12.Practice.Tests.for.the.SAT_2015-2016_1128p

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12 Practice Tests for the SAT
Practice Test One Answers and Explanations
simply falsifying the facts of a case would not necessarily
denounce them. In (D), these words form a contrast, as
misinterpreting the facts would not help one acquire
them. In (E), if the prosecutor wanted to disregard the
facts, he probably wouldn't have spent a lot of time
recalling them.
5. E
Difficulty: High
If Ben's former classmates were surprised to hear he was
lazy at work, what type of reputation might he have had
before? The words surprised to hear indicate that the blank
must contrast with lazy behavior, so look for a word that
means hardworking or diligent, both great predictions for
the blank.
In (A), if Ben were known for being indiscriminate, or
making random and confused choices, he would not
necessarily be surprisingly lazy. In (B), if Ben had been
enigmatic, or difficult to understand, it would not necessarily
have been surprising to learn he had become lazy. In (C),
having a reputation for being vicarious would also not
necessarily make one surprisingly lazy. In (D), once
again, having a reputation for being rancorous, bitter or
unforgiving, would not necessarily make one surprisingly
lazy. Choice (E) is a good fit for your prediction.
Questions 6-7
The author of this passage discusses teeth and why
paleontologists use them to determine how animals lived
in the past.
6. B
Difficulty: Low
Notice that the word is used to describe both qualities
discussed in the passage. What are the two qualities, and
what do they have in common?
You know that paleontologists are interested in studying
prehistoric life using fossil evidence and that teeth can be
used to describe animals that lived in the distant past.
The two qualities of teeth mentioned toward the end of
the passage-their adaptation to processing specific foods
and their ability to survive for centuries-only add to their
usefulness to paleontologists.
In (A), the durability of teeth is one of the two qualities
discussed in the passage, but this choice does not fit the
context of the sentence, which is about both qualities.
Choice (B) is a great match for your prediction. In (C), the
passage does not suggest that fossilized teeth are rare,
unique, or especially valuable. In (D), while this definition
appears to match the cited word, nothing in the passage
indicates that teeth are easily repaired. Choice (E) is close,
but the passage does not suggest that teeth are trustworthy
or dependable, just that they're useful to paleontologists.
7. E
Difficulty: Medium
Often, incorrect choices in Inference questions can tempt
you by fitting in with the general focus and topic of the
passage; however, you can usually eliminate choices that
make assumptions not actually supported by the text. The
cited content follows the words given this concentration, a
direct reference to the opening sentence, where the author
says that studies of prehistoric animal interactions inevitably
focus on predatory relationships. In other words, the
author is stating that this focus on predatory relationships
makes paleontologists' study of teeth not surprising, or
understandable and obvious.
Choice (A) is out of scope; the cited words are not being
used to describe the discovery of fossils. Choice (B) is out
of scope; the author does not describe what most people
know about the importance of fossilized teeth. Choice (C)
is distortion; this is tempting, but it fails to recognize that
the cited words are used to suggest that paleontologists'
reliance on teeth is understandable, not that their focus
on predatory relationships is understandable. Choice (D)
is out of scope; the author does not say how thoroughly
this connection has been investigated. Choice (E) is a nice
match for your prediction.
Questions 8-9
This short passage tells about the author's struggle with
identity. The author says that this struggle has helped her
feel less alone because she has empathized with others.