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

Section 61
Practice Test Two
171
Directions: The passages below are followed by questions based on their content; questions following a pair of related
passages may also be based on the relationship between the paired passages. Answer the questions on the basis of
what is stated or implied in the passages and in any introductory material that may be provided.
Questions 9-10 are based on the following passage.
Over the centuries, rice has sculpted much
of Chinese culture. In countless folktales, rice
is enjoyed by gods and mortals alike, and it is
Line considered by many to be the only grain that can
(5) link the heavens with the earth. Such beliefs have
inspired numerous festivals, traditions, and rituals,
many of which are nearly requisite occurrences
wherever rice crops are planted. The green, terraced
patties where this grain is cultivated often
(10) hold a spiritual significance, even among those
for whom rice is an everyday sight and source of
sustenance. And although its effectiveness is not
scientifically proven, rice is believed by some to
have powerful medicinal properties.
10. The purpose of mentioning that the medicinal
properties of rice are "not scientifically proven"
(lines 12-13) is to
(A) criticize those who use rice for medicinal
purposes
(B) imply that the medicinal properties of rice
have not yet been scientifically tested
(C) reiterate the author's point that the usefulness
of rice is exaggerated in China
(D) emphasize the passage's primary focus on
beliefs about rice
(E) suggest that scientific proof is not always
important
9. The author uses the word "sculpted" (line 1) in
order to
(A) imply that rice quite suddenly altered
Chinese culture when it was first planted
(B) indicate that Chinese culture was resistant to
change
( C) state that it took a great deal of work to
change Chinese culture
(D) emphasize just how important rice is as a
source of sustenance
(E) suggest that Chinese culture was shaped over
time by its relationship with rice
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