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

12 Practice Tests for the SAT
658 Practice Test Seven Answers and Explanations
33. D
Difficulty: Medium
The sentence as it stands has an ambiguous pronoun:
they. Choice (D) correctly substitutes these areas for the
pronoun. In addition to not fixing the error, (A) changes
the verb tense to the present, which is incorrect. Choice
(B) makes marked with a clear border refer to religious
rituals, which is also not correct. Choice (C) similarly makes
it sound as though Celts were marked with a clear border.
Choice (E) changes used to using, which makes the
sentence a fragment.
34. B
Difficulty: Medium
Sentence 13 lacks a transition from sentence 12, which
indicates that Celtic practices are explained by the new
theory. Sentence 13 gives an example of a practice that
is explained by the new theory. Choice (B) provides a
good transition to an example. Choice (E) has the correct
transition but is wordy. Choices (A) and (C) indicate
contrast, which is not present here. Choice (D) indicates
continuing a list, which is not the situation here.
35. E
Difficulty: Medium
The correct answer should explain that ancient Celts built
temples on islands because islands have a natural border;
the revised sentence must also be grammatically correct.
Choice (E) is the only sentence that works. Choice (A) uses
the pronoun they ambiguously and doesn't clearly show
the relationship between ideas. Choice (B) changes the
relationship between the ideas, turning the sentences into
a list. Choice (C) has a misplaced modifier. The islands did
not build temples-the ancient Celts did. Choice (D) also
has a misplaced modifier, using surrounded by water to
modify ancient Celts.
SECTION 7
1. D
Difficulty: Medium
Don't give up when you see a few tough vocab words. Even
if you don't know the answer right away, you can get closer
by eliminating clearly wrong choices.
The students are confused, so the teacher is trying to use an
example. Clarify is a good prediction. To extricate the subject
makes no sense, (A). The teacher is definitely not trying to
evade the subject, (B). Choice (C) is tempting if you're in a
hurry, but notice that it's the students, not the teacher, who
need to comprehend the subject. Choice (D) is a great fit
for your prediction. Choice (E) is the opposite of what you're
looking for.
2. c
Difficulty: Medium
Your prediction is just a starting point. The answer may
match the sentence perfectly but not be exactly what you
predicted, so stay flexible. This is a very patient cat. In fact,
patient is a pretty good prediction. An apprehensive cat
might or might not wait all day. There's not a very strong
connection. An emaciated cat would probably be pretty
hungry, so it might wait all day, but it might also go hunting
for a mouse that's easier to catch. Vigilant (C), doesn't
mean exactly the same thing as patient, your prediction, but
vigilant is a great description of a cat that waits all afternoon
for a mouse. A prominent cat doesn't make much sense.
Indolent certainly doesn't describe a cat that waits all day for
a mouse, (E).
3. D
Difficulty: Medium
As you get to the more difficult questions, watch out for
tempting choices like (E). Make sure the word works when
you read it in the sentence. This is a contrast sentence, and
the blank contrasts with the word credible. In this context,
that means believable or valid, so a good prediction might
be unbelievable. Valid is the opposite of what you want.
A sardonic excuse doesn't contrast with credible. Like (A),
righteous is the opposite of your prediction, (C). Fabricated
fits well. Her excuse wasn't credible-it was actually
completely made-up. Interesting, but watch out! Incredulous
would describe people who don't believe the excuse, not
the excuse itself.
4. E
Difficulty: High
For most Sentence Completions, either the vocab or the
prediction is challenging, but not both. Here, it's not too
difficult to make a prediction. The sets are magnificent and
an outstanding visual achievement, so the correct answer