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

12 Practice Tests for the SAT
Practice Test Two Answers an d Exp l anations
215
I
8. D
Difficu l ty: High
He doesn't want any trespassers. If the male is instigating
confrontations over territory, he probably views his territory
as important and doesn't want it violated.
In (A), he certainly wouldn't fight for something he felt
was dissipated, or lost. In (B), if he views his territory as
circuitous, it doesn't necessarily mean he'd want to keep
others out. In (C), why would he specifically instigate
fights with other males if he merely viewed his territory
as unparalleled? Choice (D) is a good choice. If he views
his territory as inviolable, he views it as impenetrable and
would certainly be unhappy to find it had been penetrated.
In (E), even if his territory was mandated to him (which
wouldn't make sense, as he's a lizard), it doesn't mean he
has a stake in defending it.
Questions 9-10
This short passage discusses the importance of rice in
Chinese culture. The author lists several ways rice is
significant, including spiritual symbolism and medicinal
uses.
9. E
Difficu l ty: Low
Be sensitive to the timing discussed in the passage. Ask
yourself what was sculpted and when. When a word is
associated with a certain time frame, thinking about this
connection may help you identify the function of the word.
It is clear from the context that the cited word is referring
to some degree of influence rice has had over Chinese
culture. The words over the centuries suggest that this
influence was not sudden but rather that it took place over
time.
Choice (A) is an opposite; the text indicates that the
influence of rice developed over the centuries. Choice
(B) is out of scope; the passage does not discuss Chinese
culture's possible resistance to change. Choice (C) is a
distortion; because the text is focused on how rice has
shaped Chinese culture, the word work does not make
much sense in this context. Choice (D) is an irrelevant
detail; while sustenance is mentioned later in the passage,
this is not the function of the word sculpted. Choice (E) is a
great fit for your prediction.
10. D
Difficu l ty: High
Notice any key words that emphasize or de-emphasize
information in the sentence. Always keep in mind the
overall purpose of the passage when answering function
questions. The overall purpose of the passage is to describe
how rice has influenced various aspects of Chinese culture
and beliefs. By pointing out that the medicinal properties of
rice are not scientifically proven, the author is advancing this
overall purpose by focusing attention on beliefs rather than
scientific facts. The key word although in the first clause of
the sentence helps de-emphasize scientific proof and focus
attention on beliefs.
Choice (A) is a distortion; nothing in the passage suggests
that the author is critical of these beliefs about rice. Choice
(B) is out of scope; the passage does not indicate whether
or not these properties have been tested, only that they
have not been proven effective. Choice (C) is a distortion;
nowhere in the passage does the author suggest that rice's
usefulness has been exaggerated. Choice (D) is a nice
match for your prediction. Choice (E) is out of scope; the
passage does not discuss the importance of scientific proof
in general.
Questions 11-12
This short passage discusses the post-World War II
generation and how their age is now affecting public
transportation. The author writes that even though older
people are often advised to not drive themselves, most
cities and towns are unable to provide public transportation
for them.
11. c
Difficu l ty: Medium
Since driving expectancy and life expectancy are being
compared, you can expect that they refer to similar kinds
of things. Thinking about life expectancy can help you
figure out what driving expectancy is. While you may
not be familiar with this particular phrase, go back to its
context in the passage to find out precisely how it is used
by the author. Pay particular attention to the meaning of
other phrases that seem similar. The author refers to a
gap, or difference, between driving expectancy and life
expectancy, and the previous sentence mentions seniors
who have outlived their ability or willingness to drive. This