe an
experiment whose results cast doubt on an established hypothesis. The text begins by noting that researchers have long
believed that woolly mammoths were hunted to extinction in North America by humans using spears with Clovis points. The
text then describes an experiment conducted by an anthropologist to test this hypothesis. According to the text, the results
of the experiment led the anthropologist to conclude that hunters using spears with Clovis points likely weren’t the primary
cause of the extinction. The anthropologist’s results cast doubt on the long-held hypothesis presented at the beginning of
the text and suggest that woolly mammoths may have become extinct in North America due to some other cause.

Choice A is incorrect because there’s nothing in the text to suggest that researchers have been involved in an ongoing
debate. On the contrary, the text suggests that most researchers agree on the cause of the woolly mammoth’s extinction in
North America. Choice B is incorrect because the text never mentions any advantages or disadvantages of the method used
in the experiment, focusing instead on the results achieved using that method. Choice C is incorrect because the text
addresses only one hypothesis, that mammoths were hunted to extinction in North America by humans using spears with
Clovis points. Rather than present a competing hypothesis, the text explains how one anthropologist designed an experiment
to test this long-held hypothesis.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2ee50bdd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 2ee50bdd
Whether the reign of a French monarch such as Hugh Capet or Henry I was historically consequential or
relatively uneventful, its trajectory was shaped by questions of legitimacy and therefore cannot be
understood without a corollary understanding of the factors that allowed the monarch to ______ his right to
hold the throne.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. disengage

B. annotate

C. buttress

D. reciprocate

ID: 2ee50bdd Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the legitimacy of the reigns of
French monarchs such as Hugh Capet and Henry I. As used in this context, “buttress” means to strengthen or defend. The
text indicates that regardless of whether a French monarch’s reign was significant or uneventful, each monarch faced
questions about his right to the throne. The text goes on to say that in order to understand the path of a French monarch’s
reign, it’s important to understand what contributed to the monarch’s ability to “hold the throne.” This context suggests that
French monarchs such as Hugh Capet and Henry I had to buttress, or defend, their right to be monarch.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to discuss factors that enabled a monarch to “disengage,” or
withdraw his right to the French throne. The text focuses on an examination of people who reigned as French monarchs, not
on people who didn’t choose to rule. Choice B is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to discuss factors that
enabled a monarch to “annotate,” or add notes to or explain, his right to the French throne. Nothing in the text suggests that
the monarchs were writing notes about their right to the throne; instead, faced with questions about the legitimacy of their
reign, the monarchs defended their right. Choice D is incorrect. Saying that a monarch who is faced with questions about the
legitimacy of his reign was able to “reciprocate” his right to the French throne would mean that he either returned his right to
the throne or that he responded in kind to the challenge. Neither of these meanings would make sense in context because
the text focuses on people who did reign as French monarchs and defended their right to do so.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c3ef9de3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Hard

Connections

ID: c3ef9de3
Text 1
In 1916, H. Dugdale Sykes disputed claims that The Two Noble Kinsmen was coauthored by William
Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Sykes felt Fletcher’s contributions to the play were obvious—Fletcher had a
distinct style in his other plays, so much so that lines with that style were considered sufficient evidence of
Fletcher’s authorship. But for the lines not deemed to be by Fletcher, Sykes felt that their depiction of women
indicated that their author was not Shakespeare but Philip Massinger.
Text 2
Scholars have accepted The Two Noble Kinsmen as coauthored by Shakespeare since the 1970s: it appears
in all major one-volume editions of Shakespeare’s complete works. Though scholars disagree about who
wrote what exactly, it is generally held that on the basis of style, Shakespeare wrote all of the first act and
most of the last, while John Fletcher authored most of the three middle acts.

Based on the texts, both Sykes in Text 1 and the scholars in Text 2 would most likely agree with which
statement?
A. John Fletcher’s writing has a unique, readily identifiable style.

B. The women characters in John Fletcher’s plays are similar to the women characters in Philip Massinger’s
plays.

C. The Two Noble Kinsmen belongs in one-volume compilations of Shakespeare’s complete plays.

D. Philip Massinger’s style in the first and last acts of The Two Noble Kinsmen is an homage to
Shakespeare’s style.

ID: c3ef9de3 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer. Text 1 states that Sykes felt Fletcher’s contributions to the play were obvious because he had a
distinct style in his other plays. Text 2 states that scholars generally agree “on the basis of style” that Fletcher wrote most of
the three middle acts. Both texts imply that Fletcher’s writing has a unique, readily identifiable style that can be used to
distinguish his work from others.

Choice B is incorrect. While Text 1 refers to the women in Massinger plays, neither text compares the women of Fletcher’s
plays to the women of Massinger’s plays. Text 2 doesn’t mention Massinger at all. Choice C is incorrect. Text 1 states that
Sykes disputed that Shakespeare coauthored the play, and implied that it was coauthored by Fletcher and Massinger
instead. Sykes, therefore, would disagree that The Two Noble Kinsmen belongs in a Shakespeare compilation. Choice D is
incorrect. Text 1 doesn’t suggest that Massinger was inspired by Shakespeare, and Text 2 doesn’t mention Massinger at all.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d91e3799
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: d91e3799
K.D. Leka and colleagues found that the Sun’s corona provides an advance indication of solar flares—intense
eruptions of electromagnetic radiation that emanate from active regions in the Sun’s photosphere and can
interfere with telecommunications on Earth. Preceding a flare, the corona temporarily exhibits increased
brightness above the region where the flare is ______.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. antecedent

B. impending

C. innocuous

D. perpetual

ID: d91e3799 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of advance indications of solar flares.
In this context the word "impending" means imminent or approaching. The text mentions a study by Leka and colleagues
that found that the Sun’s corona provides an advance indication of solar flares. The text then points out why such an
advance indication would be useful—solar flares can interfere with communications on Earth—and concludes by describing
the characteristic of the corona that gives warning of a solar flare. The text indicates that this characteristic—increased
brightness in a particular region of the corona—comes before the appearance of the flare. Therefore, in context, the best
answer would indicate that the flare is approaching, or impending.

Choice A is incorrect. The best answer would be one that indicates that the increased brightness of the Sun’s corona
precedes the appearance of the flare. But if the flare were "antecedent," or previous, then the flare would instead precede the
appearance of the increased brightness of the corona, a statement that is logically inconsistent. Choice C is incorrect. The
word "innocuous," or harmless, does not logically complete the text; since solar flares can interfere with communications on
Earth, they cannot reasonably be described as innocuous. Choice D is incorrect. If the solar flares have an advance
indication of their appearance, then there must therefore be a time before the appearance of the flares when they do not
exist. But the word "perpetual," or never-ending, would in context indicate that the flare exists at the same time as the
advance indication provided by the Sun’s corona, which would not make logical sense.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9fa95c2c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 9fa95c2c
The following text is from Sarah Orne Jewett’s 1899 short story “Martha’s Lady.” Martha is employed by Miss
Pyne as a maid.
Miss Pyne sat by the window watching, in her best dress, looking stately and calm; she seldom went out
now, and it was almost time for the carriage. Martha was just coming in from the garden with the
strawberries, and with more flowers in her apron. It was a bright cool evening in June, the golden robins
sang in the elms, and the sun was going down behind the apple-trees at the foot of the garden. The
beautiful old house stood wide open to the long-expected guest.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To convey the worries brought about by a new guest

B. To describe how the characters have changed over time

C. To contrast the activity indoors with the stillness outside

D. To depict the setting as the characters await a visitor’s arrival

ID: 9fa95c2c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately reflects the main purpose of the text. The text portrays Miss Pyne as
awaiting the arrival of a carriage while Martha brings strawberries and flowers from the garden into the house. The text also
describes the surroundings of the scene, stating that Miss Pyne looks “stately and calm,” the evening is bright and cool, and
birds are singing in the garden as the sun sets. Then the last sentence states that the house was “wide open to the long-
expected guest,” which strongly suggests that Miss Pyne’s anticipation and Martha’s activities were in preparation for the
guest who is expected to arrive in the carriage. Thus, the text depicts the setting and conveys what these characters are
doing as they await the arrival of their visitor.

Choice A is incorrect because there is nothing in the text to indicate that the characters feel any worry about the guest’s
arrival. The text indicates that the guest was “long-expected,“ but characterizing Miss Pyne as “stately and calm” conflicts
with the idea that the characters are worried about the guest. Choice B is incorrect because the text describes a moment in
time when two characters are awaiting the arrival of a visitor rather than an extended period over which characters could be
seen changing. Choice C is incorrect. Although the text describes the activity indoors (Miss Pyne sitting calmly), it describes
a higher level of activity, not stillness, outside (Martha bringing fruit and flowers and birds singing).

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID ec66fe4d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: ec66fe4d
To develop a method for measuring snow depth with laser beams, NASA physicist Yongxiang Hu relied on
______; identifying broad similarities between two seemingly different phenomena, Hu used information
about how ants move inside colonies to calculate how the particles of light that make up laser beams travel
through snow.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. a collaboration

B. an accessory

C. a contradiction

D. an analogy

ID: ec66fe4d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. The text after the semicolon tells us that Hu "identif[ied] broad similarities between two
seemingly different phenomena," comparing ants with light particles. Since an analogy seeks similarities between seemingly
unrelated phenomena, this fits the context perfectly.

Choice A is incorrect. "A collaboration" refers to "an act of working with others," but what comes after the semicolon doesn’t
describe collaboration with other researchers. Instead, it shows a comparison between two different (but ultimately similar)
scientific phenomena. Choice B is incorrect. "An accessory" can refer to "something added to increase attractiveness or
usefulness." No accessories are described in this text. Choice C is incorrect. "A contradiction" means "a set of ideas or things
that are opposed to or inconsistent with each other." The text describes how Hu used the similarity between ant and light
particle movement to develop his method, so a word that refers to difference would not make sense here.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 8c5bba78
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 8c5bba78
Text 1
Microbes are tiny organisms in the soil, water, and air all around us. They thrive even in very harsh conditions.
That’s why Noah Fierer and colleagues were surprised when soil samples they collected from an extremely
cold, dry area in Antarctica didn’t seem to contain any life. The finding doesn’t prove that there are no
microbes in that area, but the team says it does suggest that the environment severely restricts microbes’
survival.

Text 2
Microbes are found in virtually every environment on Earth. So it’s unlikely they would be completely absent
from Fierer’s team’s study site, no matter how extreme the environment is. There were probably so few
organisms in the samples that current technology couldn’t detect them. But since a spoonful of typical soil
elsewhere might contain billions of microbes, the presence of so few in the Antarctic soil samples would
show how challenging the conditions are.

Based on the texts, Fierer’s team and the author of Text 2 would most likely agree with which statement
about microbes?
A. Most microbes are better able to survive in environments with extremely dry conditions than in
environments with harsh temperatures.

B. A much higher number of microbes would probably be found if another sample of soil were taken from
the Antarctic study site.

C. Microbes are likely difficult to detect in the soil at the Antarctic study site because they tend to be smaller
than microbes found in typical soil elsewhere.

D. Most microbes are probably unable to withstand the soil conditions at the Antarctic study site.

ID: 8c5bba78 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it presents a statement about microbes with which Fierer’s team (Text 1) and the
author of Text 2 would most likely agree. Text 1 states that microbes usually thrive in very harsh conditions, and so Fierer’s
team was surprised when samples collected from an extremely cold and dry area of Antarctica didn’t appear to contain any
life. Fierer’s team says that though this doesn’t conclusively prove there are no microbes in the area, it suggests that
microbes would have a notably difficult time surviving in the environment. The author of Text 2 says it’s unlikely that there
would be no microbes at all in the Antarctic study site from which Fierer’s team retrieved soil samples and that there may
have been hard-to-detect microbes in the samples. However, the presence of only a few microbes in the Antarctic samples
rather than the billions found in a typical soil sample (which would presumably be much easier to detect) would illustrate
conditions in the Antarctic soil that make it difficult for microbes to thrive. Since Fierer’s team says that the seeming
absence of microbes in the Antarctic samples suggests an unusually harsh environment and the author of Text 2 says that
even if there are a few undetectable microbes in the samples, the relatively tiny number of microbes would also suggest an
unusually harsh environment, then Fierer’s team and the author of Text 2 would most likely agree that most microbes are
unable to withstand the soil conditions at the Antarctic study site.

Choice A is incorrect. The samples taken by Fierer’s team were from an area of Antarctica that is described in part as
extremely dry, and these samples didn’t appear to have any life. Therefore, even though these samples also came from an
extremely cold area, Fierer’s team wouldn’t argue based on the evidence available that microbes were better able to survive
in dry conditions than in areas with harsh temperatures. Moreover, the author of Text 2 says that microbes are found in
virtually every environment on Earth but doesn’t compare dry environments and harsh environments. Choice B is incorrect.
Nothing in Text 1 indicates that another collection of samples from the Antarctic study site might yield different results from
the samples already taken by Fierer’s team. The author of Text 2 does state that microbes are found in virtually every
environment on Earth and suggests that new technology may be better able to detect so few microbes in a soil sample, but
the author of Text 2 concludes that the unusual absence of microbes in the Antarctic samples is evidence of the harsh
Antarctic environment. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that the author of Text 2 thinks that another sample drawn
from that same harsh environment would yield a much higher number of microbes. Choice C is incorrect. The author of Text
2 does speculate that there may have been so few microbes in the Antarctic samples that current technology couldn’t detect
them, but the author doesn’t speculate that this is due to the size of the microbes. Moreover, nothing that Fierer’s team says
suggests that they are speculating that their samples might have microbes that are smaller than microbes in typical soil
samples.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID fb052096
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: fb052096
Part of the Atacama Desert in Peru has surprisingly rich plant life despite receiving almost no rainfall.
Moisture from winter fog sustains plants once they’re growing, but the soil’s tough crust makes it hard for
seeds to germinate in the first place. Local birds that dig nests in the ground seem to be of help: they churn
the soil, exposing buried seeds to moisture and nutrients. Indeed, in 2016 Cristina Rengifo Faiffer found that
mounds of soil dug up by birds were far more fertile and supported more seedlings than soil in undisturbed
areas.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?

A. It elaborates on the idea that the top layer of Atacama Desert soil forms a tough crust.

B. It describes the process by which seeds are deposited into Atacama Desert soil.

C. It identifies the reason particular bird species dig nests in Atacama Desert soil.

D. It explains how certain birds promote seed germination in Atacama Desert soil.

ID: fb052096 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a
whole. The first two sentences establish a natural phenomenon: there is a richness of plant life found in the Atacama Desert
despite the hard soil that makes it challenging for seeds to germinate. The next sentence, which contains the underlined
portion, offers a potential explanation for the phenomenon: local birds dig ground nests exposing seeds to moisture and
materials in the soil necessary for germination. The last sentence summarizes a study that compared the fertileness of
mounds of dirt dug up by birds to mounds that were undisturbed to support the explanation in the underlined portion. Thus,
the underlined portion mainly functions to explain how certain birds promote seed germination in the Atacama Desert soil.

Choice A is incorrect because the underlined portion doesn’t address the topic of the soil’s tough crust or its formation.
Instead, the text elaborates on the idea that local birds that build ground nests may help seeds germinate in the hard
soil. Choice B is incorrect because the underlined portion describes how some birds may support seed germination in
Atacama Desert soil but doesn’t describe how the seeds are deposited into the soil before germination begins. Choice C is
incorrect because neither the underlined portion nor the text as a whole identifies a reason that a particular bird species may
choose to dig ground nests in the Atacama Desert soil.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 268c349d
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: 268c349d
Text 1
Philosopher G.E. Moore’s most influential work entails the concept of common sense. He asserts that there
are certain beliefs that all people, including philosophers, know instinctively to be true, whether or not they
profess otherwise: among them, that they have bodies, or that they exist in a world with other objects that
have three dimensions. Moore’s careful work on common sense may seem obvious but was in fact
groundbreaking.

Text 2
External world skepticism is a philosophical stance supposing that we cannot be sure of the existence of
anything outside our own minds. During a lecture, G.E. Moore once offered a proof refuting this stance by
holding out his hands and saying, “Here is one hand, and here is another.” Many philosophers reflexively
reject this proof (Annalisa Coliva called it “an obviously annoying failure”) but have found it a challenge to
articulate exactly why the proof fails.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 1 most likely respond to proponents of the philosophical
stance outlined in Text 2?
A. By agreeing with those proponents that Moore’s treatment of positions that contradict his own is
fundamentally unserious

B. By suggesting that an instinctive distaste for Moore’s position is preventing external world skeptics from
constructing a sufficiently rigorous refutation of Moore

C. By arguing that if it is valid to assert that some facts are true based on instinct, it is also valid to assert
that some proofs are inadequate based on instinct

D. By pointing out that Moore would assert that external world skepticism is at odds with other beliefs those
proponents must unavoidably hold

ID: 268c349d Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer. According to the author of Text 1, Moore’s definition of common sense—things we instinctively
know are true—includes the belief that we all “exist in a world with other objects.” The author of Text 1 describes this notion
as both “obvious” and “groundbreaking.” So it’s safe to infer that the author would observe that Moore would respond to
external world skeptics by arguing that since everyone instinctively knows that things exist outside of their own minds, then
external world skepticism must be wrong.

Choice A is incorrect. We can’t infer that the author of Text 1 would respond this way to external world skeptics. If anything,
the author of Text 1 seems to agree with Moore. Choice B is incorrect. We can’t infer that the author of Text 1 would respond
this way to external world skeptics. The author of Text 1 never mentions external world skeptics directly, let alone why they
have a hard time refuting Moore’s position. Choice C is incorrect. We can’t infer that the author of Text 1 would respond this
way to external world skeptics. Text 1’s presentation of Moore’s concept of common sense only includes the idea that some
facts are true based on instinct—it doesn’t mention the idea that some proofs are inadequate based on instinct.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 2a41886c
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 2a41886c
The following text is adapted from Karel Čapek’s 1920 play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), translated by
Paul Selver and Nigel Playfair in 1923. Fabry and Busman are telling Miss Glory why their company
manufactures robots.
FABRY: One Robot can replace two and a half workmen. The human machine, Miss Glory, was
terribly imperfect. It had to be removed sooner or later.
BUSMAN: It was too expensive.
FABRY: It was not effective. It no longer answers the requirements of modern engineering. Nature has no
idea of keeping pace with modern labor.

As used in the text, what does the word “answers” most nearly mean?
A. Explains

B. Rebuts

C. Defends

D. Fulfills

ID: 2a41886c Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because as used in the text, “answers” most nearly means fulfills. In the text, Fabry and Busman
claim that the robots manufactured by their company are more efficient than human workers, which they refer to as “the
human machine.” Fabry observes that the human machine “no longer answers the requirements of modern engineering.” That
is, human workers are incapable of meeting the rigorous needs of modern, industrialized workplaces.

Choice A is incorrect. Although in some contexts “answers” can mean explains, it doesn’t have that meaning in this context
because the topic under discussion is human beings’ inability to perform labor efficiently, not their inability to engage in
discussion or explanation. Choice B is incorrect. Although in some contexts “answers” can mean rebuts, or proves a claim or
argument to be false, it wouldn’t make sense to speak of proving requirements to be false; requirements might or might not
be reasonable, but they can’t be verified as truthful or untruthful, as claims or accusations can. Choice C is incorrect.
Although in some contexts, “answers” can mean defends against criticism, or justifies, it doesn’t have that meaning in this
context because the opinion that Fabry expresses is that human workers can no longer fulfill the requirements of modern
workplaces, not that they have ceased to justify those requirements or to defend them against criticism; indeed, there is no
suggestion in the text that workers ever defended those requirements.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f7455dfd
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: f7455dfd
Some foraging models predict that the distance bees travel when foraging will decline as floral density
increases, but biologists Shalene Jha and Claire Kremen showed that bees’ behavior is inconsistent with this
prediction if flowers in dense patches are ______: bees will forage beyond patches of low species richness to
acquire multiple resource types.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A. depleted

B. homogeneous

C. immature

D. dispersed

ID: f7455dfd Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of Jha and Kremen’s finding about
bees’ foraging behavior. In this context, “homogeneous” means uniform or of the same kind. The text indicates that some
models predict that the distance that bees travel when they’re foraging declines as the density of flowers increases. The text
goes on to say, however, that Jha and Kremen identified a circumstance in which bees don’t behave this way. Specifically, if
bees encounter “patches of low species richness”—that is, patches in which the flowers are largely from the same species—
they’ll travel beyond those patches to get varied food resources. This context thus suggests that bees don’t behave as some
models predict if the dense patches of flowers the bees encounter are homogeneous.

Choice A is incorrect because the text indicates that Jha and Kremen found that bees will behave differently than some
models predict if the bees encounter flower patches that are not rich in species, not if the flowers are “depleted,” or emptied
or reduced in quality or quantity. Although it could be true that bees are likely to leave depleted patches in search of more
resources, the text doesn’t indicate that Jha and Kremen investigated that possibility. Choice C is incorrect because there’s
no information in the text suggesting that bees will not behave as some models predict if flowers in patches are “immature,”
or not fully developed. Instead, the text indicates that Jha and Kremen found that bees will behave contrary to some models’
predictions if the flower patches are not rich in species. Choice D is incorrect because the text indicates that bees’ behavior
will be inconsistent with the predictions of some models if the flower patches that the bees encounter are of low species
richness, not if the flowers are in patches that are “dispersed,” or widely scattered. Although the text does describe bees as
leaving patches that are not rich in species to forage elsewhere, there’s no suggestion that Jha and Kremen found that the
distance between dense flower patches affects whether the bees behave as some models predict.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID c82fd5ce
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: c82fd5ce
On painter William H. Johnson’s return to the United States in 1938 after a decade in Europe, his style
underwent an abrupt transformation. Turning away from landscapes painted in an expressionist style—a
style that often involves using fluid, distorted shapes and thick, textured brushstrokes to express the artist’s
subjective experience of reality—Johnson began painting portraits of Black Americans in a bold new way.
Evocative of African sculpture and American and Scandinavian folk art, these portraits feature flat,
deliberately oversimplified figures in a vibrant but limited color palette.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It elaborates on the previous sentence’s statement about a transitional moment in Johnson’s artistic
career.

B. It provides information about Johnson’s travels in support of a claim about his artistic influences, which is
advanced in the following sentence.

C. It recounts a moment in Johnson’s personal life that enabled the success of his subsequent career, which
is summarized in the following sentence.

D. It presents evidence that calls into question the previous sentence’s characterization of Johnson’s artistic
development.

ID: c82fd5ce Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a
whole. The first sentence of the text indicates that Johnson returned to the US in 1938 at which time his painting style
suddenly changed. The second sentence is underlined and gives more detail about this stylistic change, noting that his
earlier work consisted largely of landscapes in an expressionist style and his new works were highly stylized portraits of
Black Americans. In other words, the function of the underlined sentence is to elaborate on a transitional moment in
Johnson’s painting career.

Choice B is incorrect. Although the text does mention that Johnson spent a decade in Europe, it does not discuss what other
travel Johnson might have done. Furthermore, although the text mentions African, American, and Scandinavian artistic
elements in Johnson’s work, it does not indicate that he traveled to different locations to learn about these practices. Choice
C is incorrect because the text does not focus on Johnson’s personal life nor does it address how successful his career was
in general. Choice D is incorrect because, rather than call it into question, the underlined sentence continues the discussion
of Johnson’s career by adding further relevant detail of Johnson’s artistic transformation.
Question Difficulty: Medium
Question ID fcc40967
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: fcc40967

Text 1
Digital art, the use of digital technology to create or display images, isn’t really art at all. It doesn’t require as
much skill as creating physical art. “Painting” with a tablet and stylus is much easier than using paint and a
brush: the technology is doing most of the work.

Text 2
The painting programs used to create digital art involve more than just pressing a few buttons. In addition to
knowing the fundamentals of art, digital artists need to be familiar with sophisticated software. Many artists
will start by drawing an image on paper before transforming the piece to a digital format, where they can
apply a variety of colors and techniques that would otherwise require many different traditional tools.

Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the claims of the author of Text 1?
A. By arguing that a piece of art created digitally can still be displayed traditionally

B. By explaining that it’s actually much harder to use a tablet and stylus to create art than to use paint and a
brush

C. By insisting that digital art requires artistic abilities and skill even if it employs less traditional tools

D. By admitting that most digital artists don’t think fundamental drawing skills are important

ID: fcc40967 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it reflects how the author of Text 2 would respond to the claims in Text 1. Both texts
address skills needed to produce digital art. Text 1 claims that digital art doesn’t require the same amount of skill as creating
physical art and that “the technology is doing most of the work.” Text 2 states that digital art requires “knowing the
fundamentals of art” and that many digital artists begin their work on paper and then transfer it to a digital format using
“sophisticated software” and “a variety of colors and techniques.” Therefore, the author of Text 2 would most likely insist that
digital art requires artistic abilities even if it employs less traditional tools.

Choice A is incorrect because neither text discusses nondigital means of displaying art. Choice B is incorrect because the
author of Text 2 doesn’t address whether it’s harder to use a tablet and stylus than it is to use paint and a brush. Text 2 does
argue that digital art requires skills that aren’t part of the traditional methods for producing art, but the text doesn’t address
relative difficulty. Choice D is incorrect because the author of Text 2 states that digital artists still need to know “the
fundamentals of art” and that many digital artists begin their work by drafting on paper before transferring the work to a
digital format.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 75de8012
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 75de8012
Very little is known about the role nocturnal insects, such as moths, play in flower pollination because it is
difficult to monitor insects at night. To address this problem, a team of scientists used time-lapse cameras to
record pollinator visits to red clover all day and night. The recordings showed that while most pollinator visits
were by bumblebees, one-third of visits were by moths. Additionally, flowers that were visited by both moths
and bees produced more seeds than flowers that were only visited by bees.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence?

A. To describe an approach a team of scientists used to study pollinators

B. To question a claim scientists make about pollinators

C. To explain why moths prefer red clover to other flowers

D. To announce an unexpected research finding about red clover

ID: 75de8012 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately describes the function of the underlined sentence. The sentence
indicates that scientists used time-lapse photography during both day and night to detect pollinators visiting red clover.
Therefore, the underlined sentence has the function of describing an approach scientists used in the pollinator study
discussed in the text.

Choice B is incorrect because the underlined sentence discusses equipment the scientists used to conduct their study, and
the text provides nothing to suggest these elements of their experimental design could, by themselves, question claims
resulting from the study. Choice C is incorrect because nothing in either the underlined sentence or the rest of the text
addresses whether moths have a preference for red clover or any other flowers. Choice D is incorrect. Although the
sentences that follow the underlined sentence discuss research findings, nothing in the text suggests that these findings
were unexpected. Moreover, the underlined sentence describes part of the scientists’ experimental design (day and night
time-lapse photography), not a finding of the scientists’ study.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 7ce3feba
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: 7ce3feba
To demonstrate that the integrity of underground metal pipes can be assessed without unearthing the pipes,
engineer Aroba Saleem and colleagues ______ the tendency of some metals’ internal magnetic fields to alter
under stress: the team showed that such alterations can be measured from a distance and can reveal
concentrations of stress in the pipes.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. hypothesized

B. discounted

C. redefined

D. exploited

ID: 7ce3feba Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of using magnetism to detect stress in
buried metal pipes. In this context, "exploited" means made productive use of. The text indicates that the magnetic fields of
some metals change under stress and that Saleem and colleagues showed that it is possible to measure those changes
from a distance, thereby demonstrating that the integrity of underground metal pipes can be evaluated without having to
unearth them. This context thus indicates that Saleem and colleagues made productive use of, or exploited, this tendency of
the metals’ magnetic fields.

Choice A is incorrect because in this context, "hypothesized" would mean made a tentative assumption to be evaluated in a
study or experiment. Although Saleem and colleagues may have had one or more hypotheses for these experiments, the text
presents the information about the tendency of some metals’ magnetic fields to change under stress as a known fact that
the researchers made productive use of, not as a hypothesis to be evaluated. The text after the colon indicates that the
researchers were not evaluating whether such changes occur but whether those changes can be measured at a distance.
Choice B is incorrect because in this context, "discounted" would mean downplayed or ignored, but the text does not suggest
that Saleem and colleagues minimized or ignored the tendency of the magnetic fields of some metals to change under
stress. Rather, the text indicates that this tendency is the basis for Saleem and colleagues’ method of assessing the pipes’
integrity. Choice C is incorrect because nothing in the text indicates that Saleem and colleagues "redefined," or reevaluated or
reformulated, the tendency of some metals’ magnetic fields to change under stress. Instead, the text indicates that the
researchers made use of that tendency to demonstrate that it is possible to evaluate the integrity of underground pipes
without unearthing them.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID d53bcf3b
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Hard

ID: d53bcf3b
The author’s claim about the relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens is ______, as it fails to
account for several recent archaeological discoveries. To be convincing, his argument would need to address
recent finds of additional hominid fossils, such as the latest Denisovan specimens and Homo longi.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. disorienting

B. tenuous

C. nuanced

D. unoriginal

ID: d53bcf3b Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the author’s claim about the
relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. As used in this context, “tenuous” means lacking substance. The end
of the first sentence states that the author’s claim didn’t consider certain key pieces of evidence—“recent archaeological
discoveries”—and is therefore weak.

Choice A is incorrect because it wouldn’t make sense in context to refer to the author’s claim as “disorienting,” or confusing.
The text suggests that the author’s claim is insubstantial, not that it’s difficult to grasp. Choice C is incorrect because
referring to the claim as “nuanced,” or subtle, wouldn’t make sense in context. According to the text, the claim is incomplete
because it didn’t consider certain key information about recent archaeological finds; it doesn’t suggest that what’s in the
claim lacks precision. Choice D is incorrect because saying that the claim is “unoriginal,” or imitative, wouldn’t make sense in
context. The text faults the claim because it doesn’t consider certain key information about recent archaeological finds; it
doesn’t suggest that the author’s claim lacks originality.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 9f04b826
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 9f04b826
A study by a team including finance professor Madhu Veeraraghavan suggests that exposure to sunshine
during the workday can lead to overly optimistic behavior. Using data spanning from 1994 to 2010 for a set
of US companies, the team compared over 29,000 annual earnings forecasts to the actual earnings later
reported by those companies. The team found that the greater the exposure to sunshine at work in the two
weeks before a manager submitted an earnings forecast, the more the manager’s forecast exceeded what
the company actually earned that year.

Which choice best states the function of the underlined sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. To summarize the results of the team’s analysis

B. To present a specific example that illustrates the study’s findings

C. To explain part of the methodology used in the team’s study

D. To call out a challenge the team faced in conducting its analysis

ID: 9f04b826 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it best describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a whole. The first
sentence presents the implications of Veeraraghavan’s team’s study: sunshine exposure during work hours can cause overly
optimistic behavior. The underlined sentence then describes the data the team consulted and how they were used
(comparing predictions about earnings to what the companies actually earned), and the final sentence presents what the
team found in their examination of the data. Thus, the underlined sentence mainly functions to explain part of the
methodology used in the team’s study.

Choice A is incorrect because the underlined sentence explains in part how the team conducted their analysis of the effect
of sunshine but doesn’t address what the team found; a broad summary is instead given in the other two sentences. Choice
B is incorrect because the underlined sentence doesn’t present any specific examples from the team’s comparisons of
29,000 earnings predictions to actual earnings; it simply explains in part how the team conducted their analysis. Choice D is
incorrect because the underlined sentence simply explains in part how the team conducted their analysis; the text never
mentions any challenges that the team encountered in their study.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID fc4f0f7e
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: fc4f0f7e
Diego Velázquez was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV of Spain during the seventeenth century,
but his influence was hardly ______ Spain: realist and impressionist painters around the world employed his
techniques and echoed elements of his style.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. derived from

B. recognized in

C. confined to

D. repressed by

ID: fc4f0f7e Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most logically completes the discussion of the artist Diego Velázquez’s influence
outside Spain. As used in this context, “confined to” means restricted to. The text says that Velázquez was the leading artist
in the Spanish court during the seventeenth century, but it also notes that other painters around the world were influenced by
his techniques and style. Thus, Velázquez’s influence was hardly (or almost not) confined to, or restricted to, Spain.

Choice A is incorrect because if Velázquez was a leading artist in Spain, it doesn’t make logical sense to claim that his
influence was hardly (or almost not) derived from, or obtained from, Spain. Moreover, the other painters around the world
who employed Velázquez’s techniques would by definition be influenced by Spanish style. Choice B is incorrect because if
Velázquez was a leading artist in the court of King Philip IV of Spain, then his influence must have been widely recognized, or
acknowledged, rather than being hardly (or almost not) recognized. Choice D is incorrect because the text gives no
indication that deliberately limiting Velázquez’s influence outside Spain was ever considered by anyone. Thus, even if it is
true that his influence was not repressed, or restrained, it doesn’t make logical sense to say so in this context.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 5378c224
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: 5378c224
In 1154, Muhammad al-Idrisi completed a collection of maps of the lands known to medieval Arabic and
European scholars. This collection was titled Al-Kitāb al-Rujārī (The Book of Roger), after the Norman king
Roger II who hired him to create it. To create the collection, al-Idrisi consulted Arabic and Greek maps and
interviewed travelers about the lands they visited. He included these travelers’ stories alongside the map
illustrations.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To discuss the benefits of studying mapmaking

B. To explain how travelers created maps

C. To describe a collection of medieval maps and how it was created

D. To compare medieval Arabic and Greek mapmaking techniques

ID: 5378c224 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately states the main purpose of the text, which is to describe a collection
of medieval maps and how it was created. The text begins by mentioning Muhammad al-Idrisi’s collection of maps of lands
known to medieval Arabic and European scholars. It then states that the Norman king Roger II hired al-Idrisi to create the
collection and details al-Idrisi’s methods of creation: consulting Arabic and Greek maps and interviewing travelers. In short,
the text presents a collection of medieval maps and then goes on to describe how that collection came to be.

Choice A is incorrect because the text describes a collection of maps and the process of creating that collection but does
not discuss the benefits of studying mapmaking in general. Choice B is incorrect because though the text mentions that al-
Idrisi interviewed travelers, the text does not describe how those travelers created maps. Choice D is incorrect because
though the text mentions that al-Idrisi consulted Arabic and Greek maps, the text does not offer a comparison of Arabic and
Greek mapmaking techniques.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID b0e12b3a
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: b0e12b3a
The work of molecular biophysicist Enrique M. De La Cruz is known for ______ traditional boundaries between
academic disciplines. The university laboratory that De La Cruz runs includes engineers, biologists, chemists,
and physicists, and the research the lab produces makes use of insights and techniques from all those fields.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. epitomizing

B. transcending

C. anticipating

D. reinforcing

ID: b0e12b3a Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something similar to "mak[ing] use of
insights and techniques from all those fields." "Transcending" means "going beyond," so "transcending traditional boundaries"
would mean crossing into all those various fields of research, which is exactly the meaning we want.

Choice A is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice. Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something
similar to "mak[ing] use of insights and techniques from all those fields." To "epitomize" means to "be a perfect example of,"
so "epitomizing traditional boundaries" would mean the opposite of what we want: keeping the fields of research separate.
Choice C is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice. Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something
similar to "mak[ing] use of insights and techniques from all those fields." "Anticipating" means "expecting" or "waiting for,"
and would result in a confusing sentence with an unclear meaning. Choice D is incorrect. This isn’t a logical word choice.
Based on the text, we’re looking for a word that means something similar to "mak[ing] use of insights and techniques from
all those fields." "Reinforcing traditional boundaries" would mean the opposite: keeping the fields of research separate.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 77b9ccd9
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 77b9ccd9
The following text is adapted from Zora Neale Hurston’s 1921 short story “John Redding Goes to Sea.” John
is a child who lives in a town in the woods.
Perhaps ten-year-old John was puzzling to the folk there in the Florida woods for he was an imaginative
child and fond of day-dreams. The St. John River flowed a scarce three hundred feet from his back door.
On its banks at this point grow numerous palms, luxuriant magnolias and bay trees. On the bosom of the
stream float millions of delicately colored hyacinths. [John Redding] loved to wander down to the water’s
edge, and, casting in dry twigs, watch them sail away down stream to Jacksonville, the sea, the wide world
and [he] wanted to follow them.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It provides an extended description of a location that John likes to visit.

B. It reveals that some residents of John’s town are confused by his behavior.

C. It illustrates the uniqueness of John’s imagination compared to the imaginations of other children.

D. It suggests that John longs to experience a larger life outside the Florida woods.

ID: 77b9ccd9 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it accurately describes how the underlined sentence functions in the text as a whole.
The text establishes that John has a strong imagination and then goes on to describe the St. John River near John’s home in
the Florida woods. The underlined sentence depicts John sending twigs sailing down the river while he imagines them
reaching “Jacksonville, the sea, the wide world,” where he wishes he could follow. This suggests that John longs to expand
his life experiences beyond the Florida woods.

Choice A is incorrect because the second and third sentences of the text provide an extended description of the riverbank
where John likes to go, whereas the underlined sentence describes what John does at that location. Choice B is incorrect
because the first sentence of the text suggests that John’s behavior “was puzzling” to others around him, whereas the
underlined sentence concerns the content of John’s imaginings. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined sentence
elaborates on John’s imagination but doesn’t mention any other children to whom John could be compared.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 63d61895
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 63d61895
During a 2014 archaeological dig in Spain, Vicente Lull and his team uncovered the skeleton of a woman
from El Algar, an Early Bronze Age society, buried with valuable objects signaling a high position of power.
This finding may persuade researchers who have argued that Bronze Age societies were ruled by men to
______ that women may have also held leadership roles.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. waive

B. concede

C. refute

D. require

ID: 63d61895 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the significance of the 2014
archaeological finding at El Algar. In this context, “concede” means to admit something is true after first resisting that
admission. The text indicates that some researchers believe “Bronze Age societies were ruled by men.” But the Bronze Age
burial of a woman at El Algar included “valuable objects signaling a high position of power,” which would raise the possibility
that “women may have also held leadership roles.” Thus, the text is calling into question the notion that only men were
leaders in these societies and speculating that people holding this view may reconsider their opinion.

Choice A is incorrect because “waive” means to refrain from insisting that something, such as a right or a requirement, be
observed; the word isn’t used, however, in contexts where someone acknowledges that an opinion they hold may be invalid,
as is the case in the text. Choice C is incorrect. According to the text, the finding from the El Algar burial site undermines the
view that Bronze Age societies were exclusively ruled by men. However, “refute” means to demonstrate that something is
false and would not make sense in context. Lull and team’s finding supports the view that women may have also held
leadership roles, not that they did not participate in such roles. Choice D is incorrect because in this context, “require” means
to demand or specify as mandatory. However, it would not make sense for contemporary researchers to demand that Bronze
Age “women may have also held leadership roles.”

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID dd55c580
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: dd55c580
The following text is from Betty Smith’s 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Francie, a young girl, visits the
library often.

Francie thought that all the books in the world were in that library and she had a plan about reading all
the books in the world. She was reading a book a day in alphabetical order and not skipping the dry
ones. She remembered that the first author had been Abbott. She had been reading a book a day for a
long time now and she was still in the B’s. Already she had read about bees and buffaloes, Bermuda
vacations and Byzantine architecture. For all her enthusiasm, she had to admit that some of the B’s had
been hard going. But Francie was a reader.
©1947 by Betty Smith

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To illustrate Francie’s enjoyment of an unusual topic

B. To explain why Francie prefers reading over other activities

C. To portray Francie’s determination to meet a goal

D. To describe a book that Francie greatly admires

ID: dd55c580 Answer

Correct Answer: C

Rationale

Choice C is the best answer because it most accurately describes the main purpose of the text, which is to portray Francie’s
determination to reach her goal of reading all the books in the world. The text indicates that to achieve this aim, Francie
works systematically and persistently: she reads all the books in the library in alphabetical order and devotes much time and
effort to the project, finishing one book per day over a long period of time. The text then suggests that even though she
progresses slowly ("she was still in the B’s") and that she struggled with some books ("some of the B’s had been hard going"),
she doesn’t give up because she thinks of herself as "a reader." These details show Francie’s resolve.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the text mentions several topics (bees and buffaloes, Bermuda vacations, and Byzantine
architecture) that Francie has read about, it doesn’t indicate that any of these topics are unusual or that she especially
enjoyed reading about one of these topics in particular. If anything, the text suggests that she may have found some of these
topics to be dull, saying that she even read the "dry ones"—that is, the boring books—and that some of the books were "hard
going," meaning they were difficult to get through. Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t discuss Francie’s
involvement in other activities, only her dedication to reading. Although it’s possible that Francie dedicates herself to reading
because she prefers it to other activities, the text doesn’t indicate whether this is the case. Choice D is incorrect. Although
the text mentions one author (Abbott) whose book Francie has read as well as several topics (bees and buffaloes, Bermuda
vacations, and Byzantine architecture) she has encountered, the text doesn’t say whether Francie admires any of the books
she’s read so far. Instead, the text focuses on the time and effort she devotes to reaching her goal of reading all the books in
the world—even ones she doesn’t enjoy.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID d43f1594
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Cross-Text Medium

Connections

ID: d43f1594
Text 1
In 2021, a team led by Amir Siraj hypothesized that the Chicxulub impactor—the object that struck the
Yucatán Peninsula sixty-six million years ago, precipitating the mass extinction of the dinosaurs—was likely a
member of the class of long-period comets. As evidence, Siraj cited the carbonaceous chondritic
composition of samples from the Chicxulub impact crater as well as of samples obtained from long-period
comet Wild 2 in 2006.

Text 2
Although long-period comets contain carbonaceous chondrites, asteroids are similarly rich in these
materials. Furthermore, some asteroids are rich in iridium, as Natalia Artemieva points out, whereas long-
period comets are not. Given the prevalence of iridium at the crater and, more broadly, in geological layers
deposited worldwide following the impact, Artemieva argues that an asteroid is a more plausible candidate
for the Chicxulub impactor.

Based on the texts, how would Artemieva likely respond to Siraj’s hypothesis, as presented in Text 1?
A. By insisting that it overestimates how representative Wild 2 is of long-period comets as a class

B. By arguing that it does not account for the amount of iridium found in geological layers dating to the
Chicxulub impact

C. By praising it for connecting the composition of Chicxulub crater samples to the composition of certain
asteroids

D. By concurring that carbonaceous chondrites are prevalent in soil samples from sites distant from the
Chicxulub crater

ID: d43f1594 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer. Siraj’s hypothesis is that the Chicxulub impactor was a long-period comet. But Artemieva points
to the iridium found in the crater and in “geological layers that were deposited worldwide after the impact” as evidence that it
was actually an asteroid, not a long-period comet.

Choice A is incorrect. We can’t infer that this is how Artemieva would respond to Siraj’s hypothesis. Text 2 never discusses
whether Wild 2 is representative of long-period comets in general. Rather, Text 2 presents Artemieva’s argument that the
Chicxulub impactor was an asteroid, not a long-term comet. Choice C is incorrect. We can’t infer that this is how Artemieva
would respond to Siraj’s hypothesis. Siraj’s hypothesis doesn’t make this connection: rather, Siraj hypothesizes that the
Chicxulub impactor was a long-term comet. Choice D is incorrect. We can’t infer that this is how Artemieva would respond to
Siraj’s hypothesis. “Soil samples from sites distant from the Chicxulub crater” is too vague. Only soil samples from sites that
are connected to the impact in some way are involved in either hypothesis.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID f78b6c18
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: f78b6c18
The following text is adapted from Jane Austen’s 1814 novel Mansfield Park. The speaker, Tom, is
considering staging a play at home with a group of his friends and family.
We mean nothing but a little amusement among ourselves, just to vary the scene, and exercise our powers
in something new. We want no audience, no publicity. We may be trusted, I think, in choosing some play
most perfectly unexceptionable; and I can conceive no greater harm or danger to any of us in conversing in
the elegant written language of some respectable author than in chattering in words of our own.

Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?

A. To offer Tom’s assurance that the play will be inoffensive and involve only a small number of people

B. To clarify that the play will not be performed in the manner Tom had originally intended

C. To elaborate on the idea that the people around Tom lack the skills to successfully stage a play

D. To assert that Tom believes the group performing the play will be able to successfully promote it

ID: f78b6c18 Answer

Correct Answer: A

Rationale

Choice A is the best answer because it most accurately portrays the main purpose of the text. At the beginning of the text,
Tom asserts that he and the other people staging the play are doing so only for “a little amusement among ourselves” and
aren’t interested in attracting an audience or any attention with the production. Then, Tom promises that the play they chose
is modest and appropriate, and he further reasons that using the well-written prose of “some respectable author” is better
than using their own words. Overall, the main purpose of the text is to convey Tom’s promise that the play will be inoffensive
and involve only a few people.

Choice B is incorrect because the text doesn’t indicate that Tom had earlier intentions for the play’s performance or that
anything has changed since the group first decided to stage a play. Instead, the text focuses on how harmless the entire
endeavor will be. Choice C is incorrect. Although Tom mentions that using the words of a “respectable author” will be better
than using their own words, he never addresses the idea that the people around him generally aren’t skilled enough to stage
a play. Choice D is incorrect because in the text Tom specifically says that they “want no audience, no publicity,” which
indicates that they don’t plan on promoting the play at all.

Question Difficulty: Hard

Question ID 46604853
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Words in Context Medium

ID: 46604853
The way in which individual elements are balanced within a photographic image tends to affect how viewers
perceive it: symmetry tends to give the elements equal importance, asymmetry emphasizes differences, and
radial balance (organizing the elements around a central point) emphasizes the center over the periphery.
What a photograph conveys is therefore largely ______ how it is balanced.

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
A. inhibited by

B. contingent on

C. obligated to

D. reserved for

ID: 46604853 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of visual balance in photography. In
this context, "contingent on" means conditional upon, or determined by. The text indicates that different ways of balancing
elements in a photograph convey different ideas to viewers (for example, symmetrical composition tends to emphasize
similarity among elements, whereas asymmetry tends to emphasize difference). Thus, there is a strong connection between
what a photograph conveys and how its elements are balanced. Therefore, what a photo conveys is contingent on how it is
balanced.

Choice A is incorrect. In this context, "inhibited by" most nearly means hindered or undermined by. The text indicates that
different ways of balancing elements in a photograph convey different ideas to viewers, thereby indicating a relationship
between image balance and what is conveyed. Although this explanation is consistent with a photographer choosing
asymmetrical balance even while intending to convey similarity (associated with symmetrical balance), there is nothing to
indicate that messages generally are inhibited by balance. Rather the implication is that balance is a tool photographers can
use to craft their messages. Choice C is incorrect. In this context, "obligated to" means duty bound toward or answerable to.
In context, it would not make sense to assert that a photograph’s message is obligated to how that photograph is balanced.
Choice D is incorrect. In this context, "reserved for" most nearly means solely available to someone or held aside for some
purpose. The text as a whole does not support the claim that a photograph’s message is reserved for how that photograph is
balanced.

Question Difficulty: Medium

Question ID 9555ec64
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Hard
Purpose

ID: 9555ec64
The following text is adapted from Indian Boyhood, a 1902 memoir by Ohiyesa (Charles A. Eastman), a
Santee Dakota writer. In the text, Ohiyesa recalls how the women in his tribe harvested maple syrup during
his childhood.
Now the women began to test the trees—moving leisurely among them, axe in hand, and striking a single
quick blow, to see if the sap would appear. The trees, like people, have their individual characters; some
were ready to yield up their life-blood, while others were more reluctant. Now one of the birchen basins was
set under each tree, and a hardwood chip driven deep into the cut which the axe had made. From the
corners of this chip—at first drop by drop, then more freely—the sap trickled into the little dishes.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
A. It portrays the range of personality traits displayed by the women as they work.

B. It foregrounds the beneficial relationship between humans and maple trees.

C. It demonstrates how human behavior can be influenced by the natural environment.

D. It elaborates on an aspect of the maple trees that the women evaluate.

ID: 9555ec64 Answer

Correct Answer: D

Rationale

Choice D is the best answer because it best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text’s overall portrayal
of how the women in Ohiyesa’s tribe harvested maple syrup. The text states that the women used an axe to strike the maple
trees in order to find out which ones would produce sap. The underlined sentence compares the trees to people, with the sap
described as the trees’ “life-blood.” Some of the trees are ready to give out their sap, while others are unwilling to do so.
Using personification, the sentence provides greater detail about the aspect of the maple trees—their potential to give sap—
that the women are evaluating.

Choice A is incorrect because the personalities of the women are not discussed in the text. Although the underlined
sentence does mention “individual characters,” this reference is not to the women in the text but rather to the maple trees,
which the sentence compares to people with individual character traits. Choice B is incorrect because the underlined
sentence focuses on the trees’ willingness or refusal to yield sap, not on the beneficial relationship between the women and
the trees. Additionally, although the text does suggest that the women and their tribe benefit from the maple trees since the
trees allow the women to harvest syrup, there is nothing in the text to suggest that the trees benefit from this relationship in
turn. Choice C is incorrect because the underlined sentence is comparing maple trees to humans, not addressing the
influence of the natural environment on how the actual humans in the text, the women, behave.
Question Difficulty: Hard
Question ID b2b791a3
Assessment Test Domain Skill Difficulty

SAT Reading and Writing Craft and Structure Text Structure and Medium
Purpose

ID: b2b791a3
Industrial activity is often assumed to be a threat to wildlife, but that isn’t always so. Consider the silver-
studded blue butterfly (Plebejus argus): as forest growth has reduced grasslands in northern Germany, many
of these butterflies have left meadow habitats and are now thriving in active limestone quarries. In a survey
of multiple active quarries and patches of maintained grassland, an ecologist found silver-studded blue
butterflies in 100% of the quarries but only 57% of the grassland patches. Moreover, butterfly populations in
the quarries were four times larger than those in the meadows.

Which choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the text as a whole?
A. It challenges a common assumption about the species under investigation in the research referred to in
the text.

B. It introduces discussion of a specific example that supports the general claim made in the previous
sentence.

C. It suggests that a certain species should be included in additional studies like the one mentioned later in
the text.

D. It provides a definition for an unfamiliar term that is central to the main argument in the text.

ID: b2b791a3 Answer

Correct Answer: B

Rationale

Choice B is the best answer because it most accurately describes how the underlined portion functions in the text as a
whole. The first sentence presents the general claim that industrial activity is not always a threat to wildlife. The underlined
portion of the sentence that follows suggests that the silver-studded blue butterfly is an example of wildlife thriving in areas
of industrial activity: active limestone quarries. Thus, the function of the underlined portion is to introduce a specific example
in support of the general claim in the previous sentence.

Choice A is incorrect. Although the first sentence indicates that “industrial activity is often assumed” to harm wildlife, in the
case of the silver-studded blue butterfly the text mentions neither an assumption about this species nor any challenge to
such an assumption. Choice C is incorrect because the text mentions only one study: the “survey.” Additional studies are not
mentioned in the text. Choice D is incorrect because neither the underlined portion nor any other portion of the text provides
a definition for any of the terms used in the text’s argument.

Question Difficulty: Medium