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

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12 Practice Tests for the SAT
Practice Test Three Answers and Explanations
match for your prediction. In (D), evidence that was spread
out, or dispersed, would not necessarily create uncertainty.
In (E), certainty and consensus agree far more than they
contrast.
Questions 6-9
While the authors of both passages believe hydroelectric
dams were once considered great sources of electricity,
they say that their consequences are just now being seen.
Passage l's author looks at social implications, while
Passage 2's author looks at environmental effects.
6. D
Difficulty: Medium
Where does the Hoover Dam fit into the time frame
discussed by the author? Because Function questions ask
you to identify how a particular detail or piece of information
works in the general scheme of the passage, make sure to
reexamine the overall point of the passage before selecting
a choice.
The author of Passage l focuses on how hydroelectric
power, once unquestioned, has slowly begun to generate
a debate regarding the trade-offs it presents. The Hoover
Dam is mentioned by the author as a symbol marking the
starting point of this long, slow period of public recognition
of the trade-offs. Look for a choice that reflects the author's
reference to the Hoover Dam as a chronological tool.
Choice (A) is a misused detail; the author's point is that
dams have drawbacks, even though they may provide
employment and other benefits. Choice (B) is out of
scope; the Hoover Dam is mentioned as an example of
impressive hydroelectric technology, not necessarily as the
most impressive example of energy-conversion technology
in general. Choice (C) is a distortion; the Hoover Dam was
an ambitious project that increased the use of hydroelectric
power. Choice (D) matches your prediction. Choice (E)
is a distortion; the author suggests that the high ratio is
surprising, but not that it's unexplainable.
7. c
Difficulty: Low
What exactly is the contrast the author is drawing between
fossil-fueled plants and hydroelectric facilities?
When the cited word has a number of common meanings
that could reasonably fit into the context, be careful to select
the choice that completely captures the author's meaning.
The author draws a contrast between fossil-fueled plants
and hydroelectric facilities: fossil-fueled plants can clearly
cause environmental harm, whereas hydroelectric facilities
avoid at least some of these problems because the plants
themselves don't emit harmful atmospheric pollutants.
But the author says that hydroelectric power is not really as
benign, or harmless, as it once appeared-it can cause other
problems. Look for a choice that fits comfortably into this
discussion of side effects.
In (A), while a benign person may be kind, in this passage the
word is used to describe hydroelectric power. Choice (B) is a
primary definition of the cited word, but it does not capture the
author's point about potential harm. Choice (C) is a perfect
match for your prediction. In (D), the author suggests that
hydroelectric power may be less desirable than previously
realized because it has more drawbacks or side effects, but this
doesn't mean it's less useful. In (E), again, while the author is
discussing environmental effects, the focus is not on whether
dams work well.
8. E
Difficulty: Medium
What aspect of hydroelectric power does each passage
focus on? What ideas do they have in common?
When asked to identify common ground between two
passages, look for a choice that is specific enough to
accurately capture the overall focus of both passages but
general enough to accommodate their differences.
Passage l focuses on the social implications of hydroelectric
power, while Passage 2 focuses on the environmental
implications. In addition to their common focus on
implications of hydroelectric power, both mention that it
took a long time for people to recognize these implications.
Look for the choice that best presents this common theme.
Choice (A) is out of scope; only Passage 2 discusses
environmental damage. Choice (B) is out of scope; neither
author reaches this conclusion. Choice (C) is out of scope;
neither passage compares the efficiency of hydroelectric
dams specifically with fossil fuel plants. Choice (D) is a
distortion; only Passage l examines the social implications
of hydroelectric power. Choice (E) is a good match for your
prediction.