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

12 Practice Tests for the SAT /
Practice Test Two Answers an d Exp l anations 223
6. B
Difficu l ty: High
Look for the key words. The protagonists suffered from
exaggerated pride. Your prediction should be arrogance
or excessive pride. Although Greek tragedies had many
themes, this sentence is describing one common theme
in particular; be sure to scan the entire sentence for
key words!
Choice (A) is out of scope; nothing is said about protagonists
being obstinate, or stubborn. Choice (B) is the answer. In
(C), impetuosity means impulsivity or spontaneity and does
not match the prediction. In (D), valor, or courage, does
not match the prediction, although it may be a common
theme in Greek myths. Be careful! In (E), callousness, or
insensitiveness, does not match the prediction.
Questions 7-18
Paragraph 1 in this passage about information transfer
lists different ways we are now connected because of
technological advances. At the same time, however, we are
becoming more isolated. Paragraph 2 expands on the idea
that there is less live human contact and more interaction
through technology, even though these advances had been
aimed at bringing people closer. Paragraph 3 compares
the process of online dating and making friends online to
purchasing products through a catalog. In paragraph 4, the
author says this trend of finding human contact online is not
showing signs of slowing. Paragraph 5 explains how there
are fewer consequences of being offensive online than
there are in live human contact. That leads to effects that
can be devastating, such as Internet bullies. Paragraph 6
summarizes the passage and concludes that people do not
realize that real human contact is being replaced by a vaster,
less personal network.
7. E
Difficu l ty: Medium
Use your notes to help you infer conclusions about the
author's larger intentions. The author explains that new
communications technologies such as the Internet, while
advertised as bringing people together, seem actually to be
driving people apart. She might believe that one should be
cautious about using new technologies like these.
Choice (A) is a distortion; some technologies are only
available to those with high-speed Internet connections, but
there is no indication that the author thinks it should be this
way. Choice (B) is an opposite; the author seems distressed
that personal relationships are suffering and would not
recommend that the communications industry focus merely
on profit. Choice (C) is an opposite; the passage says that
high school students are especially vulnerable to Internetcaused
alienation. Choice (D) is an opposite; the author is
not interested in convenience, but in human relationships.
Choice (E) works well with your prediction.
8. D
Difficu l ty: Low
Try reading your choice back into the sentence-if it
sounds wrong, try another. The author cites some new
communications technologies and says, we are on the
verge of breaking down all barriers to the complete and
constant transfer of information. But if we seem to be
moving toward unfettered union . .. , so the breaking down
all barriers refers to the unfettered union mentioned in the
next sentence. Since the unfettered union is something we
are moving toward not something already achieved, on the
verge must mean something like almost to the point of.
Pick an answer that makes the same amount of sense in
the phrase.
Choice (A) is out of scope; on the joint makes no sense
at all. Choice (B) is out of scope; pinnacle means peak or
high point, and that doesn't quite match the sense of our
prediction. Choice (C) is out of scope; on the togetherness
is nonsensical. Choice (D), brink, means edge, so this
matches your prediction nicely. Choice (E) is out of scope;
there are no clues in this paragraph as to whether people
are particularly interested or not.
9. D
Difficu l ty: Medium
To answer a Function question, ask yourself, "What point
was the author trying to make when she wrote this
statement?" The end of the first paragraph is discussing
the point of view of the communications industry (With
more ways to pass along all t}tpes of information, the
communications industry reasons . .. lines 1 1-13), and
the final sentence is demonstrating the continuation of
the communication industry's point of view about new
·
technology.