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

12 Practice Tests for the SAT
582 Practice Test Six Answers and Explanations
As stated in the third paragraph, Randolph was not surprised
that the show was canceled because when CaNer was
hired he introduced a new course of action to save the
failin network, which included a target demographic
(line 52) that Talk Night ' s viewers did not fall into. In lines
83-88, it is revealed that Randolph refused to accept
any of CaNer's suggestions for the show; in other words,
he did not follow CaNer's plan. Find the choice that best
summarizes this.
Choice (A) is an opposite; line 24 states that the show had
decent ratings. Choice (B) is an opposite; as detailed in
lines 52-56, Randolph believes this to be untrue. Choice
(C) is an opposite; Randolph has iconic stature, lines 1 03-
104. Choice (D) is distortion; though it might be assumed
from the passage that this is true, it would only be one of
the reasons for the cancellation, not the reason for it. Choice
(E) matches. Randolph's doubts in line 82 reveal that he
believes the show was cancelled because he did not take
any of CaNer's suggestions (i.e., conform to his vision).
13. B
Difficulty: Low
Why do you think the author does not offer a specific
cable theme channel to compare to CNS? Contrasting is
a technique used by authors to illustrate what is different
about two subjects. As such, one can draw assumptions
about the unknown qualities of one subject that has been
contrasted with another whose qualities are apparent or
described. In line 53, the narrator contrasts some cable
theme channel with CNS, which he describes as a genuine,
one-of-a-kind network television institution, one of the first
ever to broadcast over the country's airwaves. This contrast
suggests that CNS is unique; some cable theme channel is
not. Look for the choice that expresses this.
In the context of the passage, the contrast suggests the
opposite of (A). Choice (B) is correct. By contrasting CNS
with some cable theme channel, the author suggests some
cable theme channel is one of many similar, unremarkable
channels. Choice (C) is an opposite; a theme channel
implies that its programming has a singular theme, such
as sports. Choice (D) is an opposite; if this were true,
the contrast would make no sense because in terms of
networks, CNS was one of the first ever to broadcast over
the country's airwaves. Choice (E) is out of scope; this is
not suggested anywhere in the passage.
14. E
Difficulty: Medium
In context, lowest common denominator is used to denote
an audience of shallow values and intellect. A common
way to emphasize or illustrate a positive or negative quality
of a character or subject in a passage is to use a contrast
or comparison. At the heart of this question is Randolph's
belief that Talk Night's older and intellectual audience
fits with CNS's reputation and history (lines 51-52). To
emphasize this, CNS is contrasted with "Chrome," which is
described as a network that catered to the lowest common
denominator. Look for the choice that is best expressed by
this contrast.
Choice (A) is an opposite; Randolph believes that CNS should
attract a high caliber of viewer. Choice (B) is an opposite; this
choice contradicts the contrast between CNS and "Chrome."
Choice (C) is distortion; this choice assumes the literal
interpretation of lowest common denominator. Choice (D)
is out of scope; this detail is mentioned or implied in the
passage. Choice (E) is correct; the statement that "Chrom .
e"
caters to the lowest common denominator suggests that its
programs appeal to a lowbrow viewer.
15. D
Difficulty: High
Do you think CaNer's decision to cancel Talk Night was
a difficult one? Hypothetical questions ask you to make
assumptions based on details in the passage. Recognizing
what the specific details help to illustrate or emphasize
will guide you in your reasoning. In the context of the
passage, the person who demands respect is CaNer, wh .
ose
selfishness and lack of professionalism (lines 72-73) did
not surprise Randolph. Look for the choice that contains a
scenario that would most likely be expected from a person
in possession of these qualities.
Choice (A) is an opposite; CaNer was the one who cancelled
Randolph's show, yet he did not take responsibility for his
actions by personally breaking the news to Randolph. Choice
(B) is an opposite; by definition, selfishness is marked
by a disregard for others. Choice (C) is an opposite; this
contradicts the quality of being unprofessional. Choice (D)
is the correct answer. Besides being a selfish, unprofessional
act , CaNer's decision not to call is a direct reflection of
his disregard for Randolph's emotions. Choice (E) is an
opposite; such an action would be entirely unselfish.