PETERSON’S®

SAT® Prep Guide:

The Ultimate Guide to
Mastering the SAT®
About Peterson’s®

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction to Peterson’s SAT  ® Prep Guide ������������������vii PART IV: WRITING STRATEGIES FOR THE
The Peterson’s Suite of SAT® Products ���������������������������xi
SAT® EXAM
WRITING AND LANGUAGE
PART I: BASICS FACTS ABOUT THE SAT® 4 TEST STRATEGIES
A Closer Look at the Writing and Language Test ������157
ALL ABOUT THE SAT® The Three Most Common Multiple-Choice

1 How the SAT ® is Used for College Admissions �����������4

When to Take the SAT ® (and SAT Subject Tests™) ������4
Editing Questions �����������������������������������������������������������������158
Expression of Ideas Questions: Words In Context �����159
Expression of Ideas Questions: Adding or
How Your Scores Are Reported ����������������������������������������5
How Often to Take the SAT ® ���������������������������������������������5 Deleting Text ��������������������������������������������������������������������������160
Registering for The SAT ® ����������������������������������������������������5 Expression of Ideas Questions:
Get to Know the Current SAT ® Exam Format ��������������7 Reordering Sentences ���������������������������������������������������������161
Get to Know the SAT ® Question Types ��������������������������8 Expression of Ideas Questions: Combining
Evidence-Based Reading Test Section ��������������������������8 Sentence sand Using Transitional Words and
Writing and Language Test Section �������������������������������14 Phrases Correctly ������������������������������������������������������������������162
Math Test Sections ���������������������������������������������������������������17 Graphic Organizer Questions �������������������������������������������162
Grid-Ins �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20 Exercise: Writing and Language Test �����������������������������164
SAT ® Essay (Optional) ����������������������������������������������������������24 Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������173
The SAT ® Answer Sheet ������������������������������������������������������24
How the SAT ® Is Scored ������������������������������������������������������25
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS
Strategies for SAT ® Success �����������������������������������������������26
Make an SAT ® Study Plan ���������������������������������������������������27
Measuring Your Progress ���������������������������������������������������28
5 Sentence Formation ������������������������������������������������������������176
Verb Tense, Mood, and Voice ��������������������������������������������183
Conventions of Usage ���������������������������������������������������������188
Simulate Test-Taking Conditions �������������������������������������29
Agreement ������������������������������������������������������������������������������192
The Night Before and Day of the Exam �������������������������31
Frequently Confused Words ���������������������������������������������196
Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score ����������������������������32
Conventions of Punctuation ���������������������������������������������229
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������33
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������244

PART II: THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST PART V: ESSAY WRITING STRATEGIES

THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR THE SAT®
2 Introduction to the Diagnostic Test �������������������������������37
THE SAT® ESSAY
Answer Sheets �����������������������������������������������������������������������39
Section 1: Reading Test �������������������������������������������������������45
Section 2: Writing and Language Test ���������������������������57
6 A Closer Look at the Essay Question ������������������������������248
Pacing Your Writing ��������������������������������������������������������������248
Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator �����������������������������69 Prewriting ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������248
Section 4: Math Test—Calculator ������������������������������������79 Writing the Introduction ����������������������������������������������������250
Section 5: Essay ���������������������������������������������������������������������95 Developing Your Ideas ��������������������������������������������������������252
Answer Keys and Explanations ����������������������������������������99 Writing the Conclusion �������������������������������������������������������254
Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������122 The Scoring Rubric for the SAT® Essay ���������������������������256
Exercise: Practicing Your Essay Skills ������������������������������257
Additional Essay Writing Practice �����������������������������������263
PART III: READING STRATEGIES Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������266
FOR THE SAT®
PART VI: MATH STRATEGIES FOR
3 EVIDENCE-BASED READING
A Closer Look at the Evidence-Based
Reading Test ���������������������������������������������������������������������������131
THE SAT®
MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH
Basic Steps for Answering Evidence-Based
Reading Questions ���������������������������������������������������������������132
Tips for Taking the Reading Test ��������������������������������������138
7 Why Multiple-Choice Math Is Easier ������������������������������271
Question Format �������������������������������������������������������������������272
Strategies for Answering Specific Question Types ���140 Solving Multiple-Choice Math Questions ��������������������273
Exercise: Evidence-Based Reading Test ������������������������141 Know When to Use Your Calculator ��������������������������������274
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������152 Learn the Most Important Multiple-Choice
Math Tips �������������������������������������������������������������������������������275
Exercises: Multiple-Choice Math �������������������������������������288
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������300
8 GRID-IN STRATEGIES
Why Grid-Ins Are Easier Than You Think �����������������������301
How to Record Your Answers �������������������������������������������302
12 FUNCTIONS AND INTERMEDIATE
ALGEBRA
Functions ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������477
Guessing on Grid-Ins Can’t Hurt You �����������������������������306 Exercises: Functions �������������������������������������������������������������483
Exercises: Grid-Ins �����������������������������������������������������������������307 Integer and Rational Exponents ��������������������������������������486
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������321 Exercises: Integer and Rational Exponents ������������������489
Solving Complex Equations ����������������������������������������������492
NUMBERS AND OPERATIONS Exercises: Solving Complex Equations ��������������������������496

9 Operations with Fractions �������������������������������������������������324

Tests for Divisibility ��������������������������������������������������������������324
Exercises: Operations with Fractions �����������������������������327
Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions �����������500
Exercises: Linear, Quadratic, and
Exponential Functions ��������������������������������������������������������509
Word Problems Involving Fractions �������������������������������329 Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������515
Exercises: Word Problems Involving Fractions �����������331
Complex Numbers ���������������������������������������������������������������337 DATA ANALYSIS, STATISTICS,
Exercises: Complex Numbers �������������������������������������������340
Direct and Inverse Variation ����������������������������������������������345
Exercises: Direct and Inverse Variation ��������������������������347
13 AND PROBABILITY
Calculating Measures of Center and Spread ���������������517
Finding Percents �������������������������������������������������������������������351 Weighted Average ����������������������������������������������������������������520
Exercises: Finding Percents �����������������������������������������������357 Exercises: Calculating Measures of
Percent Word Problems ������������������������������������������������������360 Center and Spread ���������������������������������������������������������������521
Exercises: Percent Word Problems ����������������������������������364 Probability �������������������������������������������������������������������������������529
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������369 Exercises: Probability �����������������������������������������������������������533
Data Interpretation ��������������������������������������������������������������541
Exercises: Date Interpretation ������������������������������������������547

10 BASIC ALGEBRA
Signed Numbers �������������������������������������������������������������������371
Exercises: Signed Numbers �����������������������������������������������372
Statistics �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������554
Exercises: Statistics ���������������������������������������������������������������562
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������570
Linear Equations �������������������������������������������������������������������376
Exercises: Linear Equations �����������������������������������������������379
Simultaneous Equations ����������������������������������������������������384 PART VII: PRACTICE TESTS FOR
Exercises: Simultaneous Equations ��������������������������������391 THE SAT® EXAM
Exponents �������������������������������������������������������������������������������396
Exercises: Exponents �����������������������������������������������������������398
Quadratic Equations ������������������������������������������������������������401
Exercises: Quadratic Equations ����������������������������������������404
14 SAT® PRACTICE TESTS
Introduction to the Practice Tests �����������������������������������573
Practice Test 1 �������������������������������������������������������������������������575
Literal Equations �������������������������������������������������������������������407 Practice Test 1—Answer Keys and Explanations �������631
Exercises: Literal Equations �����������������������������������������������408 Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������654
Roots and Radicals ���������������������������������������������������������������411 Practice Test 2 �������������������������������������������������������������������������661
Exercises: Roots and Radicals �������������������������������������������414 Practice Test 2—Answer Keys and Explanations �������719
Monomials and Polynomials ��������������������������������������������417 Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������744
Exercises: Monomials and Polynomials ������������������������420 Practice Test 3 �������������������������������������������������������������������������751
Problem Solving in Algebra ����������������������������������������������423 Practice Test 3—Answer Keys and Explanations �������811
Exercises: Problem Solving in Algebra ��������������������������428 Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������837
Inequalities �����������������������������������������������������������������������������431 Practice Test 4 �������������������������������������������������������������������������845
Exercises: Inequalities ���������������������������������������������������������435 Practice Test 4—Answer Keys and Explanations �������907
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������438 Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������932
Practice Test 5 �������������������������������������������������������������������������939

11 GEOMETRY
Geometric Notation ������������������������������������������������������������439
Practice Test 5—Answer Keys and Explanations �������997
Computing Your Scores ������������������������������������������������������1023
Angle Measurement ����������������������������������������������������������441
Intersecting Lines �����������������������������������������������������������������443 PART VIII: APPENDICES
Area ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������445 Parents’ Guide to College Admission Testing �������������1033
Circles ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������446 Math Formulas for Memorization �����������������������������������1055
Volume �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������449
Triangles �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������451
Parallel Lines ���������������������������������������������������������������������������457
Coordinate Geometry ���������������������������������������������������������458
Exercises: Geometry ������������������������������������������������������������466
Summing It Up ����������������������������������������������������������������������476
INTRODUCTION TO PETERSON’S SAT   ® PREP GUIDE
Whether you have three long months or just four short weeks to prepare for the exam, Peterson’s® SAT® Prep Guide can help you
develop a study plan that caters to your individual needs and personal timetable. These step-by-step plans are easy to follow and
remarkably effective. No matter which plan you select, begin by taking a diagnostic practice test.

The Diagnostic Practice Test and Process

The diagnostic practice test does more than give you testing experience. Easy-to-use diagnostic tables help you track your perfor-
mance, identify your strengths, and pinpoint areas for improvement. At the end of the diagnostic testing process, you will know
which question formats are giving you the most difficulty. You will also know which topics to review in depth and which ones you
can spend less time on, whether they are algebra or geometry, literary analysis, or reading charts and graphs. By understanding your
testing profile, you can immediately address your weak areas by working through the relevant review chapters, learning the important
test-taking tips, and completing the additional practice exercises.

Five Full Practice Tests in This Book

When you have completed your formal review, take the practice tests to sharpen your skills further. Even if you understand the SAT®
perfectly, you still need to practice applying the methods you have learned in Peterson’s® SAT® Prep Guide. Take the practice tests
under simulated test conditions. Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, set a timer for the required time for each section,
and work through each test as though it were test day. Doing so will help you to get used to the time limits and to learn to pace
yourself. If you don’t have time to take full-length practice tests, Peterson’s® SAT® Prep Guide explains how to use timing drills to take
shorter sections of the exams to combat your weaknesses, work on your pacing, and increase your level of confidence.

Comprehensive Answer Explanations

At the end of each practice session, read all the answers and explanations, even for the questions that you answered correctly. There
are comprehensive explanations for every one of the book’s 1,600+ questions! By reading the answer explanations, you can learn
from your mistakes.

You’ll also find that Peterson’s® SAT® Prep Guide discusses all of the “big picture issues” other books ignore. For example, it addresses
questions such as:

•  How is the SAT® really used for college admission?

•  When should you take the test?

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Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 •  How many times should you plan to take the SAT® exam?
•  Do all SAT® exam scores “count” in college admissions?

By addressing these questions, Peterson’s® SAT® Prep Guide debunks prevailing myths and helps you put the SAT® into its proper
perspective. It also serves as your “college guidance counselor,” giving you the expert advice you need to apply to college. And when
you think about it, that’s our number-one goal here. Our objective is to help you dramatically raise your scores so that you can max-
imize the likelihood of getting into the college of your choice.

How This Book Is Organized

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide is divided into eight parts to facilitate your study.

•  Part I explains everything you need to know about the SAT® exam and provides an overview with examples of the different
question types you’ll find on the actual test.

•  Part II offers a diagnostic test to help you identify your areas of strength and those areas where you need to spend more time in
your review sessions.

•  Part III explores the Evidence-Based Reading Test section and offers expert strategies for answering each type of question.
•  Part IV goes into detail about the different types of questions you’ll see on the Writing and Language Test section of the SAT®
exam. You’ll also find a helpful review of Standard English Conventions.

•  Part V describes the optional Essay part of the SAT® exam and provides strategies for developing a well-supported and
coherent response to the essay prompt in this section.

•  Part VI offers a thorough review of all math topics you’ll see on the Math Test–No Calculator and Math Test–Calculator sections.
You’ll find helpful information on multiple-choice and grid-in math strategies, plus helpful reviews of numbers and operations,
basic algebra, geometry, functions and intermediate algebra, and data analysis, statistics, and probability.

•  Part VII has five more tests that provide you with practice for the SAT® exam so you can simulate taking the test under timed
conditions. Each of the practice tests has detailed answer explanations plus instructions on how to determine your scores for
the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion and the two Math sections. You’ll also be able to calculate your subscores in
the categories of Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Words in Context, Command of Evidence, Heart of Algebra,
Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math as well as the cross-test scores for the Analysis in History/
Social Studies and Analysis in Science questions.

•  Part VIII contains the Appendices. Appendix A is the Parents’ Guide to College Admission Testing, offering great information to
assist parents in creating a plan to help their teen prepare for college-admissions tests. It discusses the various roles parents
play, how to approach teens on this subject matter, and how to work with the guidance counselor. It also provides great tips on
how to help teens improve their time management—essential when preparing for standardized tests like the SAT® exam.
Appendix B is an exhaustive list of essential math formulas to memorize for test day.

  viii
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 Special Study Features

You will find four kinds of special study features scattered throughout the book. Each study feature highlights specific types of
information:

Tips point out valuable information you need to know when taking the SAT® exam. Tips provide quick and
simple hints for selecting the correct answers for the most common SAT® question types.

Alerts identify potential pitfalls in the testing format or question types that can cause common mistakes in
selecting answers.

NOTES: Notes address information about the test structure itself.

Cautions provide warnings, such as common grammatical errors or possible errors in computation or formulas
that can result in choosing incorrect answers.

How to Use This Book

It’s understandable that all of the information you’ll be reading about the SAT® exam might seem a little overwhelming. But even if
you are feeling confused by everything the exam requires, take some comfort in the knowledge that you are holding a great resource
to help you do well on test day. This book’s job is not to make you a genius; its job is to make sure you are prepared to take the SAT®
exam. If you become a genius in the process, consider that a bonus.

The following four steps will help you get the most out of using this guide:

Step 1: First Things First—Get to Know the Exam

You will get the most out of Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide by using this book as it is organized. You may want to skip Chapter 1: All About
the SAT® because you’re anxious to get right to the lessons, since that’s where the real preparation begins, but Chapter 1 is very useful
for giving you a picture of the exam’s content as a whole.

ALERT: If you skip Chapter 1, you won’t learn about when and how many times you should take the SAT®; how to register
for the SAT®; how the SAT® is scored and how scores are reported; strategies for SAT® success; the SAT® test format and
question types, including a first look at kinds of questions on the Evidence-Based Reading Test, the Writing and Language
Test, and the Math Tests (Calculator and No Calculator); and much more!

Step 2: The Diagnostic Test Is Your Friend—Don’t Skip It!

Once you’ve learned the essential information about the SAT® in general, you will need to take the first step toward getting your
scores where you want them to be by taking the diagnostic test. The diagnostic test is a full-length practice test that you take before
you start studying or reviewing any subject material.

Understandably, taking a long diagnostic test may not seem the ideal way to get started on your test-preparation path. However,
the point of a diagnostic test is to give you an idea of what your strengths and weaknesses are before you dive into your SAT® prepa-
ration. By taking the diagnostic test and analyzing your answers, you may discover that you retained more information from your
English classes than you realized. You might also learn that you aren’t quite the math expert you thought you were. Or maybe you

  ix
Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 will find that most of your math skills are really strong, but you need some help when it comes to quadratic equations. Getting a clear
idea of your strengths and weaknesses will help you know which chapters of this book really demand your focus. The diagnostic test
will help you get that clear idea.

Step 3: Build Your Skills—Practice, Practice, Practice!

After evaluating your diagnostic test results, you should know the skills
on which you need to focus. By diligently studying the information Familiarizing yourself with the way certain questions
presented, you will become familiar with not only the question types are worded on the SAT® may help you figure out the
kind of question you are answering, which may help
that will appear on the SAT®, but also the language of the exam to help
you select the best answer.
you be prepared for how the test will be worded.

Throughout each review chapter (Chapters 3–13), you will find numerous
practice questions, which will help familiarize you with the language and presentation of the SAT® exam. The exercises and quizzes
in these review chapters are a great way to practice, and the thorough answer explanations will help you understand why an answer
is right—or more importantly why an answer is wrong. This can hopefully keep you from making a similar mistake again when you
take the real test.

Step 4: See What You Have Learned—Test Yourself Again

Near the end of the book, in Part VII, you will have the opportunity to take five complete SAT® practice tests. With each practice test,
you should see an improvement in your score since taking the diagnostic test.

You should take these tests under the same circumstances you will encounter on test day. That means completing each test section
in the exact same time that will be allotted for the actual test:

•  Reading Test: 65 minutes

•  Writing and Language Test: 35 minutes
•  Math Test—No Calculator: 25 minutes
•  Math Test—Calculator: 55 minutes
•  Essay: 50 minutes

If you begin using this book to prepare for the SAT® well in
advance of test day, you might want to hold off taking the
last practice test until a few days before taking the actual SAT®
to refamiliarize yourself with the test’s format and content.

  x
www.petersons.com
THE PETERSON’S SUITE OF SAT® PRODUCTS
In addition to Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide, Peterson’s has an array of cutting-edge SAT® preparation resources designed to give you the
best test preparation possible. Our online course and interactive practice tests can be used alone or combined with other Peterson’s
SAT®-focused products to help you succeed and get the test scores you want. Take a few minutes to discover what’s available in
Peterson’s suite of SAT® products or visit our website at www.petersons.com/sat.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide features content and strategies that will help you master the SAT®. It contains a full-length diagnostic test
and access to eight full-length practice tests—five within the book and three online. The expert subject review and skill-specific
exercises in Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide can help familiarize you with the unique content, structure, and format of the test. Test-taking
tips and advice guide you smoothly from your first day of test preparation to test day.

In addition, taking online practice tests is ideal because you get immediate feedback and automated scoring. Peterson’s SAT® Prep
Guide gives you access to three full-length online SAT® practice tests, with detailed feedback to help you understand the concepts
presented. The content in these three practice tests was created by the test-prep experts at Peterson’s to help you boost your test-prep
confidence so you can score high on test day. You can access these three practice tests at www.petersons.com/sat.

Peterson’s Practice Tests for the SAT®

Looking for even more online test practice? You can find it with Peterson’s Practice Tests for the SAT®. This test-prep tool provides three
full-length tests with immediate feedback and explanations for each question. Your purchase allows you 90-day access to these tests,
which feature the Essay Self-Score option—you can compare your essay to samples provided to give you an idea of how your essay
will be evaluated based on official scoring guidelines. Equipped with on-the-spot feedback and sample essays for comparison, you
can be confident that you’re getting the guidance you need to improve your score in all sections of the SAT®.

Peterson’s SAT® Online Course

Peterson’s SAT® Online Course is a comprehensive test prep course that is customized for you. In addition to practice tests, the online
course allows access to supplemental content, including additional subject-specific strategies and lessons, tips, and college search
options tailored to your projected test scores and interests.

Here’s how the course works:

1.  An initial diagnostic pretest determines your strengths and weaknesses.

2.  Based on your diagnostic test results, interactive lessons teach you the subject areas you need to learn.
3.  Quizzes after each lesson gauge how well you have learned the materials just taught.
4.  Full-length practice tests allow you to apply all the skills you’ve learned and monitor your progress.

Peterson’s SAT® Online Course gives you the opportunity to solidify your understanding and build your confidence about any concept
you may encounter on the SAT®—no matter how close it is to test day!

Interested in going the extra mile and using additional online practice tests or the online course? Take advantage of
customer-friendly discounts available only to customers who purchase Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide. For more information and to
obtain your 20% discount on Peterson’s online courses, go to www.petersons.com/sat and enter the code: SAT2018.

  xi
Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Give Us Your Feedback
•  Peterson’s publishes a full line of books—test prep, career preparation, education exploration, and financial aid. Peterson’s
publications can be found at high school guidance offices, college libraries and career centers, and your local bookstore and
library. Peterson’s books are also available online at www.petersonsbooks.com.

•  We welcome any comments or suggestions you may have about this publication. Your feedback will help us make educational
dreams possible for you—and others like you.

Now that you know why Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide is an essential resource to prepare you to take a very important
Good test, it’s time to make the most of this powerful preparation tool. Turn the page and find out everything you need
Luck! to know about the SAT®!

  xii
www.petersons.com
part i : basic facts
about the sat ®

Chapter 1: All About the SAT 

®
 Chapter 1:
All About The SAT®

OVERVIEW
How the SAT® Is Used for College Admissions
When to Take the SAT® (and SAT Subject Tests™)
How Your Scores Are Reported
How Often to Take the SAT®
Registering for the SAT®
Get to Know the Current SAT® Exam Format
Get to Know the SAT® Question Types
Evidence-Based Reading Test Section
Writing and Language Test Section
Math Test Sections 3
Grid-Ins
SAT® Essay (Optional) Chapter 1
All About
The SAT® Answer Sheet
the SAT®
How the SAT® Is Scored
Strategies for SAT® Success
Make an SAT® Study Plan
Measuring Your Progress
Simulate Test-Taking Conditions
The Night Before and Day of the Exam
Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score
Summing It Up

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 HOW THE SAT ® IS USED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
The explicitly stated purpose of the SAT® exam is to predict how students will perform academically as first-year college students.
But the more practical purpose of the test is to help college admissions officers make acceptance decisions. When you think
about it, admissions officers have a difficult job, particularly when they are asked to compare the academic records of students
from different high schools in different parts of the country taking different classes. It’s not easy to figure out how one student’s
grade point average (GPA) in New Mexico correlates with that of another student in Florida. Even though admissions officers
can do a good deal of detective work to evaluate candidates fairly, they benefit a great deal from the SAT®. The SAT® provides a
single, standardized means of comparison. After all, virtually every student takes the SAT®, and the SAT® is the same for everyone.
It doesn’t matter whether you hail from Maine, Maryland, or Montana.

So the SAT® is an important test. But it is not the be-all, end-all. Keep it in perspective! It is only one of several important pieces
of the college admissions puzzle. Other factors that weigh heavily into the admissions process include GPA, difficulty of course
load, level of extracurricular involvement, and the strength of the college application itself.

WHEN TO TAKE THE SAT ® (AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS™)

When you decide which schools you’re going to apply to, find out if they require the SAT®. Most do! Your next step is to determine
when they need your SAT® scores. Write that date down. That’s the one you really don’t want to miss.

You do have some leeway in choosing your test date. The SAT® is typically offered on one Saturday morning in October, November,
December, January, March (or April, alternating), May, and June. Check the exact dates to see which ones meet your deadlines.
Tests are offered on a Sunday, usually the day after each Saturday test date, for students who cannot take the test on Saturday
due to religious observance.

4 What if you don’t know which schools you want to apply to? Don’t panic! Even if you take the exam in December or January of
your senior year, you’ll probably have plenty of time to send your scores to most schools.

Chapter 1 When you plan to take the SAT®, there is something even more important than the application deadlines of particular schools.
All About You need to select a test date that works best with your schedule. Ideally, you should allow yourself at least two to three months
the SAT® to use this book to prepare. Many students like to take the test in March of their junior year. That way, they take the SAT® several
months before final exams, the prom, and end-of-the-year distractions. Taking the test in March also gives students early feedback
as to how they are scoring. If they are dissatisfied with their scores, there is ample opportunity to take the test again in the spring
or following fall. But your schedule might not easily accommodate a March testing. Maybe you’re involved in a winter sport or
school play that will take too much time away from studying. Maybe you have a family reunion planned over spring break in
March. Or maybe you simply prefer to prepare during a different time of year. If that’s the case, just pick another date.

If the schools you’ve decided on also require SAT Subject Tests™, here’s one good piece of advice: Try to take SAT Subject
Tests™ immediately after you finish the subject(s) in school. For most of you, this means taking the SAT Subject Tests™ in June.
By taking the exam then, you’ll save an awful lot of review work. Remember this, too: You have to register for the SAT Subject
Tests™ separately, and you can’t take the Subject Tests on the same day as the SAT®. So check the dates, think ahead, and plan
it out. It’s worth it in the end.

Are you starting to prepare a little later than you had planned? Don’t get upset;
it happens. Using the accelerated plan, you should be able to cover most of the
material within a month. You probably won’t have much time to practice, but you’ll
get the most important facts about the test and be able to take a few sample exams.

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HOW YOUR SCORES ARE REPORTED
After you have taken the SAT®, College Board scores your test and creates a score report. We will discuss in detail how the SAT®
is scored later in this chapter. You and your high school receive score reports from each SAT® and SAT Subject Test™ that you
decide to take.

At the time of registration, you can pick four colleges or universities to receive your score report. College Board will send your
scores to these four schools for free. Within nine days of taking the test, you can change your school selection. If you want to send
more than four reports or change your mind more than nine days after your test date, you will have to pay to do so.

If you decide to take the SAT®, or any SAT Subject Test™, more than once, you have the option to decide which scores to send to
the schools you’ve picked—scores from one, several, or all test dates.

You may only designate the test date or dates for your score reports; you cannot designate individual test sections. In other words,
if you take the SAT® exam in October, December, and March, you cannot pick the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section
score from October, Math score from December, and Essay score from March and ask to have those results sent to the schools of
your choice. You can only choose whether to send your complete results from one, two, or all three test dates.

If you choose not to take advantage of this option, all of your scores will be sent to the schools you’ve selected. However, no
score reports will ever be sent without your specific consent. You and your counselor will receive e-mail reminders, asking which
scores you want to send. You can find more information about this and how colleges and universities use your score reports on
the website https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-score-choice.

HOW OFTEN TO TAKE THE SAT ®

Different colleges evaluate the exam in different ways. Some take your highest math, evidence-based reading and writing, and
essay scores, even if they were earned on different test days. So if you nailed the math portion in March, the evidence-based
5
reading and writing section in October, and the essay in December, the colleges will combine those scores to maximize your
overall score. However, many other colleges won’t do that. Some pay most attention to your highest combined score from a single Chapter 1
day. Many others will average all of your scores or lend equal weight to all of them. All About
the SAT®
So what does this mean? It means that you should take the SAT® only when you are truly prepared. There is nothing wrong with
taking the SAT® two or three times, as long as you are confident that your scores will improve substantially each time. Let’s say
that you scored an 1100 on your first SAT®. If you would have been thrilled to have hit 1120, it’s probably not worth taking the
test again. Most colleges look at SAT® scores in ranges and will not hold 20 points against you. They understand that scoring an
1100 means that you were only one or two questions away from 1120. But if you scored an 1100 and expected to score closer to
1200 or 1300 based on practice testing, then you should probably retake the exam. In other words, it is of little value to take the
SAT® multiple times if you expect to earn roughly the same score. But it is worthwhile if you expect to score significantly higher
on a second or third try. For more advice about this, see your high school guidance counselor.

REGISTERING FOR THE SAT ®

You should register for the SAT® at least six weeks before your testing date. That way you will avoid late registration fees
and increase your chances of taking the exam at your first-choice testing center. You can register through the mail by com-
pleting the SAT® registration form found inside The SAT® and SAT Subject TestsTM Student Registration Booklet, which can be
found in your guidance counselor’s office or online (printable PDF) at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/
sat-registration-booklet-students.pdf. Registering online is probably the quickest and easiest method, and you will receive

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 immediate registration confirmation. You will need to pay by credit card, and you will need to upload a photo with your
registration. The photo you provide will become part of your Admission Ticket on test day. For more information, visit
https://sat.collegeboard.org/register.

Photo ID

The photo you provide (either uploaded with your online registration or mailed in with the printed registration) becomes
part of your Admission Ticket on test day.

Photos must be properly focused with a full-face view. The photo must be clearly identifiable as you, and it must match your
appearance on test day. IMPORTANT: If you are not easily recognizable in your photo, you will not be admitted to the test
center.

Choose a photo that:

•  Shows only you—no other people in the shot

•  Shows a head-and-shoulders view, with the entire face, both eyes, and hair clearly visible
•  Is properly focused and has no dark spots or shadows
•  Shows a head covering only if it is worn for religious purposes

Visit https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/photo-requirements for more information about the required photo ID.

In addition, you are responsible for bringing an acceptable form of identification.

Some acceptable examples include:

•  State-issued driver’s license

6 •  State-issued nondriver ID
•  School identification card
Chapter 1
•  Passport (required in India, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, and Pakistan)
All About
•  Government-issued ID
the SAT® •  School ID Form* prepared by your school
•  Talent Identification Program ID/Authorization to Test Form (grades 7 and 8 only); photo not required
* Your school can prepare an ID form for you. This form must include a recognizable photo, and the school seal must overlap the photo. Sign
the ID form in the presence of your counselor or principal. You will be asked to sign the ID form again at the test center. This form must be
dated and is good only for one year.

ALERT: You must provide a photo when you sign up for the SAT®. The photo will be part of your Admission Ticket, and it will
be checked against your photo ID on test day.

Registration Fees
At the time of this book’s printing, the fee for the SAT® (no essay) is $46. If you are planning to take the SAT® with the Essay section,
you will need to pay $60. To determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver, visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/
register/fees/fee-waivers. (Students who qualify for a fee waiver may also be eligible to apply to college, send their scores, and
apply for finanical aid (through CSS Profile) to as many colleges as they choose, at no cost.)

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GET TO KNOW THE CURRENT SAT ® EXAM FORMAT
The SAT® consists of sections on math, evidence-based reading and writing, and an optional essay. The sections are timed to
range from 25 to 65 minutes. The whole test takes 3 hours, plus 50 minutes for the optional essay. Don’t worry. There are breaks.
The following chart gives you an idea of what to expect. The test sections appear in the following order: Reading Test, Writing
and Language Test, Math Test—No Calculator, Math Test—Calculator, and the Essay.

Format of the SAT® Test

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score 200–800

Evidence-Based Reading questions based on: Time—Total: 100 Minutes

•  Passages in U.S. and world literature, history/social •  Reading Test (65 minutes)
studies, and science •  Writing and Language Test (35 minutes)
•  Paired passages
Question Types
•  Lower and higher text complexities
•  Words in context, command of evidence, and analysis •  Multiple-choice with 4 answer choices
Writing and Language questions based on:

•  Passages in careers, history/social studies, humanities,

and science
•  Argument, informative/explanatory, and nonfiction
narrative passages
•  Words in context, grammar, expression of ideas,
and analysis

7
Math Score 200–800

Real-world problems solved using: Time—Total: 80 Minutes

•  Algebra •  Math Test—No Calculator (25 minutes) Chapter 1

•  Problem solving and data analysis •  Math Test—Calculator (55 minutes) All About
•  Advanced math the SAT®
Question Types
•  Area and volume calculations
•  Lines, triangles, and circles using theorems •  Multiple-choice with 4 answer choices
•  Trigonometric functions •  Student-produced responses (grid-ins)

Optional Essay

What’s involved: Time—Total: 50 minutes

•  Read an argument-type passage written for a

Question Type
general audience
•  Analyze the passage in terms of how the writer uses •  One prompt that emphasizes analyzing the
evidence, reasoning, and stylistic elements to build argument presented in the passage
an argument to persuade his or her audience
Score: 3–12 (Reading: 1–4 scale, Analysis: 1–4 scale,
Writing: 1–4 scale)

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 GET TO KNOW THE SAT ® QUESTION TYPES
The question types in the SAT® don’t cover a wide variety of topics. They are very limited—no science, no world languages, no
social studies. You’ll find only questions testing reading comprehension, writing skills, and math skills—skills that you’ve been
working on since kindergarten.

Most of the questions are multiple choice. That’s good, because it means the correct answer is right there on the page for you.
You just have to find it—easier said than done sometimes, but true. Only the math grid-ins and the essay require student-produced
answers. For the grid-ins, you’ll need to do the calculations and then fill in circles on the answer sheet to show your answers.
(More about the answer sheets later in this chapter.) The following pages provide you with a closer look at the question types
and question formats that you will find in each section of the SAT®.

On the SAT®, all questions count the same. You won’t get more points for answering a
really difficult question than you will get for answering a very simple one. Remember
that when you’re moving through the test. The more time you spend wrestling with the
answer to one “stumper,” the less time you have to whip through several easier questions.

EVIDENCE-BASED READING TEST SECTION

The reading section tests your knowledge of words in context, command of evidence in the passages, and your analysis of the
passage, including graphics. All the questions are multiple choice. The questions in the Evidence-Based Reading section are all
passage-based. All passages are from previously published sources and cover topics in U.S. and world literature, history/social
studies, and science.
8
Chapter 1
Words in Context
All About Just as the name implies, words-in-context questions assess your ability to determine the meaning of words or phrases in the
the SAT®
context of an extended passage. If you do not recognize the meaning of the word, its meaning may be determined by context.
Your job is to read the passage and the question, and then analyze the answer choices to figure out which one makes the most
sense based on the words around it. That means you must look for clues in the passage.

Here is an excerpt from a passage on the opah fish, followed by three sample words-in-context questions. Read the passage
excerpt and try to answer each question on your own before you read the answer explanations on the next page.

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 Nicholas Wegner of NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science The silvery fish, roughly the size of a large automobile
Center in La Jolla, California, is lead author of a new paper on the
tire, is known from oceans around the world and dwells
opah, or moonfish. He and his coauthor, biologist Owyn Snodgrass,
discovered that the opah has the unusual ability to keep its body hundreds of feet beneath the surface in chilly, dimly lit
warm, even in the cold depths of the ocean. An excerpt on their waters. . . .
findings follows.
10 Fish that typically inhabit such cold depths tend to be
Courtesy: NOAA Fisheries
slow and sluggish, conserving energy by ambushing prey

Warm Blood Makes Opah an Agile Predator instead of chasing it. But the opah’s constant flapping of its

fins heats its body, speeding its metabolism, movement and

New research by NOAA Fisheries has revealed the opah, or
reaction times, scientists report today in the journal
moonfish, as the first fully warm-blooded fish that circulates
15 Science. . . .
heated blood throughout its body much like mammals and
Line birds, giving it a competitive advantage in the cold ocean
“Before this discovery, I was under the impression
5 depths.
this was a slow-moving fish, like most other fish in cold

environments,” Wegner said. “But because it can warm its

body, it turns out to be a very active predator that chases

20 down agile prey like squid and can migrate long distances.”

Questions:

1. As used in the first paragraph, “competitive advantage” refers to 9

A. a way to seek out a mate.
Chapter 1
B. an ability to outperform rivals.
All About
the SAT®
C. an aptitude for keeping itself moving.

D. a capacity to conceal itself from predators.

2. As it is used in paragraph 3, “ambushing” most nearly means

A. pursuing for long distances.

B. moving slowly at first.

C. hiding and then attacking.

D. weakening and then killing.

3. As it is used in paragraph 4, “agile” most nearly means

A. nimble.

B. inactive.

C. strong.

D. clever.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Explanations:

1. Clues to the meaning of the phrase don’t appear until the fourth paragraph: “I was under the impression . . . like
most other fish in cold environments” and “But . . . it turns out to be a very active predator.” Here, you’re told that the
opah is unlike other fish in that it can swim faster and farther and catch more prey. Choices A, C, and D are specific
traits that might help the fish in its environment. But choice B is the only one that makes sense in the context of the
passage. The correct answer is choice B.

2. The biggest clue to the meaning of ambushing is “instead of chasing it.” Because you know that the fish don’t chase
their prey, you can exclude choice A. Choices B and D don’t make sense in the context of the sentence because neither
is a method for capturing prey, as chasing is. Choice C, however, makes sense when you consider the context clue.
The correct answer is choice C.

3. The clue “very active predator” is your clue that agile must mean that the squid provides a challenge for the opah.
This eliminates choice B. Choice D can also be eliminated because the context emphasizes physical, not mental,
abilities. Likewise, you can eliminate choice C because the level of activity, not strength, is the focus. Choice A fits
the context, as it suggests that the squid is able to move quickly and easily. The correct answer is choice A.

In SAT® evidence-based reading questions, the answers will always be

directly stated or implied in the passage.

Command of Evidence
10 The evidence-based reading and writing sections of the SAT® require you to interpret information or ideas in a passage and then
use evidence to support your conclusion. This element of the Reading Test, which makes up 20 percent of the questions, works
Chapter 1 like this: You answer a multiple-choice question in which you analyze a portion of the passage or pair of passages. You then answer
a second question requiring you to cite the best evidence in the text for the answer.
All About
the SAT®
The passages include literary texts from U.S. and world literature, as well as nonfiction texts in science and history/social studies.
In some cases, related passages are paired and require you to make connections between the texts.

The following is an example of how these “command of evidence” questions work. The passage is a continuation of the NOAA
article cited previously, “Warm Blood Makes Opah an Agile Predator.”

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 Questions 1–2 refer to the following passage. “There has never been anything like this seen in a fish’s

gills before,” Wegner said. “This is a cool innovation by these

Gills Show Unusual Design animals that gives them a competitive edge. The concept

Courtesy: NOAA Fisheries of counter-current heat exchange was invented in fish long
20 before we thought of it.”
Wegner realized the opah was unusual when a coauthor

of the study, biologist Owyn Snodgrass, collected a sample The researchers collected temperature data from opah

of its gill tissue. Wegner recognized an unusual design: caught during surveys off the West Coast, finding that

Line Blood vessels that carry warm blood into the fish’s gills wind their body temperatures were regularly warmer than the

5 around those carrying cold blood back to the body core surrounding water. They also attached temperature monitors

after absorbing oxygen from water. 25 to opah as they tracked the fish on dives to several hundred

feet and found that their body temperatures remained

The design is known in engineering as “counter-current
steady even as the water temperature dropped sharply. The
heat exchange.” In opah it means that warm blood leaving
20 fish had an average muscle temperature about 5 degrees
the body core helps heat up cold blood returning from the
C above the surrounding water while swimming about 150
10 respiratory surface of the gills, where it absorbs oxygen.
30 to 1,000 feet below the surface, the researchers found.  . . .
Resembling a car radiator, it’s a natural adaptation that

conserves heat. The unique location of the heat exchange A few other fish . . . warm certain parts of their bodies . . .

within the gills allows nearly the fish’s entire body to boosting their swimming performance. But internal organs,

maintain an elevated temperature, known as endothermy, including their hearts, cool off quickly and begin to slow

15 even in the chilly depths. down when they dive into cold depths, forcing them to 11
35 return to shallower depths to warm up.

Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®
Questions:

1. The author discusses the adaptations of some fish in the last paragraph mainly to show that

A. opah swim faster because they are able to keep themselves warm.

B. some fish maintain a body temperature warmer than the sea water.

C. biologists have found evidence that some fish are warm-blooded.

D. opah have a distinctive design that keeps them warm at greater depths.

2. Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

A. Lines 12–15 (“The unique . . . chilly depths.”)

B. Lines 18–20 (“The concept . . . of it.”)

C. Lines 21–24 (“The researchers . . . surrounding water.”)

D. Lines 27–30 (“The 20 fish . . . researchers found.”)

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Explanations:

1. In the first question, the author’s intention is to contrast the warming ability of other fish with the warming ability of
the opah. Though the passage does note that some fish maintain a body temperature warmer than seawater for a
short period, this is not the reason the author includes details about other fish. Thus, choice B is not correct. Choices
A and C are incorrect because neither idea is noted in the text. The correct answer is choice D.

2. The second question asks you to determine which of four segments of the passage provides the best evidence to
support your answer to the first question. Choices B, C, and D do not provide textual support for the contrast the
author makes in the last paragraph. The correct answer is choice A.

Analysis and Graphics

Two passages in the SAT® Reading Test include a graphic. Your job is to analyze the passage and interpret the information in the
graphic as it relates to the passage. Questions based on the graphic are multiple choice. Here is a sample reading passage with
an accompanying graphic, in this case a map, and a question that requires your analysis.

From “About John Snow,” by Professor Paul Fine, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and The John Snow Society.

John Snow (1813–1858)

John Snow is an iconic figure in epidemiology and public set up general practice in Soho. Early in his career he became
health, best known for his work on cholera, for a famous map, interested in the physiology of respiration in recognition of
and for organizing the removal of a pump handle in Soho. the major problem of asphyxia of the newborn.

Line Less well-known are his important contributions to These interests led him to be invited to witness one of the
12 5 anesthesia and to epidemiological methods, and his 25 first applications of ether anesthesia in the UK in December

engagement in public debates of the time. The breadth and 1846. He immediately recognized the importance of ambient
Chapter 1
depth of Snow’s activities provide a model for population temperature and within one month published tables of
All About
the SAT® researchers concerned not only with sound method but also the vapor pressure of ether. This initiated an important line
with bringing their results to public benefit. of research on instruments for administering anesthetics

30 and led to his becoming the most prominent authority on

10 Indeed, though epidemiology is often described as the
anesthesia in the UK. He administered chloroform to Queen
study of health-related aspects of populations, its methods
Victoria at the birth of Prince Leopold in 1853.
are applicable to studies of virtually anything in populations,

and disciplines which now acknowledge the methods and The second great cholera epidemic arrived in London
terminology of epidemiology range from education to crime in 1848, and many attributed its cause to an atmospheric
15 science and economics. 35 “effluence” or “miasma.” Snow’s firsthand experience of the

disease in 1832, combined with studies of respiration, led

Snow was born in York on 15 March 1813, one of eight
him to question miasma theories and to publish the first
children in a family of modest means. He apprenticed with
edition of On the Mode of Communication of Cholera in 1849,
a surgeon-apothecary in Newcastle from 1827 to 1833, and
in which he proposed that cholera was attributable to a
there witnessed the first epidemic of cholera in the UK. He
40 self-replicating agent which was excreted in the cholera
20 then moved to London, qualified as physician in 1843 and

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 evacuations and inadvertently ingested, often, but not Though the epidemic was already in decline by that date,

necessarily, through the medium of water. the rapidity of his action, the logic of the analysis, and the

60 pragmatism of the response has made this a classic event

When cholera returned in 1853, Snow recognized an
in the history of public health, well known to students and
ideal opportunity to test his hypothesis by comparing
practitioners the world over. The combination of these
45 cholera mortality rates in populations of south London
studies provided overwhelming evidence for an infectious
supplied by water drawn from sewage-contaminated versus
agent, known now as Vibrio cholerae.
uncontaminated regions of the Thames. He personally carried

out a cohort study to make this comparison, recognizing the 65 Snow described this work in the second edition of On the

need to confirm the water source of each case and to assure Mode of Communication of Cholera. He then expanded his

50 comparability of the populations concerned. On 30 August public health interests by becoming involved in debates over

1854 while involved in these studies, a dramatic cholera legislation concerning nuisance industries in London, while

epidemic began near his home in Soho, leading to more than maintaining his research and practice in anesthesia until his

550 deaths within two weeks. Analysis of the addresses of 70 death in 1858.

the cholera deaths and interviews of residents of the area

The 200th anniversary of Snow’s birth provides an
55 led him to suspect that water from a pump on Broad Street
occasion to celebrate his achievements, to consider their
was responsible—and he prevailed upon the local council to
original context, to discuss their place in contemporary
remove the handle of the pump on 8 September 1854.
epidemiology, and consider their likely future, not only as

75 the armamentarium of public health, but as a framework of

method for science and society. 13

Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Question:

On John Snow’s map, deaths from the 1854 cholera epidemic are represented by stacks of black lines. Based on the
image and the passage, what can we assume about Blenheim Street (shown magnified in the upper-left side of the
map)?

A. No one lived there.

B. Broad Street did not supply their water.

C. Its residents were as affected as the rest of the neighborhood.

D. Relatives came to stay there to avoid the cholera outbreak.

Answer Explanation:

The passage explains that Snow determined that the pump on Broad Street supplied contaminated water to nearby
residents. You can infer that people living on streets containing stacks of bars used the Broad Street pump. Based on
the map, then, people on Blenheim Street likely did not use the Broad Street pump. The correct answer is choice B.

WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST SECTION

The SAT® Writing and Language Test consists of multiple-choice questions based on passages. The multiple-choice questions test
how well you understand and use Standard Written English, as well as recognize words in context and command of evidence in
the passages. Analysis of the passages and graphics is also included.

14
Standard Written English and Words in Context
Chapter 1
The Standard Written English questions require you to act as an editor and revise text so that it conforms to the standard rules for
All About
the SAT® punctuation, sentence structure, and usage. In most instances, you will be given a multiparagraph passage that includes several
errors. The most common question format asks you to choose the best alternative to a potential error, identified as an underlined
portion of the passage. Here is a sample question that concerns sentence structure:

Question:

Scientists conducted a series of experiments with 1 Which choice most effectively combines the sentences
chimpanzees in the 1 Democratic Republic of the at the underlined portion?

Congo. The results were astounding. The conclusion, that A. Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the
chimpanzees would eventually learn to cook if provided an results were astounding.

oven, could help explain how and when early humans began B. Democratic Republic of the Congo, the results
were astounding.
to cook their food.
C. Democratic Republic of the Congo: the results
were astounding.

D. Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the results

were astounding.

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Answer Explanation:

Choice B creates a comma splice, which is a form of a run-on sentence, so that’s not correct. Likewise, the colon in
choice C is not correct, as the clause it introduces does not really explain the first part of the sentence. Introducing
but in choice D changes the meaning of the sentences by setting up a contrasting scenario. Only choice A maintains
the two sentences’ meanings and combines them without confusion. The correct answer is choice A.

The words-in-context questions on the test measure your ability to choose appropriate words based on the context of the passage.
These questions are multiple choice and include the option to keep the word that is used.

Question:

There is a debate about whether early humans had 2

the mental capacity to cook. Though it may not seem
A. NO CHANGE
sophisticated, cooking requires planning, an ability to
B. apprehend
2 interrupt gratification, and the complicated use of tools.
C. delay

D. restrain

Answer Explanation:

Here, you must choose the word that makes the most sense in the context. The words interrupt, apprehend, and restrain
don’t convey what is meant here—to hold off. Only delay, choice C, conveys that sense. The correct answer is choice C.
15
Command of Evidence Chapter 1
All About
To answer the Command of Evidence questions in the Writing and Language Test section, you need to carefully read the passage the SAT®
in question. Here is an example of this type of question. The excerpt comes from the passage “About John Snow”.

Question:

The second great cholera epidemic arrived in London in 3 Which choice best summarizes the main idea of the
1848, and many attributed its cause to an atmospheric paragraph?

“effluence” or “miasma.” Snow’s firsthand experience of the A. In 1848, many people were incorrect to blame
disease in 1832, combined with studies of respiration, led atmospheric miasma for the spread of cholera.

him to question miasma theories and to publish the first B. John Snow’s study, On the Mode of Communication
of Cholera, was read by scholars worldwide.
edition of On the Mode of Communication of Cholera in 1849,
C. John Snow was curious, and he never took
in which he proposed that cholera was attributable to a
anything at face value.
self-replicating agent which was excreted in the cholera
D. Snow’s questioning of the miasma theory and
evacuations and inadvertently ingested, often, but not theories on water contamination changed the
necessarily, through the medium of water. 3 conversation of disease circulation.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Explanation:

The question asks you to determine which sentence best summarizes the main idea of the paragraph. Choices A, B,
and C all contain ideas that are important in the paragraph. But choice D contains the crux of the paragraph: that Snow
questioned the prevailing wisdom and then proposed his own theory about how cholera was transmitted. The correct
answer is choice D.

Analysis and Graphics

One or two of the passages in the Writing and Language Test section include graphics. You will be asked to determine how the
passage needs to be revised based on the information in the graphic. Here is an excerpt from another paragraph in “About John
Snow” and a sample question to help illustrate this concept.

Question:

Snow’s mapping of the outbreak showed few surprising 4 Which choice completes the sentence using accurate data
results. Little Pulteney Street is a case in point. The street based on the map?

is blocks from Broad Street and closer to two other water

A. NO CHANGE
pumps. Among residents of the street, there 4 were no
B. was one new case of cholera
cases of cholera reported during the outbreak.
C. were fewer than ten new cases of cholera

D. were more than twenty new cases of cholera

16
Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®

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Answer Explanation:

Here, you are being asked to interpret the information in the passage based on the map. If you look closely at the area
in question, Little Pulteney Street, you’ll see that there are about six bars, and we can infer that each bar represents a
case of cholera. The correct answer is choice C.

MATH TEST SECTIONS

The questions in the math sections (Math Test—No Calculator and Math Test—Calculator) address concepts, skills, and practices
that are most useful for students after they graduate from high school. There are two question formats for math questions: mul-
tiple-choice and grid-ins (student-produced responses).

A four-function, battery-powered, scientific or graphing calculator is allowed for

the Math Test—Calculator section of the SAT®. You may not use the following:
handheld mini-computers, laptop computers, pocket organizers, calculators
that print or “talk,” or calculators with letters on the keyboard.

Multiple-Choice Math
SAT® multiple-choice math questions look like all the other standard multiple-choice math questions you’ve ever seen. A problem
is given in algebra, problem solving, data analysis, advanced math, or additional topics, and four choices are presented from
which you must choose the correct answer. The major concepts that you might need in order to solve math problems are given
in the test section. You don’t need to worry about memorizing these facts, but you do need to know when to use each one.
The directions are similar to the following:
17
Chapter 1
DIRECTIONS: For Questions 1–15, solve each problem, select the best answer from the choices provided, and fill in the
corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For Questions 16–20, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid on All About
the SAT®
the answer sheet. The directions before Question 16 will provide information on how to enter your answers in the grid.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a2 + b2 = c2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based

Solid: Pyramid:
r h
w
h
l r h
V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
4 1
w
V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
3 3 V = lwh
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1.   The use of a calculator in this section is not permitted (is permitted for the Math Test—Calculator section).
2.   All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
3.   Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
4.   All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
5.   Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x) is a real
number.

Here are some sample multiple-choice math questions. Try them yourself before looking at the solutions that are given.

Example:

Michele is at the airport renting a car that costs $39.95 per day plus tax. A tax of 7% is applied to the rental rate, and
an additional one-time untaxed fee of $5.00 is charged by the airport where she picks up the car. Which of the
following represents Michele’s total charge c(x), in dollars, for renting a car for x days?

A. c(x) = (39.95 + 0.07x) + 5

B. c(x) = 1.07(39.95x) + 5

C. c(x) = 1.07(39.95x + 5)

D. c(x) = 1.07(39.95 + 5)x

Solution:

18 The total cost, c(x), can be found by multiplying any daily charges by the number of days, x, and then adding any
one-time charges. The daily charges include the $39.95 daily rate and the 7% tax. This can be computed by:
Chapter 1
All About $39.95 + 0.07($39.95) = 1($39.95) + 0.07($39.95) = 1.07($39.95)
the SAT®
Multiply the daily charge by x and add the one-time charge of $5 to obtain the function rule:

c(x) = 1.07(39.95)x + 5

The correct answer is choice B.

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Example:

The graph of y = (3x + 9)(x – 5) is a parabola in the xy-plane. In which of the following equivalent equations do the
x- and y-coordinates of the vertex of the parabola appear as constants or coefficients?

A. y = 3x2 – 6x – 45

B. y = 3x(x – 2) – 45

C. y = 3(x – 1)2 + (– 48)

D. y = (x + 3)(3x – 15)

Solution:

The equation y = (3x + 9)(x – 5) can be written in vertex form y = a(x – h)2 + k, where the vertex of the parabola is
(h, k). To put the equation in vertex form, first multiply the factors, then complete the square. The correct answer is
choice C.

Example:

The same final exam is given to two separate groups of students taking the same class. The students who took the
exam on the first floor had a mean score of 84. The students who took the exam on the second floor had a mean
score of 78. Which of the following represents the mean score x of both groups of students?

A. x = 81

B. x < 81

C. x > 81 19
D. 78 < x < 84
Chapter 1

Solution: All About

the SAT®

Many students will select choice A as the answer because 81 is the mean of 78 and 84, but there is no information
about the size of the two groups that are being averaged. If the groups were equal in size, choice A would be correct. If
there were more students on the second floor, then choice B would be the correct answer. Similarly, if there were more
students on the first floor, then choice C would be correct. Since we don’t know which floor has more students taking
the exam or if the number of students is equal, we can only say that choice D is true. The correct answer is choice D.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 GRID-INS
Unlike multiple-choice math, the grid-in section of the SAT® does not give you the answers. You have to compute the answer and
then fill in your answer in the circles on your answer sheet. You may use the Reference Information table that appeared earlier
in this chapter for these problems also.

On the SAT®, each set of grid-in questions starts with directions that look approximately like this:

DIRECTIONS: For these questions, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid, as described below, on the
answer sheet.

1. Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.

2. Mark no more than one circle in any column.

3. No question has a negative answer.

4. Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5. Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2

1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2

20 6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.

Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®

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 7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Grid in 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
. . 21
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chapter 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 All About
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
the SAT®
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Once you understand the following six rules, you can concentrate on just solving the math problems in this section.

1. Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid.

2. Mark the corresponding circles, one per column.

3. Start in any column.

4. Work with decimals or fractions.

5. Express mixed numbers as decimals or improper fractions.

6. If more than one answer is possible, grid any one.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 NOTE: Don’t use a comma in a number larger than 999. Just fill in the four digits and the corresponding circles.
You only have circles for numbers, decimal points, and fraction slashes; there aren’t any for commas.

Now let’s look at these rules in more detail:

1. Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid. Technically, this isn’t required by the SAT®. Realistically, it gives you
something to follow as you fill in the circles. Do it—it will help you.
2. Make sure to mark the circles that correspond to the answer you entered in the boxes, one per column. The machine that
scores the test can only read the circles, so if you don’t fill them in, you won’t get credit. Just entering your answer in the
boxes is not enough!
3. You can start entering your answer in any column, if space permits. Unused columns should be left blank; don’t put in zeroes.
Here are some examples of these kinds of problems:

Examples:

Use the grids provided to try the following grid-in quesions.

1. The circumference of a circle is 20π. If the area of a sector of the circle with a central angle of

3p
is aπ, what is the value of a?
2

2. There are 70 students in a school who participate in the music program. If 35% of the students participate in the music
program, how many students are in the school?

1 3
22 3. What is one possible solution to the equation +
x x −1
= −4 ?

Chapter 1
1. 2. 3.
All About
the SAT® / / / / / /
. . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

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Solutions:

1. C = 2pr = 20 p
r = 10
3 3
A = pr 2 = p(10 ) 2 = 75p = ap
4 4
a = 75

2. 35 = 70
100 x
35 x = 7, 000
x = 200

3. 1 + 3 = −4
x x −1
x − 1+ 3 x = −4 x ( x − 1)
4 x − 1 = −4 x 2 +4 x
0 = −4 x 2 +1
0 = ( −2 x + 1)(2 x + 1)
x = ±0.5

1
Only 0.5 or (1/2) can be entered in the grid because, as the directions stated, no answer requires a minus sign.
2

1. 2. 3. OR

/
.
/
. .
/
.
/
. .
/
.
/
. . .
/
.
/
. . 23
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Chapter 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
All About
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 the SAT®
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

You will learn more about grid-ins in Chapter 8: “Grid-In Strategies.”

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SAT ® ESSAY (OPTIONAL)
For the essay, you will be given a previously published passage that examines ideas in the sciences and arts, as well as in civic,
cultural, and political life. The passages are written for a broad-based audience, and prior knowledge of the topic is not expected.
Your task in writing the essay is to read and comprehend the text sufficiently to write a thoughtful analysis of the passage.

Though the passage contents may vary from test to test, the prompt will not change. You will be asked to explain how the author
of the passage builds an argument to persuade an audience. The prompt will likely look something like this:

As you read the following passage, consider how the author uses the following:

•  Evidence, such as facts, statistics, or examples, to support claims.

•  Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
•  Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to
the ideas expressed.

Your response will be evaluated based on your comprehension of the text, as well as on the quality of your analysis and writing.
This means that you must show thoughtful understanding of the source text and appropriate use of textual evidence to support
your arguments. You will also be expected to organize your ideas in a coherent way and to express them clearly, using the con-
ventions of Standard Written English. The essay does not elicit your opinion or ask you to use your imagination to write creatively.
Instead, your response should depend entirely on the source text to support your analysis. You can learn more about the optional
Essay in Chapter 6: “The SAT® Essay.”

THE SAT ® ANSWER SHEET

24
On the day of the test when you are given your test booklet, you’ll also be given a separate answer sheet. For each multiple-choice
question, you’ll see a corresponding set of answer circles. The circles are labeled A, B, C, and D. Remember the following about
Chapter 1
the answer sheet:
All About
the SAT® •  Answer sheets are read by machines—and machines can’t think. That means it’s up to you to make sure you’re in the right place
on the answer sheet every time you record an answer. The machine won’t know that you really meant to answer Question 25
when you marked the space for Question 26.
•  If you skip a question, list the number on your scratch paper. Don’t mark the answer sheet in any way as a reminder. Any stray
marks may affect how the machine scores your answer sheet.
•  Always check to see that the answer space you have filled in corresponds to the question you are answering.
•  Be sure to fill in the answer circles completely so that there can be no mistake about which answers you chose.
These seem like simple things, but you’d be surprised how many students fail to do them, especially keeping track of answer
lines if they skip a question.

Make sure you’re in the right place! Always check to see that the answer space you
fill in corresponds to the question you are answering.

As you just read in the “Grid-Ins” section of this chapter, grid-inresponses are only for questions you will see in the math sections.
You’ll still be filling in circles, but they will look a little different from the multiple-choice circles. Again, here’s a sample of the
special grid you will use.

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 boxes to write your numerical answer
/ / fraction lines—use one at most per answer
. . . decimal points—use one at most per answer
0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9

At the top of the grid, you’ll write in the numerical answer. The slashes that appear in the second row are used for answers with
fractions. If you need one of these fraction lines in your answer, darken one of the circles. The circles with the dots are for answers
with decimal points—use these circles just as you do the fraction line circles. In the lower part of the grid, fill in the numbered
circles that correspond to the numbers in your answer.

Here are some examples. Note that for grid-in responses, answers can begin on the left or the right.

.
/ / / / / / / / / /
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 0
1 1
0
1 1
0 0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1 1
0 0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
25
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Chapter 1
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
All About
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 the SAT®
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

HOW THE SAT ® IS SCORED

OK, you’ve filled in all your answer circles and perhaps written an essay. The 3 hours (and 50 minutes if you are taking the optional
essay portion) are up (not a minute too soon), and you’ve turned in your answer sheet and your essay sheet. What next? Off your
answers go to the machines at College Board and to the high school and college teachers who have been trained to read and
score the essays. The machines can scan the bubble sheets in seconds and calculate a score for most of your test. If you are taking
the optional essay portion, two readers will score it based on three criteria: reading, analysis, and writing. Their scores will be
combined and reported separately from the main portion of the SAT®.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 In scoring the multiple-choice and grid-in sections of the SAT®, the machines give one point for each correct answer. Incorrect
answers have no effect on your score. Each reader of your essay uses a rubric against which he or she reads your essay. Each reader
then gives your essay a score from 1 to 4. The two scores will be combined to give you an essay subscore.

The result of these calculations for each part of the SAT®—Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing—is your raw score.
This is then converted to a scaled score between 400 and 1600. Your essay will be given a score ranging between 6 and 24, and
it will be reported separately. These scores will be reported to you and to the colleges you have chosen.

Remember, if you take the SAT® more than once, you can choose whether the schools you are applying to receive the scores
from each test date or just some of them.

NOTE: Because the SAT® can vary in format, scaled scores allow the test-maker to account for differences from
one version of the SAT® to another. Using scaled scores ensures that a score of 500 on one SAT® is equivalent to
500 on another.

STRATEGIES FOR SAT ® SUCCESS

What makes some people better test-takers than others? The secret isn’t just knowing the subject; it’s knowing specific test-taking
strategies that can add up to extra points. This means psyching out the test, knowing how the test-makers think and what they’re
looking for, and using this knowledge to your advantage. Smart test-takers know how to use pacing and guessing to add points
to their score.

Pace Yourself

26 Suppose there are 20 questions in one of the math sections that need to be answered in 25 minutes. That means that you have 1
minute and 15 seconds to answer each question. But smart test-takers know that’s not the best way to use their time. If you use
less than a minute to answer the easier questions, you’ll have extra time to answer the more difficult ones. That’s why learning
Chapter 1 to pace yourself is so important.
All About
the SAT®
ALERT: Don’t spin your wheels by spending too much time on any one question. Give it some thought, take your best shot,
and move along.

Question Sets in Math Usually Go from Easiest to Most Difficult—You Should, Too
A question set is one set of similar questions within the larger math and evidence-based reading and writing sections. In the
math sections, SAT® questions follow the pattern of easiest to hardest. Work your way through the easier questions as quickly as
you can. That way you’ll have more time for the more difficult ones.

But two words of caution: First, what may be easy to the test-writer may not be to you. Don’t panic if Question 3 seems hard. Try
to work through it, but don’t spend too much time on it if it’s a topic such as factoring that has just never been easy for you to
understand. Second, work quickly but carefully. Don’t work so fast that you make a silly mistake and lose a point that you should
have gained.

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You Can Set Your Own Speed Limit
All right, how will you know what your speed limit is? Use the practice tests to check your timing and see how it affects your
answers. If you’ve answered most of the questions in the time limit but have a lot of incorrect answers, you’d better slow down.
On the other hand, if you are very accurate in your answers but aren’t answering every question in a section, you can probably
pick up the pace a bit.

It’s Smart to Keep Moving

It’s hard to let go, but sometimes you have to. Don’t spend too much time on any one question before you’ve tried all the ques-
tions in a section. There may be questions later on in the test that you can answer easily, and you don’t want to lose points just
because you didn’t get to them.

The Easy Choice Isn’t Always Best

Are you at the end of a math section? Remember, that’s where you’ll usually find the hardest questions, which means that the
answers are more complex. Look carefully at the choices and really think about what the question is asking.

You Don’t Have to Read the Directions

What? Yes, you read it correctly the first time—you don’t have to read the directions. By the time you actually sit down to take the
SAT®, you’ve read this book, you’ve taken all the practice tests you could find, and you’ve read enough SAT® directions to fill a library.
So when the exam clock starts ticking, don’t waste time rereading directions you already know. Instead, go directly to Question 1.

27
You’re Going to Need a Watch
Chapter 1
If you’re going to pace yourself, you need to keep track of the time—and what if there is no clock in your room or if the only clock
is out of your line of vision? That’s why it’s a good idea to bring a watch to the test. A word of warning: Don’t use a watch alarm All About
the SAT®
or your watch will end up on the proctor’s desk.

MAKE AN SAT ® STUDY PLAN

As with almost any form of learning, preparing for the SAT® is an investment of time. The more you have, the better your chances
of boosting your score significantly. Next, we’ll walk you through two different study plans, each tailored to a specific amount of
preparation time. Choose the plan that fits your circumstances and adapt it to your needs.

Regardless of how much time you have before the actual exam, your first step should be to take the Diagnostic Test in Part II of
this book. After you score it, compute your category percentages to assess your relative strengths and weaknesses. Hang on to
the scoring sheet so you know where to get started.

The Complete Plan

If you have three or more months to prepare, you should congratulate yourself! This will give you sufficient time to familiarize
yourself with the test, learn critical strategies, review grammar and math fundamentals, practice writing, and take full-length tests.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 You’ll get the most out of your SAT® preparation if you:

•  Reread this chapter to ensure that you understand the format, structure, and scoring of the SAT®.
•  Take the Diagnostic Test and identify your areas that need improvement.
•  Read each and every strategy and review chapter.
•  Work through all the examples, exercises, and practice exams.
•  Read all the answer explanations.
•  Focus on the chapters where your scores show you need to improve.

The Accelerated Plan

If you have one month or less to prepare for the SAT® or if you cannot devote a lot of time to studying for any other reason, follow
the accelerated plan. You’ll get the most out of this plan if you:

•  Reread this chapter to ensure that you understand the format, structure, and scoring of the SAT®.
•  Take the Diagnostic Test and identify your areas that need improvement.
•  Focus on the chapters that cover material that is most problematic for you and work through all the examples and
exercises in these chapters.
•  Work through as many practice exams as you can.
•  Read all the answer explanations.

NOTE: You may be wondering how you can possibly wade through all this information in time for the test. Don’t be
discouraged! We wrote this book knowing that some of you would be on very condensed schedules. The information
in this section will help you construct a study plan that works for you—one that will help you boost your score no
28 matter how limited your time may be. Remember, though, that practice and targeted study are essential elements
of that score boosting, so invest as much time as possible in your SAT® preparation.

Chapter 1
All About
the SAT® MEASURING YOUR PROGRESS
It does seem as if you’re on a treadmill sometimes, doesn’t it? Question after question after question—are you really getting
anywhere? Is all of this studying really working?

The way to find out is to monitor your progress throughout the preparation period, whether it’s three months or four weeks. By
taking a diagnostic examination at the beginning, you’ll establish your skill baseline, and you’ll be able to craft the study plan
that’s right for you. Then, you can either start to read the entire book (if you are using the complete plan) or go directly to the
chapters that address your weaknesses (if you are using the accelerated plan). At the end of each chapter, complete the exercises
and compare your percentages to your original diagnostic percentages. How have you improved? Where do you still need work?
Even if you haven’t reached your ultimate performance goal, are you at least applying new test-taking methods?

Here’s an important point: You don’t have to go through the book in order. You might want to start with
the topic that you find most difficult, such as functions or grammar, or the question type that you’re
most unsure about, such as grid-ins. Then move to the next most difficult and so on down the line,
saving the easiest topics or question types until the end. If you use the accelerated plan, you should
definitely take this approach.

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SIMULATE TEST-TAKING CONDITIONS
The five full-length practice exams in Chapter 14 can help you prepare for the experience of taking a timed, standardized test.
Taking these tests will improve your familiarity with the SAT®, reduce your number of careless errors, and increase your overall
level of confidence. To make sure that you get the most out of this practice, you should do everything in your power to simulate
actual test-taking conditions.

Find a Block of Time

Because the SAT® is administered in one long block of time, the best way to simulate test-taking conditions is to take an entire
practice exam in one sitting. This means that you should set aside 3½–4 hours of consecutive time.

If you find it difficult to find approximately 4 quiet hours at home, maybe take the test in the library. If you decide to take a test
at home, take precautions. Let your friends know you are taking a practice test, put your phone in another room, and convince
siblings to stay out of your room. Easier said than done, right? Although infrequent interruptions won’t completely invalidate
your testing experience, you should try to avoid them.

Work at a Desk and Wear a Watch

Don’t take a practice test while you are lounging on your bed. After all, the SAT® proctors won’t let you take the test lying down!
Clear off sufficient space on a desk or table to work comfortably. Wear a watch to properly administer the sections under timed
conditions. Or use a timer. The time for each section is marked on the section, so check the beginning of each section and set
your timer or your watch for that amount of time.

You are not allowed to explore other sections on the test while you are supposed to be working on a particular one. So when you
take your practice tests, don’t look ahead or back. Take the full time to complete each section. 29
Chapter 1
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to resist the temptation to check the answer keys All About
during the practice tests, cover them up before you take a test. Don’t allow yourself to become the SAT®
dependent upon a sneak look now and then. You won’t have answer keys available on test
day, and the main purpose of the practice tests is to prepare you for the real experience.

Practice on a Weekend Morning

Since the SAT® is typically administered at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday (or Sunday for religious observers), why not take the practice test
at the exact same time on a weekend morning? You should be most energetic in the morning anyway. If you are not a morning
person, now is a good time to become one since that’s when you’ll have to take the actual SAT®! When you take the practice test,
allow yourself two breaks. Give yourself a 5-minute break after Section 2: Writing and Language Test to run to the bathroom, eat
a snack, and re-sharpen your pencils. You can take another 5-minute break after Section 4: Math Test—Calculator.

Remember that your goal is to take these practice tests in as true an environment as possible so that you’re prepared to take the
real SAT®. You will be accustomed to sitting for a long period of time, but you will get two breaks. This knowledge will make you
considerably less anxious on test day.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 The following table puts all of the SAT® section times in a one-stop format, so you can refer to it often when planning your SAT®
study time.

Section Number of Questions Time Allowed

Reading 52 65 minutes

Writing and Language 44 35 minutes

Math Test—No Calculator 20 25 minutes

Math Test—Calculator 38 55 minutes

Essay -- 50 minutes

One Third of the Way Through Your Study

When you are approximately one third of the way through your plan of study—this can be after ten days or a month—it’s time
to take one of the practice tests. When you have finished scoring and reading the answer explanations, compare your scores with
your original diagnostic scores. Hopefully, you’re doing better. But if you’re not, don’t panic. At this point in test preparation, it’s
not unusual to score about the same as you did at the beginning.

What’s more important than what you scored is how you took the practice test. Did you really use the test-taking strategies to
which you’ve been introduced? If you didn’t, go back to the strategy chapters and either reread them, if you are doing the com-
plete plan, or at least reread the summaries, if you are on the accelerated plan. Then continue your review. Read more review
chapters and complete the exercises.

30
Two Thirds of the Way Through Your Study
Chapter 1 After you have worked through most of the review chapters (under the complete plan) or all of the material relating to your
All About areas of weakness (under the accelerated plan), it’s time to take another practice test. By now, you should be seeing some real
the SAT®
improvement in your scores. If you are still having trouble with certain topics, review the problematic material again.

The Home Stretch

For the most part, the last phase of study should involve less learning and more practice. Take more practice tests! By now, you
probably understand how to take the exam. What you need is more practice taking the test under simulated test-day conditions
to work on your pacing and test-taking strategies.

When you take additional practice exams, be sure to do so in a near-test environment. Keep analyzing your scores to ensure that
all of this practice is working. Determine which areas need additional work. If you skipped over any of the review chapters in this
book, go back and use the exercises to improve your skills.

The Final Week

One last word of advice: No matter which study plan you select, you should probably take one full, timed practice SAT® the week
before you take the actual SAT®. This will get you ready for the big day. But don’t take the practice test the day before the real
exam. That’s a time when you should be relaxing, not cramming.

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THE NIGHT BEFORE AND DAY OF THE EXAM 
If you follow the guidelines in this book, you will be extremely well prepared. You will know the format inside and out; you will
know how to approach every type of question; you will have worked hard to strengthen your weak areas; and you will have taken
multiple practice tests under simulated testing conditions. The last 24 hours before the SAT® exam is not the time to cram—it’s
actually the time to relax. Remember that the SAT® is primarily a test of how you think, not what you know. So last-minute
cramming can be more confusing than illuminating.

In the morning, take a shower to wake up and then eat a sensible breakfast. If you are a person who usually eats breakfast, you
should probably eat your customary meal. If you don’t usually eat breakfast, don’t gorge yourself on test day, because it will be
a shock to your system. Eat something light (like a granola bar and a piece of fruit) and pack that snack.

Test Day Checklist

On the night before the big day, find a diversion to keep yourself from obsessing about the SAT®. Maybe stay home
and watch some of your favorite television shows. Or go out to an early movie. Do whatever is best for you. Just
make sure you get plenty of sleep.

You should also lay out the following items before you go to bed:

Test ticket
NOTE: Make sure you allow enough time to arrive at the
A cceptable photo ID test site at least 15 minutes before the 8 a.m. arrival time.
You don’t want to raise your level of anxiety by having to
S harp pencils with erasers
rush to get there.
P ermissible calculator

S nack and bottle of water

31
A  sweater or sweatshirt in case of cooler test center conditions (optional) Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 TOP 10 STRATEGIES TO RAISE YOUR SCORE
When it comes to taking the SAT®, some test-taking skills will do you more good than others. There are concepts you can
learn and techniques you can follow that will help you do your best. Here’s our pick for the top 10 strategies to raise your
score:

1. Create a study plan and follow it. The right SAT® study plan will help you get the most out of this book in whatever time
you have.
2. Don’t get stuck on any one question. Since you have a specific amount of time to answer questions, you can’t afford
to spend too much time on any one problem.
3. Learn the directions in advance. If you already know the directions, you won’t have to waste your time reading them.
You’ll be able to jump right in and start answering questions as soon as the testing clock begins.
4. If you choose to take the essay portion of the test, it’s important to develop your ideas and express them clearly, using
examples to back them up. Your essay doesn’t have to be grammatically perfect, but it does have to be focused and
organized, and it should explain how the author develops his or her argument.
5. For the Writing and Language Test multiple-choice questions, think about the simplest, clearest way to express an
idea. If an answer choice sounds awkward or overly complicated, chances are good that it’s wrong.
6. For relevant words in context, be sure to read the sentences around the word carefully. The SAT® is no longer testing
obscure words but instead is focusing on defining words in the context of a passage.
7. For Evidence-Based Reading Test questions, first skim the passage to see what it’s about. Look for the main ideas, and
then tackle the questions that direct you straight to the answer by referring you to a specific line in the passage. Then
work on the detailed questions that require a closer reading of the passage.
8. For the math multiple-choice questions, it can help if you know how to approach the problems. If you’re stuck, try

32 substituting numbers for variables. You can also try plugging in numbers from the answer choices. Start with one of
the middle numbers. That way, if it doesn’t work, you can strategically choose one that’s higher or lower.
9. For the math grid-ins, you determine the answer and fill it into a grid. Be sure to make your best guess, even if you’re
Chapter 1
not sure.
All About
the SAT® 10. Finally, relax the night before the test. Don’t cram. Studying at the last minute will only stress you out. Go to a movie
or hang out with a friend—anything to get your mind off the test!

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SUMMING IT UP
•  Learning the question types is the best way to prepare for the SAT® exam. Knowing the test format and question types will
relieve test anxiety, because you’ll know exactly what to expect on test day.

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: The answer to every question will be either directly stated or implied in the
passage.
2. Standard Written English: These question sets test your ability to spot and correct grammatical errors, usage problems,
and wordiness. You will also be expected to answer questions to improve the development and organization of a par-
ticular paragraph or the passage as a whole.
3. Multiple-Choice Math: A set of reference formulas is given at the beginning of each math section, so you don’t have
to worry about forgetting an important formula.
4. Grid-ins: You have to calculate the answer and then fill in circles on the grids provided on the answer sheet. Only the
circles count, so fill in each one correctly.
5. Essay (Optional): You will have 50 minutes to write your essay, which tests reading, analysis, and writing skills. You will
be asked to produce a written analysis of a provided source text. You will need to explain how the author has effectively
built an argument to persuade his or her audience. The readers are trained to evaluate the essays as first drafts, not
polished final products.

•  When you take a full practice examination, try to simulate test-taking conditions:
ºº You’ll need to set aside approximately 4 quiet hours.

ºº Work at a desk and wear a watch.

ºº Cover the answers before you start the test.

ºº Whenever possible, take the full practice tests on weekend mornings.

•  You may use a calculator on the SAT®, but only in one math section. For some questions, you will need to decide if the
calculator will help you or slow you down. 33
•  Every SAT® exam question is worth 1 point, whether it is an easy question or a difficult one. So nail the easier questions—and
quickly accumulate points. Chapter 1
•  Fill in the answer circles cleanly and completely, or you won’t get credit for your answers. All About
the SAT®
•  Random guessing will have little effect on your score, but educated guessing can boost your score.
•  Pace yourself and move through the test relatively quickly.
•  Relax the evening before the SAT®, but also be sure you’re prepared.
ºº Assemble the supplies you will need for the test.

ºº Pick out what you’ll wear and remember to layer your clothes.

ºº Be sure your calculator has fresh batteries.

•  On the morning of the exam, eat breakfast, pack your snack, and leave for the test site in plenty of time to get there at least
15 minutes before the start time.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More?

Access more practice questions, valuable lessons, helpful tips, and expert strategies from the following introductory lessons about
the SAT® in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  About the SAT®

•  Demystifying the SAT®
•  Scoring
To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

34
Chapter 1
All About
the SAT®

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part ii: the diagnostic test

Chapter 2: The Diagnostic Test

 Chapter 2:
The Diagnostic Test
OVERVIEW
Introduction to the Diagnostic Test
Answer Sheets
Section 1: Reading Test
Section 2: Writing and Language Test
Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator
Section 4: Math Test—Calculator
Section 5: Essay
Answer Keys and Explanations
Computing Your Scores

INTRODUCTION TO THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Before you begin preparing for the SAT® exam, it’s important to know your strengths and the areas where you need improvement.
37
If you find the questions for the Reading Test easy, for example, it would be a mistake to spend hours practicing them. Taking the
Diagnostic Test in this chapter and then working out your scores will help you determine how you should apportion your study time. Chapter 2

The
Preparing To Take the Diagnostic Test Diagnostic
Test
If possible, take the Diagnostic Test in one sitting. Give yourself at least 4 hours to complete it. The actual test is 3 hours and 45
minutes, and you’ll be allowed to take three short breaks—you may even want to have some healthy snacks nearby for a quick break
you’ll want to take. Simulating the test this way will give you an idea of how long the sections are and how it feels to take the entire
test. You will also get a sense of how long you can spend on each question in each section, so you can begin to work out a pacing
schedule for yourself.

First, assemble all the things you will need to take the test. These include:

•  No. 2 pencils, at least three

•  A calculator with fresh batteries
•  A timer
•  The answer sheets and the lined paper for the essay—provided on the following pages

Set a timer for the time specified for each section, which is noted at the top of the first page of each test section. Stick to that time,
so you are simulating the real test. At this point, it’s as important to know how many questions you can answer in the time allotted
as it is to answer questions correctly. Good luck!

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

Section 1: Reading Test

1. 12. 23. 33. 43.

2. 13. 24. 34. 44.

3. 14. 25. 35. 45.

4. 15. 26. 36. 46.

5. 16. 27. 37. 47.

6. 17. 28. 38. 48.

7. 18. 29. 39. 49.

8. 19. 30. 40. 50.

9. 20. 31. 41. 51.

10. 21. 32. 42. 52.

11. 22.

Section 2: Writing and Language Test

1. 10. 19. 28. 37.

2. 11. 20. 29. 38.

3. 12. 21. 30. 39.

4. 13. 22. 31. 40.

5. 14. 23. 32. 41.

6. 15. 24. 33. 42.

7. 16. 25. 34. 43.

8. 17. 26. 35. 44.

9. 18. 27. 36.

Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator

1. 4. 7. 10. 13.

2. 5. 8. 11. 14.

3. 6. 9. 12. 15.

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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator

16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
/ / / / / / / / / /
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Section 4: Math Test—Calculator

1. 7. 13. 19. 25.

2. 8. 14. 20. 26.

3. 9. 15. 21. 27.

4. 10. 16. 22. 28.

5. 11. 17. 23. 29.

6. 12. 18. 24. 30.

31. 32. 33. 34. 35.

/ / / / / / / / / /
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

36. 37. 38.

/ / / / / /
. . . . . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

  40
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 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

Section 5: Essay
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

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 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test—Answer Sheet

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 Diagnostic Test

SECTION 1: READING TEST

65 Minutes—52 Questions

TURN TO SECTION 1 OF YOUR ANSWER SHEET TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.

DIRECTIONS: Each passage (or pair of passages) in this section is followed by a number of multiple-choice questions. After
reading each passage, select the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages
and in any supplementary material, such as a table, graph, chart, or photograph.

Questions 1–10 are based on the following passage. every Bee tree it meets with, Bears being, as you well

Diagnostic Test — reading

know, expert at this operation. You also know that they
John James Audubon (1785–1851) is known primarily for his bird are good climbers, and may have been told, or at least
studies, but as this passage from Ornithological Biography shows, may now be told, that the Black Bear now and then
he wrote about the behavior of other animals as well. 35 houses itself in the hollow trunks of the larger trees for
weeks together, when it is said to suck its paws. You
Black Bear
are probably not aware of a habit in which it indulges,
The Black Bear (Ursus americanus), however clumsy and which, being curious, must be interesting to you.
in appearance, is active, vigilant, and persevering; At one season, the Black Bear may be seen examining
possesses great strength, courage, and address; and 40 the lower part of the trunk of a tree for several minutes
Line undergoes with little injury the greatest fatigues and with much attention, at the same time looking around,
5 hardships in avoiding the pursuit of the hunter. Like the and snuffing the air, to assure itself that no enemy is
Deer, it changes its haunts with the seasons, and for the near. It then raises itself on its hind legs, approaches
same reason, namely, the desire of obtaining suitable the trunk, embraces it with its forelegs, and scratches
food, or of retiring to the more inaccessible parts, where 45 the bark with its teeth and claws for several minutes
it can pass the time in security, unobserved by man, in continuance. Its jaws clash against each other, until
10 the most dangerous of its enemies. During the spring a mass of foam runs down both sides of the mouth.
months, it searches for food in the low rich alluvial lands After this it continues its rambles. In various portions
that border the rivers, or by the margins of such inland of our country, many of our woodsmen and hunters
lakes as, on account of their small size, are called by us 50 who have seen the Bear performing the singular oper-
ponds. There it procures abundance of succulent roots, ation just described, imagine that it does so for the
15 and of the tender juicy stems of plants, on which it chiefly purpose of leaving behind an indication of its size and
feeds at that season. During the summer heat, it enters power. They measure the height at which the scratches
the gloomy swamps, passes much of its time wallowing are made, and in this manner, can, in fact, form an
in the mud, like a hog, and contents itself with crayfish, 55 estimate of the magnitude of the individual. My own
roots, and nettles, now and then, when hard pressed opinion, however, is different. It seems to me that the
20 by hunger, seizing on a young pig, or perhaps a sow, or Bear scratches on the trees, not for the purpose of
even a calf. As soon as the different kinds of berries which showing its size or its strength, but merely for that of
grow on the mountain begin to ripen, the Bears betake sharpening its teeth and claws, to enable it better to
themselves to the high grounds, followed by their cubs. 60 encounter a rival of its own species during the amatory
In such retired parts of the country where there are no season. The Wild Boar of Europe clashes its tusks and
25 hilly grounds, it pays visits to the maize fields, which scrapes the earth with its feet, and the Deer rubs its
it ravages for a while. After this, the various species of antlers against the lower part of the stems of young
nuts, acorns, grapes, and other forest fruits, that form trees or bushes, for the same purpose.
what in the western country is called mast, attract its
attention. The Bear is then seen rambling singly through
30 the woods to gather this harvest, not forgetting to rob

CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

1 As used in line 3, “address” refers to 6 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
to the previous question?
A. habitat.
A. Lines 16–17 (“During . . . swamps”)
B. anxiety.
B. Lines 17–18 (“passes . . . mud”)
C. skill. C. Lines 19–20 (“now and . . . hunger”)
D. direction. D. Lines 20–21 (“seizing on . . . calf.”)

2 What is the most likely reason that Audubon wrote about 7 According to Audubon, how are the claws of the black bear
the black bear? like the tusks of the wild boar?

A. He wanted to provide more information about A. Both are parts of the body that warn other animals
another animal to his readers. that they are predators.
B. Both animals use these parts of their bodies to
B. He was fascinated by mammals.
forage for crayfish and roots.
C. He wanted to prove he had interests other than birds.
C. Both animals use these body parts to defend
D. He wanted to show the commonalities in themselves from human predators.
behavioral patterns of bears and birds. D. Both are parts of the body that the animal sharpens
to better compete for a mate.
3 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
to the previous question? 8 The fact that Audubon calls man the bear’s “most danger-
ous” enemy (line 10) indicates that he
A. Lines 5–6 (“Like the deer, . . . obtaining suitable
food . . .”) A. is a hunter himself.

B. Lines 29–32 (“The Bear is then seen . . . this B. has some sympathy for hunted bears.
operation.”) C. does not believe that bears are dangerous.

C. Lines 36–38 (“You are probably . . . interesting to you.”) D. thinks bears are more dangerous than people.

D. Lines 55–59 (“My own opinion . . . teeth and claws”)

9 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
to the previous question?
4 Huntsmen and woodsmen claim that the bear scratches
tree bark with its teeth and claws to A. Lines 5–6 (“Like the Deer . . . seasons”)
B. Lines 6–8 (“for the same . . . food”)
A. sharpen its teeth.
C. Line 8 (“retiring . . . parts”)
B. mark the tree for winter hibernation. D. Lines 9–10 (“man, . . . enemies.”)
C. ward off potential predators by showing its size.
10 The author indicates that he believes that the reader
D. mark the tree so that other animals can’t harvest its
nuts and acorns.
A. knows absolutely nothing about bears.

5 What is the main rhetorical effect of the author’s descrip- B. already has some knowledge of bears.
tion of how black bears behave in swamps, lines 16–21? C. needs help overcoming a fear of bears.

A. To show that the bear is an exceptional predator D. believes bears can climb trees as well as apes.

B. To explain why humans might want to hunt bears

C. To impress the reader with how varied a bear’s

diet is

D. To create an image of a bear placidly foraging for

food
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 Diagnostic Test

Questions 11–21 are based on the following ploughman and a professor. The former will decide it
passage and supplementary material. as well, and often better than the latter, because he has
not been led astray by artificial rules.
Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1787 to his nephew, Peter Carr, a student *George Wythe, a well-respected scholar, the first American
at the College of William and Mary. law professor, and one of the signatories of the Declaration of
Independence, became an important teacher and mentor to
Paris, August 10, 1787 Thomas Jefferson.

Dear Peter, I have received your two letters of

December 30 and April 18 and am very happy to find by 11 What is the best description of Mr. Wythe and his relation-
Line them, as well as by letters from Mr. Wythe,* that you have ship to the Jefferson family?
5 been so fortunate as to attract his notice and good will: I
am sure you will find this to have been one of the more A. Teacher
fortunate events of your life, as I have ever been sensible B. Cousin
it was of mine. I enclose you a sketch of the sciences to
which I would wish you to apply in such order as Mr. Wythe C. Family friend
10 shall advise: I mention also the books in them worth your D. Public servant
reading, which submit to his correction. Many of these
are among your father’s books, which you should have
12 What is the purpose of Jefferson’s letter to his nephew?
brought to you. As I do not recollect those of them not in
his library, you must write to me for them, making out a
A. To advise him about his education
15 catalogue of such as you think you shall have occasion for
in 18 months from the date of your letter, and consulting B. To advise him about leading a moral life
Mr. Wythe on the subject. To this sketch I will add a few
C. To make sure he will learn a second language
particular observations.
D. To keep in touch with his family while abroad
1. Italian. I fear the learning of this language will
20 confound your French and Spanish. Being all of them
13 What does Jefferson suggest his reader do about studying
degenerated dialects of the Latin, they are apt to mix in
conversation. I have never seen a person speaking the the Italian language?
three languages who did not mix them. It is a delightful
A. Ignore it to pursue Spanish instead
language, but late events having rendered the Spanish
25 more useful, lay it aside to prosecute that. B. Ignore it to study French instead
2. Spanish. Bestow great attention on this, and C. Use it as a building block to studying Spanish
endeavor to acquire an accurate knowledge of it. Our
D. Use it in conversation with Spanish people
future connections with Spain and Spanish America will
render that language a valuable acquisition. The ancient
30 history of a great part of America too is written in that 14 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
language. I send you a dictionary. to the previous question?

3. Moral philosophy. I think it lost time to attend A. Lines 19–20 (“I fear . . . Spanish.”)
lectures in this branch. He who made us would have been
a pitiful bungler if he had made the rules of our moral B. Lines 20–22 (“Being all . . . conversation.”)
35 conduct a matter of science. For one man of science, there C. Lines 22–23 (“I have . . . mix them.”)
are thousands who are not. What would have become of
them? Man was destined for society. His morality therefore D. Lines 23–25 (“It is a . . . prosecute that.”)
was to be formed to this object. He was endowed with a
sense of right and wrong merely relative to this. This sense
40 is as much a part of his nature as the sense of hearing,
seeing, feeling; it is the true foundation of morality. . . .The
moral sense, or conscience, is as much a part of man as
his leg or arm. It is given to all human beings in a stronger
or weaker degree, as force of members is given them
45 in a greater or less degree. .  .  . State a moral case to a
CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

15 In lines 42–43, Jefferson compares conscience to a physical 18 Jefferson tells his nephew to lay Italian aside because it is
limb of the body to show
A. a degenerated dialect.
A. that it is natural and present in all human beings. B. not necessary since he already knows French.

B. how easily we take it for granted. C. not useful to be multilingual.

D. too easy to get it mixed up with Spanish.
C. that without it, humans are powerless.

D. how mental and physical states are integrated. 19 Which of the following best summarizes Jefferson’s overall
view of morality?
16 Based on the passage, what country does Jefferson think
will most closely align with the newly independent colo- A. Morality is a science that can be taught by professors
nies in the future? and scholars.
B. Moral philosophy is self-taught.
A. England
C. A sense of morality is part of human nature.
B. France
D. Humans are moral beings who need rules to guide
C. Italy their behavior.
D. Spain

17 By “lost time” (line 32), Jefferson means

A. wasted time.
B. the past.
C. missing time.
D. youth.
Three Generations of the Jefferson Family

Peter Jefferson (b: 1708; d: 1757) - [spouse] Jane Randolph (b: 1721; d: 1776)
[children: 10]

Thomas (1743 - 1826) - [spouse] Martha Wales (1748 - 1782) Martha (1746 - 1811) - [spouse] Dabney Carr (1743 - 1773)

[children: 6] [children: 6]

(others died before reaching adulthood)

Martha (b: 1772; d: 1836) Mary (b: 1778; d: 1782) Peter (b: 1770; d: 1815)

20 Based on information in the family tree, Peter may have 21 Which of the following best describes the tone of Jeffer-
relied on advice from his uncle Thomas because Peter son’s letter to his nephew?

A. considered Thomas to be a better parental figure A. Invested and warm

than his father was. B. Anxious and worried

B. did not receive reliable advice from his own mother. C. Objective and matter-of-fact
D. Distant and preoccupied
C. did not have a father, and his mother was busy with
her 5 other children.

D. wanted the best education so he could help take

care of his 5 siblings.

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 Diagnostic Test

Questions 22–32 are based on the following passage 45 Once plastics have been consumed, laboratory tests
and supplementary material. show that chemical additives and adsorbed pollutants and
metals on their surface can desorb (leach out) and transfer
This excerpt is from the article “New Link in the Food Chain? Marine into the guts and tissues of marine organisms. . . .
Plastic Pollution and Seafood Safety,” by Nate Seltenrich. It has been
reproduced from the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Research has shown that harmful and persistent
50 substances can both bioaccumulate (or increase in
World plastics production has experienced almost concentration as exposures persist) and biomagnify (or
constant growth for more than half a century, rising from increase in concentration at higher trophic levels) within
approximately 1.9 tons in 1950 to approximately 330 organisms as they assume some of the chemical burden
Line million tons in 2013. The World Bank estimates that 1.4 of their prey or environment. Yet again, no research has yet
5 billion tons of trash are generated globally each year, 55 demonstrated the bioaccumulation of sorbed pollutants
10% of it plastic. The International Maritime Organization in the environment.
has banned the dumping of plastic waste (and most Three key questions remain to be determined. To
other garbage) at sea. However, an unknown portion of what extent do plastics transfer pollutants and additives to
the plastic produced each year escapes into the envi- organisms upon ingestion? What contribution are plastics
10 ronment—instead of being landfilled, incinerated, or
60 making to the contaminant burden in organisms above
recycled—and at least some of it eventually makes its way and beyond their exposures through water, sediments, and
to sea. food? And, finally, what proportion of humans’ exposure
Plastics that reach the ocean will gradually break to plastic ingredients and environmental pollutants occurs
down into ever-smaller pieces due to sunlight exposure, through seafood? Researchers are moving carefully in the
15 oxidation, and the physical action of waves, currents, and 65 direction of answers to these questions. . . .
grazing by fish and birds. So-called microplastics—variably New laws .  .  . could require handling plastics more
defined in the scientific literature and popular press as responsibly at the end of their useful life through recycling,
smaller than 1 or 5 mm in diameter—are understood to proper disposal, and extended producer responsibility.
be the most abundant type of plastic in the ocean. The 5
20 Gyres’ authors* found microplastics almost everywhere Rolf Halden, director of the Center for Environmental
they sampled, from near-shore environments to the open 70 Security at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State Uni-

ocean, in varying concentrations, and they estimated versity, advocates for another solution: manufacturing
that particles 4.75 mm or smaller—about the size of a more sustainable plastics from the start. “We need to
lentil—made up roughly 90% of the total plastic pieces design the next generation of plastics to make them more
25 they collected. biodegradable so that they don’t have a long half-life,
75 they don’t accumulate in the oceans, and they don’t have
But the degradation of larger pieces of plastic is not the opportunity to collect chemicals long-term,” he says.
the only way microplastics end up in the ocean. Nurdles— “There’s just no way we can shield people from all expo-
the plastic pellets used as a feedstock for producing sures that could occur. Let’s design safer chemicals and
plastic goods—can spill from ships or land-based sources, make the whole problem moot.”
30 and “microbeads” used as scrubbing agents in personal
*The 5 Gyres Institute addresses plastic pollution in the ocean.
care products such as skin cleansers, toothpastes, and
shampoos, can escape water-treatment facilities and pass
into water-sheds with treated water. (In June 2014, Illinois 22 According to the passage, plastic is
became the first US state to ban the manufacture and
35 sale of products containing microbeads, which have been A. wasted more than any other material.
documented in the Great Lakes and Chicago’s North Shore B. responsible for a massive amount of waste.
Channel.)
C. not being produced as much as it once was.
Marine organisms throughout the food chain
commonly consume plastics of various sizes. The tiniest D. the single most dangerous material to the planet.
40 microplastics are small enough to be mistaken for food by
zooplankton, allowing them to enter the food chain at very
low trophic levels. Some larger predators are thought to
confuse nurdles (which typically measure less than 5 mm
in diameter) with fish eggs or other food sources.
CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

23 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer 25 What solution does Rolf Halden support to decrease the
to the previous question? effects of pollution from plastics on humans?

A. Lines 1–2 (“World . . . century”) A. Passing laws to mandate more rigorous recycling

B. Lines 4–6 (“The World . . . it plastic.”) B. Developing plastics that are biodegradable

C. Lines 6–8 (“The International . . . at sea.”) C. Making plastics that are safe to ingest

D. Lines 8–10 (“However . . . environment”) D. Banning the production of new plastic products

24 Which best describes the overall tone of the article? 26 This article was most likely written to

A. Neutral and scientific A. offer a theory about why the environment is in

danger.
B. Emotional and persuasive
B. inform the public of the problems of plastic in the
C. Personal and human
ocean.
D. Subjective and opinionated
C. start a movement to halt all plastic production.

D. inspire readers to clean up the oceans personally.

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 Diagnostic Test

27 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer 30 Which of the following words would be most helpful in
to the previous question? figuring out the meaning of the word “adsorbed” (line 46)?

A. Lines 45–48 (“Once plastics . . . organisms . . . ”) A. Absolve

B. Lines 49–51 (“Research . . . biomagnify”) B. Adhere

C. Lines 54–56 (“Yet again . . . environment.”) C. Absorb

D. Line 57 (“Three key . . . determined.”) D. Sorbet

28 Based on the passage, which of the following statements 31 One of the questions the author raises in lines 57–65 deals
is true? with

A. The percentage of plastic being recycled has A. how much plastic waste from the oceans people
increased by over 300 percent in the past 60 years. might be ingesting.

B. Microplastics are the most common type of plastic B. how sea creatures happen to ingest plastic waste in
found in the ocean. the oceans.

C. Plastic breaks down into smaller pieces in the C. what kinds of plastic waste can be found in the
ocean, making it less dangerous to marine oceans.
organisms.
D. why people are so careless about dumping plastic
D. Harmful nurdles leak into the environment from waste into the oceans.
shampoo.
32 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
29 Why did Illinois ban the sale of certain personal care to the previous question?
products?
A. Lines 57–59 (“To what . . . ingestion?”)
A. Residues from the products were ending up in the
B. Lines 59–62 (“What contribution . . . food?”)
ocean.
C. Lines 62–64 (“And, finally . . . seafood?”)
B. The containers couldn’t be recycled.
D. Line 64–65 (“Researchers . . . questions . . . ”)
C. The products were determined to be carcinogenic.

D. The products contained microbeads that were

getting into the water system.

CONTINUE
  51
Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

Questions 33–42 are based on the following passage. ground; so I said the prayer I had been taught, and
dropped my tobacco and red feathers into the opening
Angel Decora was born Hinookmahiwikilinaka on the Winnebago that nature itself had created.
Reservation in Nebraska in 1871. She worked as a book illustrator,
No sooner was the sacrifice accomplished than a
particularly on books by and about Native Americans, and lectured
45 feeling of doubt and fear thrilled me. What if my offering
and wrote about Indian art. The story from which this excerpt is
should never reach the earth? Would my little sister die?
taken, “The Sick Child,” may be autobiographical.
Not till I turned homeward did I realize how cold I
It was about sunset when I, a little child, was sent was. When at last I reached the house they took me in
with a handful of powdered tobacco leaves and red and warmed me, but did not question me, and I said
feathers to make an offering to the spirit who had caused 50 nothing. Everyone was sad, for the little one had grown
Line the sickness of my little sister. It had been a long, hard worse.
5 winter, and the snow lay deep on the prairie as far as
The next day the medicine woman said my little
the eye could reach. The medicine-woman’s directions
sister was beyond hope; she could not live. Then bitter
had been that the offering must be laid upon the naked
remorse was mine, for I thought I had been unfaithful,
earth, and that to find it I must face toward the setting
55 and therefore my little sister was to be called to the
sun.
spirit-land. I was a silent child, and did not utter my
10 I was taught the prayer: “Spirit grandfather, I offer feelings; my remorse was intense.
this to thee. I pray thee restore my little sister to health.”
My parents would not listen to what the medi-
Full of reverence and a strong faith that I could appease
cine-woman had said, but clung to hope. As soon as
the anger of the spirit, I started out to plead for the life
60 she had gone, they sent for a medicine-man who lived
of our little one.
many miles away.
15 But now where was a spot of earth to be found in
He arrived about dark. He was a large man, with
all that white monotony? They had talked of death at
a sad, gentle face. His presence had always filled me
the house. I hoped that my little sister would live, but I
with awe, and that night it was especially so, for he
was afraid of nature.
65 was coming as a holy man. He entered the room where
I reached a little spring. I looked down to its pebbly the baby lay, and took a seat, hardly noticing any one.
20 bottom, wondering whether I should leave my offering There was silence saving only for the tinkling of the
there, or keep on in search of a spot of earth. If I put my little tin ornaments on his medicine-bag. He began to
offering in the water, would it reach the bottom and speak: “A soul has departed from this house, gone to the
touch the earth, or would it float away, as it had always 70 spirit-land. As I came I saw luminous vapor above the
done when I made my offering to the water spirit? house. It ascended, it grew less, it was gone on its way
to the spirit-land. It was the spirit of the little child who
25 Once more I started on in my search of the bare
is sick; she still breathes, but her spirit is beyond our
ground.
reach . . .
The surface was crusted in some places, and
walking was easy; in other places I would wade through 33 The narrator wants to place her offering correctly because
a foot or more of snow. Often I paused, thinking to clear
she
30 the snow away in some place and there lay my offering.
But no, my faith must be in nature, and I must trust to it A. will have to explain her choice to everyone else.
to lay bare the earth.
B. wants to be trusted with similar tasks in the future.
It was a hard struggle for so small a child.
C. thinks doing so will save her little sister’s life.
I went on and on; the reeds were waving their tas-
35 selled ends in the wind. I stopped and looked at them. D. is afraid of being punished if she does it incorrectly.
A reed, whirling in the wind, had formed a space round
its stem, making a loose socket. I stood looking into the
opening. The reed must be rooted in the ground, and
the hole must follow the stem to the earth. If I poured
40 my offerings into the hole, surely they must reach the

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 Diagnostic Test

34 The medicine man describes the appearance of the spirit 39 Based on the passage, which choice best describes the
of the narrator’s sister as narrator’s relationship with her parents?

A. luminous vapor. A. The parents seem to treat the narrator as if she

were an adult.
B. a tin ornament.
B. The narrator wishes her parents would give her
C. a baby.
more responsibility.
D. beyond our reach.
C. The parents love their youngest child, but not the
narrator.
35 Why didn’t the girl’s parents send for the medicine man in
the first place? D. The narrator receives warmth and validation from
her parents.
A. He was busy helping another family at the time.
40 What is the central idea in the passage?
B. He had to come from a long distance.

C. They thought the medicine woman would be able A. A Native American recalls her experience of trying
to help their daughter. to save and losing her baby sister.
D. They preferred a woman to cure their female child. B. A Native American child is called upon to make an
offering to the spirits.
36 What evidence from the text shows the girl’s dilemma in C. A Native American family struggles with illness in
following the medicine woman’s directions? the depths of winter on the Plains.

A. Lines 7–8 (“the offering . . . naked earth”) D. A Native American family uses their religious beliefs
to try to save their daughter.
B. Lines 21–23 (“If I put . . . away”)

C. Lines 27–29 (“The surface . . . of snow. ”) 41 When the girl says, “bitter remorse was mine” (lines 53–54),

D. Lines 34–35 (“I went on . . . the wind.”) she feels

A. that she is responsible for her sister’s illness.

37 Which title best expresses an important theme of the
passage? B. badly because she didn’t listen to the medicine
woman.
A. “The Medicine-Man” C. angry about being given so much responsibility.
B. “Acts of Faith” D. guilty because she feels as though she has failed
C. “Native American Culture” her sister.

D. “Walking on Snow”
42 Which of the following best describes the meaning of
“thrilled” in line 45?
38 Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer
to the previous question? A. Inspired

A. Lines 1–4 (“It was . . . little sister.”) B. Refreshed

B. Lines 12–13 (“Full of . . . spirit”) C. Frightened

C. Lines 44–45 (“No sooner . . . thrilled me.”) D. Stimulated

D. Lines 59–61 (“As soon . . . away.”)

CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

Questions 43–52 are based on the following No; I am no emissary.  . . . Sell my country’s indepen-
passages and supplementary material. dence to France! and for what? Was it a change of masters?
No, but for ambition. Oh, my country! Was it personal
Passage 1: Fanny Wright was a reformer, author, and orator, which 35 ambition that could influence me? Had it been the soul
were unusual occupations for a woman in the early nineteenth of my actions, could I not, by my education and fortune,
century. by the rank and consideration of my family, have placed
myself amongst the proudest of your oppressors? My
Passage 2: Young Robert Emmet was condemned to death for country was my idol! To it I sacrificed every selfish, every
treason after organizing a rebellion against the English in Ireland. 40 endearing sentiment; and for it I now offer up myself, O
He, too, had achieved fame as an orator, with speeches decrying God! No, my lords; I acted as an Irishman, determined
tyranny. on delivering my country from the yoke of a foreign
and unrelenting tyranny, and the more galling yoke of
PASSAGE 1 a domestic faction, which is its joint partner. . . . It was
Fanny Wright to a Fourth-of-July Audience 45 the wish of my heart to extricate my country from this
at New Harmony, Indiana (1828) double riveted despotism—I wished to place her inde-
pendence beyond the reach of any power on earth. I
In continental Europe, of late years, the words patri-
wished to exalt her to that proud station in the world.
otism and patriot have been used in a more enlarged
Connection with France was, indeed, intended, but only
sense than it is usual here to attribute to them, or than
50 as far as mutual interest would sanction or require.
Line is attached to them in Great Britain. Since the political
5 struggles of France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, the word Were the French to assume any authority incon-
patriotism has been employed, throughout continental sistent with the purest independence, it would be the
Europe, to express a love of the public good; a preference signal for their destruction . . .
for the interests of the many to those of the few; a desire I wished to prove to France and to the world that
for the emancipation of the human race from the thrall of 55 Irishmen deserved to be assisted . . . I wished to procure
10 despotism, religious and civil: in short, patriotism there is for my country the guarantee which Washington pro-
used rather to express the interest felt in the human race cured for America—to procure an aid, . . . which would
in general than that felt for any country, or inhabitants perceive the good, and polish the rough points of our
of a country, in particular. And patriot, in like manner, is character . . . These were my objects; not to receive new
employed to signify a lover of human liberty and human 60 taskmasters, hilt to expel old tyrants. And it was for these
15 improvement rather than a mere lover of the country in ends I sought aid from France . . .
which he lives, or the tribe to which he belongs. Used
in this sense, patriotism is a virtue, and a patriot is a Let no man dare, when I am dead, to charge me with
virtuous man. With such an interpretation, a patriot is a dishonor; let no man attaint my memory by believing
useful member of society capable of enlarging all minds that I could have engaged in any cause but that of my
20 and bettering all hearts with which he comes in contact; 65 country’s liberty and independence . . . The proclamation

a useful member of the human family, capable of estab- of the provisional government speaks for our views;
lishing fundamental principles and of merging his own no inference can be tortured from it to countenance
interests, those of his associates, and those of his nation barbarity or debasement at home, or subjection,
in the interests of the human race. Laurels and statues humiliation, or treachery from abroad. I would not have
25 70 submitted to a foreign oppressor, for the same reason
are vain things, and mischievous as they are childish; but
could we imagine them of use, on such a patriot alone that I would resist the foreign and domestic oppressor.
could they be with any reason bestowed.  . . . In the dignity of freedom, I would have fought upon the
threshold of my country, and its enemy should enter only
PASSAGE 2 by passing over my lifeless corpse. And am I, who lived
Robert Emmet to the Court That 75 but for my country, and who have subjected myself to
Condemned Him to Death (1803) the dangers of the jealous and watchful oppressor, and
the bondage of the grave, only to give my countrymen
I am charged with being an emissary of France. An
their rights, and my country its independence . . . —no,
emissary of France! and for what end? It is alleged that
God forbid!
30 I wish to sell the independence of my country; and for
what end? . . .

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 Diagnostic Test

43 Which of the following statements from Emmet’s speech 45 Based on the timeline, the historical events of which year
shows that he thinks he is a martyr? most likely influenced the American concept of patriotism?

A. Lines 36–38 (“could I not . . . your oppressors”) A. 1707

B. Lines 46–47 (“I wished to . . . on earth”) B. 1776

C. Lines 54–55 (“I wished to . . . to be assisted”) C. 1803

D. Lines 62–63 (“Let no man . . . with dishonor”) D. 1828

44 Which of the following of Emmet’s statements shows that 46 Based on information shown in the timeline, why might
he thinks he is a patriot? France have turned down Emmet’s request for help?

A. Line 32 (“No; . . . emissary”) A. France was in the midst of trying to restore the
monarchy in Spain.
B. Lines 34–35 (“Was it . . . influence me?”)
B. France was engaged in the drawn-out Napoleonic
C. Lines 54–55 (“I wished . . . assisted”)
Wars.
D. Lines 65–66 (“The proclamation . . . for our views”)
C. France had fought its own revolution and didn’t
want to get involved in that of another country.
Timeline
D. France was trying to keep the United States from
1707 Acts of Union between Scotland taking Louisiana.
and England create the Kingdom
of Great Britain
47 Emmet would not fit Wright’s definition of a patriot
1776–1783 American colonies declare and win because he
independence
1789 French storm the Bastille (prison), A. saw no dishonor in his actions.
fight to end French monarchy
B. wanted to free his people.
1798 Society of United Irishmen rebel
unsuccessfully against British rule C. idolized his own country above all others.
1800 British Parliament passes The Act of D. declared the court’s sentence to be unjust.
Union, abolishing the Irish parliament
1801 United Kingdom of Great Britain and 48 Which one of the following statements is true?
Ireland created
1803 United States purchases Louisiana A. Although years apart, both Wright and Emmet were
Territory from France advocating to rethink their country’s ideas about
Robert Emmet leads a rebellion in patriotism.
Dublin against the union B. Emmet was focused on freedom and independence
1803–1815 Napoleonic Wars in Europe for his own country, while Wright was focused on
(France vs. European powers) freedom and independence for all humankind.
1808–1833 Spanish wars of independence
C. Emmet loved his country more than Wright loved
1823 France invades Spain to help restore her country.
monarchy
D. Wright didn’t understand tyranny because she lived
1828 Andrew Jackson elected president of
in a democracy, while Emmet fought against
United States
tyranny.

CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

49 How does the tone of Wright’s speech compare with that 51 Which of the following fits Wright’s definition of a patriot?
of Emmet’s speech?
A. A person willing to die for his country
A. Both express anger, although in response to
B. A person who fights for improving the lives of
different causes.
others
B. Wright’s expresses a calm plea while Emmet
C. A person who enlists in the armed forces of his
expresses desperation and anger.
country
C. Emmet speaks calmly, and Wright speaks
D. A person who loves his country
passionately.

D. Both use a tone that prevents their specific 52 When the British government claims that Emmet is an
positions from being convincing. “emissary” (line 29) of France, they are accusing him of
being
50 Which of the following statements is most analogous to
Emmet’s statement: “In the dignity of freedom, I would A. an ambassador.
have fought upon the threshold of my country, and its en-
B. a spy.
emy should enter only by passing over my lifeless corpse.”
(lines 72–74) C. a minister.

D. a mercenary.
A. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently
overwhelming might of the enemy.

B. With the enemy at their back, with our bayonets at

their breasts, in the day of their distress, perhaps
the Americans would have submitted . . .

C. Give me liberty or give me death.

D. It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this section only.
Do not turn to any other section.

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 Diagnostic Test

SECTION 2: WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST

35 Minutes—44 Questions

TURN TO SECTION 2 OF YOUR ANSWER SHEET TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.

DIRECTIONS: Each passage below is accompanied by a number of multiple-choice questions. For some questions, you will
need to consider how the passage might be revised to improve the expression of ideas. Other questions will ask you to
consider how the passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage may
be accompanied by one or more graphics—such as a chart, table, or graph—that you will need to refer to in order to best
answer the question(s).

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage—it could be one word, a portion of a sentence, or the full

Diagnostic Test — writing and language

sentence itself. Other questions will direct you to a particular paragraph or to certain sentences within a paragraph, or you’ll
be asked to think about the passage as a whole. Each question number refers to the corresponding number in the passage.

After reading each passage, select the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in
the passage or that makes the passage follow the conventions of Standard Written English. Many questions include a “NO
CHANGE” option. Select that option if you think the best choice is to leave that specific portion of the passage as it is.

Questions 1–11 are based on the following passage. 1 Which choice provides the most logical introduction to
the sentence?
While most American cities must adapt to constant growth, Detroit
is undergoing change as a result of depopulation. A. NO CHANGE
B. Civic growth caused by the depression
A city of 139 square miles, with a long history of growth and
C. The improvement in living conditions
middle-class success, Detroit now faces an unusual, though D. The decrease in pollution
not entirely novel, situation for U.S. cities: depopulation. 1

Economic transformations caused by recessions, the loss of 2

manufacturing, and other factors have wreaked havoc on the A. NO CHANGE

once prosperous city, driving away its middle class and 2  it B. having left behind vast tracts of urban blight.

left behind vast tracts of urban blight. C. to leave behind vast tracts of urban blight.
D. leaving behind vast tracts of urban blight.

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

The statistics 3  are staggering—since 1950, some 60 3

percent of the population has gone elsewhere, leaving the A. NO CHANGE

city with 4  20,000 new residents. When the people left, B. are staggering since: 1950 some
thousands of businesses went with them. C. are staggering since 1950 some
D. are staggering since; 1950 some
City planners have been responding to the challenge of

depopulation. Over several years, they have studied their 4 Which choice provides information that best supports
the claim made by this sentence?
urban spaces and used varying and innovative techniques

to 5  confuse the input of some 30,000 of their residents. A. NO CHANGE

B. 100,000 vacant residences or lots
Planners have come up with what 6 she calls Detroit
C. 50,000 more middle-class residents
Future City, a vision that takes the long view and is projected
D. 30,000 homeless people
to take some fifty years to implement. Within this plan are

different strands of redevelopment, development, and—most 5

dramatically—un-development. 7  Similarly, the strategic
A. NO CHANGE
plan includes a concept not often seen in U.S. city planning:
B. belittle
downsizing, or what some prefer to call “right sizing.” C. solicit
D. return

A. NO CHANGE
B. they call
C. he calls
D. we call

A. NO CHANGE
B. In fact,
C. Nevertheless,
D. Besides,

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 Diagnostic Test

[1] One of the boldest suggestions of the plan is a basic 8

conversion of about one third of all Detroit’s urban space. [2]
A. NO CHANGE
Making the city more compact, the planners 8  reasoned, B. insisted
would save money on services and allow them to devote C. noted
more resources to a smaller total area. [3] Walking paths, D. commented

parks, ponds for rainwater collection and retention (the city’s

9 To improve the flow of this paragraph, sentence 4 should
sewage system is overburdened), sports fields, meadows,
be placed
forested areas, campgrounds, and other green space
A. where it is now.
initiatives would then gradually transform the shutdown area.
B. before sentence 1.
9  [4] The plan contained some creative and bold
C. after sentence 5.
suggestions. [5] Controversially, the plan suggests shutting
D. after sentence 6.
down services in certain areas to drive current residents

out of them and into neighborhoods being targeted 10

for strengthening. [6] The plan also calls for remaining A. NO CHANGE
neighborhoods to be 10  transformed but—not by the B. transformed—but not by the
traditional models of economic growth. [7] For example, the C. transformed but not—by the

city, if organized carefully with viable public transportation D. transformed, but not by—the

options, hopes to create jobs right where people live. In

11
part, the plan is predicated on the idea that within their
A. NO CHANGE
own various redevelopment areas, or “natural economic
B. has; namely, healthcare and education; government
zones,” people can both live and work in fields that every
and transportation, local businesses
city 11  has, namely, healthcare, education, government, C. has; namely, healthcare; education; government;
transportation, and local businesses that meet core needs, transportation; and local businesses

such as grocery stores and eating places. The plan is also D. has; namely, healthcare, education, government,
transportation; and local businesses
predicated on the idea that the well-planned urban space

generates its own economic success, as well as on the idea

that such areas will eventually draw some outside business

and industry. Debt-ridden Detroit is definitely going to

need the latter. A recent NPR report on Detroit posited that

commercial real estate taxes can make up a substantial 70

percent of the revenue for a city.

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

Questions 12–22 are based on the following passage. 12

A. NO CHANGE
In a public square on the Indonesian island of Java, dusk falls.
B. stock
Families gather; it is a festival day. Children dart around while,
C. advertise
on the edges of the square, vendors 12  hawk snacks and
D. trade
toys. A large screen, lit from behind, stands prominently in

the square. A twenty-piece percussion orchestra, or gamelan, 13 At this point, the author is considering deleting the un-
derlined sentence. Should the writer do this?
prepares to play.
A. Yes, because it inserts an irrelevant opinion.
13  The scene is traditional Java, hundreds of years ago. B. Yes, because it distracts from the main ideas of the
The performance is wayang kulit, or shadow puppetry, one paragraph.
C. No, because it provides a transition from the
of the world’s oldest storytelling 14  traditions its origins
previous paragraph to this one.
stretch back to the ancient spiritual practices of Indonesia’s
D. No, because it explains what wayang kulit is.
original inhabitants, who believed that the spirits of the

ancestors governed the living world. Ceremonial puppet plays 14

addressed the spirits, asking them to help the living. A. NO CHANGE

B. traditions and its origins stretch
Over two thousand years ago, islands such as Java, Bali, and
C. traditions, its origins stretch
Sumatra saw their first 15  Indian migrants, a nation to which D. traditions. Its origins stretch
Indonesia was linked through trade relations. In the centuries

that followed, Indian culture influenced every aspect of 15

Indonesian life. A. NO CHANGE

B. migrants from India, a nation to which Indonesia
The puppet plays reflected these cultural changes. 16  They C. Indian migrants, to which a nation Indonesia
began to depict narratives from Hindu religious texts, D. Indian migrants, a nation of people to which
including the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Serat Indonesia

Menak. Traditional Indonesian stories were blended into Hindu

16 At this point, the writer is considering adding the follow-
epics or lost altogether. Later, when Islam began to spread ing sentence.
throughout Indonesia, puppet plays again transformed.
A master of shadow puppetry is called a dalang.

Should the writer make this addition here?

A. Yes, because it provides relevant and new
information about the practice of wayang kulit.
B. Yes, because it adds an important fact to the
paragraph’s focus on shadow puppetry.
C. No, because it repeats information that has already
been given.
D. No, because it distracts from the paragraph’s focus
on cultural changes.

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 Diagnostic Test

The Islamic religion 17  prohibited the display of gods in 17

human form, so Indonesians adapted their art by making flat, A. NO CHANGE

leather puppets that cast shadows on a screen. The puppets B. discouraged
18  themselves remain unseen during the performances; C. hindered

only their shadows were visible. Wayang kulit was born. D. restricted

Java is particularly well-known for its continuation of the 18

shadow puppet tradition. 19  Performances are epic events, A. NO CHANGE

lasting all night long from sunset to sunrise with no break at B. themselves will remain unseen during the
performances
all. They take place in public spaces and are performed on
C. themselves remained unseen during the
holidays and at family celebrations. At the center is a large
performances
screen, backlit by a gas or electrical light. Behind this screen D. themselves had been remaining unseen during the
sits the dalang, or shadow master, traditionally a man. He performances

manipulates the puppets—sometimes more than a hundred

19
of them in one show—with rods, voicing and singing all of the

roles. 20 Simultaneously he directs the gamelan the large A. NO CHANGE

B. Performances are epic events, lasting from sunset to
percussive orchestra which consists of percussive instruments
sunrise with no break.
some of which are mallets.
C. Performances are epic events, lasting all night long
from sunset to sunrise without taking a break.
D. Performances are epic events, lasting all night.

20

A. NO CHANGE
B. Simultaneously he directs, the gamelan the large,
percussive orchestra which consists of percussive,
instruments some of which are mallets.
C. Simultaneously, he directs the gamelan—the large
percussive orchestra, which consists of percussive
instruments, some of which are mallets.
D. Simultaneously, he directs, the gamelan, the large,
percussive orchestra, which consists, of percussive
instruments, some of which, are mallets.

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

Each puppet is carefully crafted, a flat figure that is perforated 21

to project a detailed shadow. Artists begin creating a puppet
A. NO CHANGE
by tracing the outline of a paper model on leather. The leather B. to manipulate his parts
figure is painstakingly smoothed and treated before being C. to manipulate its parts
passed onto another craftsperson, who paints it. Then, the D. to manipulate her parts

puppet’s moving parts—the arms and hands—are added,

22
along with the sticks used 21  to manipulate their parts.

These puppets follow an established set of conventions: evil A. NO CHANGE

characters have grotesque faces, while noble ones have more B. that
C. than
refined features. They are highly stylized caricatures, rather
D. this
22 then realistic figures.

Questions 23–33 are based on the following passage

and supplementary material.

Water issues are hardly unknown to the American Southwest, but

they have recently taken on a new urgency.

23  The arid climate and limited water resources of the 23 Which of the following sentences would make the most
effective introductory sentence to this passage?
American Southwest 24   has always influenced the peoples

of the region. The Anasazi, ancient people of some of the A. Consider a vacation to the American Southwest!
B. What do you know about the majestic American
most inhospitable areas of the Southwest, made a series of
Southwest?
accommodations to 25  they’re hot, arid environment by
C. The Anasazi are the original people who inhabited
means of adaptive agricultural practices, cliff-side residences, the American Southwest.
and elaborate catchment systems. D. There’s a serious problem occurring in the American
Southwest.

24

A. NO CHANGE
B. had always influence
C. have always influenced
D. is always influenced

25

A. NO CHANGE
B. their hot, arid environment
C. there hot, arid environment
D. its hot, arid environment

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 Diagnostic Test

Today, the American Southwest, simplistically defined in this 26 Which choice most effectively combines the sentences at
document as encompassing all of Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, the underlined portion?

Arizona, and California, is the country’s fastest-growing A. region, but it is home

26  region. It is home to more than 50 million people who B. region; home

are the source of ever-increasing water demands. Yet, the C. region it is home
D. region, home
region is dependent for its water on just two river systems,

the Colorado and the Rio Grande, of which the former is

27
unequivocally the primary.
A. NO CHANGE

The Colorado supplies water to some 38 million users and B. California. However,
C. California? However,
irrigates some 300 million acres of farmland, much of it in
D. California, however,
27  California! However, the mighty Colorado’s flow was
apportioned almost one hundred years ago to include not just 28
the southwestern United States but also Mexico. It was also
A. NO CHANGE
apportioned according to a volume that simply does not exist
B. hoped
in current years; for example, in the years 2001–2006, river
C. desired
water that had been 28  projected to flow versus river water D. thought
that did flow came up a staggering 34 percent short.
29 At this point, the writer is considering deleting this
In 2014, the U.S. Department of the Interior warned that the sentence. Should the writer do this?

Colorado River basin area “is in the midst of a fourteen-year A. Yes, because it repeats information that has already
drought nearly unrivaled in 1,250 years.” 29  It further been presented in the passage.
B. Yes, because it blurs the paragraph’s focus by
noted that the river’s two major reservoirs, Lake Powell and
introducing a new idea.
Lake Mead—the once-massive backup systems for years
C. No, because it illustrates the severity of drought
in which drought occurs—were, alarmingly, more than 50 conditions with a specific example.
percent depleted. 30  Equally dire, and possibly, more D. No, because it introduces the argument that the
Southwest’s water supply is drying up.
alarming, predictions came out of a recent study, cited in

the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the

30
United States, that suggested a 50 percent chance of Lakes
A. NO CHANGE
Powell and Mead reaching a level so low that they become
B. Equally dire, and possibly more alarming,
inoperable by the 2020s. 31  For all intensive purposes, the
C. Equally dire and possibly more alarming
Southwest’s water supply is drying up. D. Equally dire and, possibly more alarming,

31

A. NO CHANGE
B. For all intentional purposes,
C. For all intents and purposes,
D. For all intended purposes,

CONTINUE
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Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

32  Compounding the problems of drought, increasing 32

population, and an overly optimistic historical assessment A. NO CHANGE

of water resources are problems related to climate change. B. Escalating
For example, between 2000 and 2014, the 33 highest air C. Inflating

temperatures in much of the Southwest rose as much as  2 D. Exaggerating

degrees, increasing the negative effects of evapotranspiration,

33 Which choice makes appropriate and effective use of the
the evaporation of water from the soil. Finally, climate change
data in the accompanying map?
and drought are leading to the greater prevalence and
A. NO CHANGE
intensity of fires, including so-called “super fires,” a result,
B. lowest air temperatures
in part, of the beetle infestations and dying trees that are
C. hottest water temperature
weakened by the lack of water. D. average air temperatures

Average Temperatures in the Southwestern United States 2000–2014 Versus Long-Term Average

This map shows how the average air temperature from 2000 to 2014 has differed from the long-term average (1895–2014). To provide
more detailed information, each state has been divided into climate divisions, which are zones that share similar climate features.

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 Diagnostic Test

Questions 34–44 are based on the following passage. 34 Which choice most effectively establishes the main topic of
the paragraph?
Women in Film: Troubling Inequalities
A. There are many actresses in Hollywood with
34  In a society in which television and movies have been extraordinary talent, but they cannot seem to get the
well documented as 35  roles of social change, current same roles as men.
B. Though women land far fewer leading roles than
data about women in the movies are far from reassuring.
men, in other categories of filmmaking, they do a little
36  Women simply can’t expect to play the leading roles men better.
play or even, in general, to be on-screen for as many minutes C. Women are not adequately represented in Hollywood,
either by the roles they play or by the amount of time
as men are in any given film, while there seems to be no end
they appear on-screen.
of extraordinary acting talent among women in Hollywood. As
D. The movie industry needs to pay female actresses
for other categories of filmmaking, at least by Oscar standards, more than their male counterparts, in an effort to
women seem barely to exist at all. attract new and extraordinary talent.

35

A. NO CHANGE
B. agents
C. necessities
D. relationships

36

A. NO CHANGE
B. Women simply can’t expect to play the leading roles
men play or even, in general, while there seems to be
no end of extraordinary acting talent among women
in Hollywood, to be on-screen for as many minutes as
men are in any given film.
C. Women simply can’t expect to play the leading roles
men play or to be on-screen for as many minutes as
men, and there seems to be no end of extraordinary
acting talent among women in Hollywood in general.
D. While there seems to be no end of extraordinary
acting talent among women in Hollywood, women
simply can’t expect to play the leading roles men
play or even, in general, to be on-screen for as many
minutes as men are in any given film.

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

Indeed, 37  women were the protagonists in only 15 37

percent of the top grossing films of 2013, according to a study A. NO CHANGE

conducted at San Diego State University. Other study findings B. women were the protagonist
included the fact that when women are on-screen, 38  their C. a woman was the protagonists

marriage status is more identifiable than men. Also, males over D. the protagonists were a woman

age 40 are much more commonly represented on-screen than

38
women in the same age group.
A. NO CHANGE
Other inequities have been revealed by Cinemetrics, which B. their marriage status is more identifiable than of a
man.
strives to gather objective data on movies, and by other
C. their marriage status is more identifiable than that of
organizations. 39  For example, in 2013, lead actresses in
men.
full-length films spent 57 minutes on-screen, while lead actors D. their marriage status is more identifiable than men’s
spent 85 minutes on-screen. Compounding the inequity is marriage.

the tendency of the camera to stay on a female actress longer

39 Which choice most effectively maintains support for claims
in a single shot, or stare at 40  them passively, while the
or points in the text?
camera moves more actively when it shows a male character.
A. NO CHANGE
In other aspects of films, women 41  are treated even more
B. For example, women direct more documentaries
outrageously. Since the Oscars began in 1928, only 16 percent than narrative films.
of all nominees have been women. In fact, there were no C. For example, the highest paid actress in 2013 made
women nominees at all in seven categories of achievement for $33 million dollars.
D. For example, women buy about half of movie tickets
the 2014 Oscars. More significantly, Oscar trends do not seem
purchased in the United States.
to be improving over time.
40

A. NO CHANGE
B. him
C. her
D. us

41

A. NO CHANGE
B. are taken advantage of.
C. are cheated.
D. fare even worse.

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 Diagnostic Test

Some women, however, have managed to shine despite 42

these inequities. Actress Meryl Streep has been nominated
A. NO CHANGE
for 19 Oscars as of 2015, easily surpassing both male and B. famous
female competitors for the record of most Academy Award C. forgotten
nominations. She is 42 confused for her strong, authoritative D. lambasted

roles; she portrayed a powerful—if terrifying—boss in The

43
Devil Wears Prada (2006) and a formidable leader in The Giver

(2014). Streep has received 43  accolades for such parts, as 15 A. NO CHANGE

of her 19 Academy Award nominations were in the category of B. privileges

C. recognition
Best Actress in a Leading Role. Even Streep, however, is subject
D. attention
to the inequities of the film industry: in The Devil Wears Prada

her 44  characters love life was brought to the forefront and 44

depicted as a sacrifice that she, as a woman in power, had to
A. NO CHANGE
continually make for the good of her career.
B. character love life
C. character’s love life
D. character loves life

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this section only.
Do not turn to any other section.

  67
Peterson's SAT® Prep Guide 2018
 Diagnostic Test

SECTION 3: MATH TEST—NO CALCULATOR

25 Minutes—20 Questions

TURN TO SECTION 3 OF YOUR ANSWER SHEET TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.

DIRECTIONS: For Questions 1–15, solve each problem, select the best answer from the choices provided, and fill in the
corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For Questions 16–20, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid on
the answer sheet. The directions before Question 16 will provide information on how to enter your answers in the grid.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Diagnostic Test — math — no calculator

1.   The use of a calculator in this section is not permitted.
2.   All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
3.   Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
4.   All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
5.   Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x) is a real number.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a + b2 = c2
2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based

Solid: Pyramid:
r h
w
h
l r h
V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
4 1
w
V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
3 3 V = lwh
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

CONTINUE

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 Diagnostic Test

1 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

–2 0 2 4 6

–2

If the line drawn above is translated 3 units to the left and

6 units down, what is the slope of the new line?

1
A. −
9
4
B. −
3
7
C. −
10
D. –2

2 Catherine is performing a science experiment on the dis-

tance traveled by a snail. She sets the snail on her driveway
and records the time it takes the snail to crawl to the end
of her driveway. She uses the equation D = 0.4t + 12, where
D is the total distance traveled in feet, and t represents the
time in minutes. Which of the following statements best
interprets the meaning of 12 in Catherine’s equation?

A. It would take the snail 12 minutes to reach the end

of the driveway.

B. The snail began 12 feet from the beginning of the

driveway.

C. The snail traveled a total distance of 12 feet.

D. The snail traveled at a rate of 12 feet per minute.

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3 If –2x + 5 = 2 – (5 – 2x), what is the value of x? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

A. –2

B. 2

C. 3

D. 5

4
When the expression 10i is simplified to the form a + bi,
1 − 2i
what is the coefficient b?

A. –5

B. − 10
3
C. 2

D. 5

5 Write
5 −16 as a complex number, using i = −1.

A. 5 + 4i

B. –20i

C. 20i

D. 80i

6 A grain silo has a maximum capacity of 45,000 cubic feet.

It currently contains 32,500 cubic feet of grain. Each week,
farmers add 1,000 bushels of grain. If one cubic foot is ap-
proximately 0.8 bushel, which of the following inequalities
can be used to model the number of weeks, w, until the
silo reaches its maximum capacity?

A. 32,500 + 1,250w ≤ 45,000

B. 32,500 + 800w ≤ 45,000

C. 32,500 + 1,250w ≥ 45,000

D. 32,500 + 800w ≥ 45,000

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

7 The graph of y = (3x – 4)(x + 3) is a parabola in the xy-plane. SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
In which of the following equivalent equations do the
x- and y-coordinates of the vertex show as constants or
coefficients?

A. y = 3 x 2 + 5 x − 12

 4
B. y = 3  x −  ( x − ( −3))
 3
 5 
C. y = 3  x 2 + x − 4
 3 
2
  5   169
D. y = 3 x −  −   −
  6 12

8 What is the difference when –x – y is subtracted from

–x2 + 2y?

A. –x2 – x – 3y

B. x2 + 3y

C. –x2 + x + 3y

D. –x2 + x – 3y

9 A semitruck has a fuel tank that holds 125 gallons of diesel

fuel. When driven at 55 miles per hour, the truck can travel
6 miles on 1 gallon of fuel. If Jorge fills the tank in his truck
and drives at 55 miles per hour, which of the following
functions of d shows the number of gallons of diesel fuel
that remains after driving h hours?

6
A. d (h) = 125 −
55h
55h
B. d (h) = 125 −
6
125 − 6h
C. d ( h) =
55

125 − 55h
D. d ( h) =
6

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10 A=
M SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
M−N
Solve for M.

AN
A. M=
A −1
AN
B. M=
1− A
N
C. M=
A −1
N
D. M=
1− A

11 Donna bought a sofa with 0% interest for the first 36

months. She makes a small down payment, and then she
makes equal monthly payments until she pays off the sofa.
The equation y = 90x + 75 models the number of payments,
x, that she makes to pay for a sofa that costs y dollars. What
does the 90 represent in this equation?

A. The total paid after x months.

B. The pay-off amounts for the loan.

C. Donna’s monthly payment.

D. Donna’s down payment.

12 What is the sum of all values of n that satisfy

2n2 – 11n + 15 = 0?

A. –11

B. –5.5

C. 5.5

D. 15

CONTINUE
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13 The Matthews family is driving to the beach, which is 480 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
miles away. The function that represents the distance (in
miles) it takes them to get to the beach is f(t) = 480 – 60t,
where t represents time (in hours). In this equation, t is the
independent variable, and f(t) is the dependent variable. At
which point does the graph of the function f(t) = 480 – 60t
cross the x-axis?

A. (0, 480)

B. (6, 0)

C. (0, 8)

D. (8, 0)

14 The population of a small town is growing. The town

currently has 500 people. Based on the growth of the
population in past years, it is estimated that the population
will be 650 after 1 year. Similarly, it is estimated that after
2 years, the population will be 845, and after 3 years, the
population will be 1,099. Which of the following is an ex-
pression which represents the town’s population growth?

A. 500 × 1.3x

B. 150x + 500

C. 500 × (1.3) x – 1

D. 650 × (1.3) x – 1t

15 The 4x +1
expression is equivalent to which of the
x +2
following?

A. 4 +1
2

B. 1
4+
2
1
C. 4+
x +2

D. 7
4−
x +2

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DIRECTIONS: For Questions 16–20, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid, as described below, on the answer
sheet.

1.   Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.
2.   Mark no more than one circle in any column.
3.   No question has a negative answer.
4.   Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5.   Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2
1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2
6.   Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.

7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Grid in 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
. .

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

16 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

A B

In the figure above, AC = BC. If m–B = 50 , what is the

measure of –ECD? (Do not grid the degree symbol.)

17 5 x - 4 y = 13
x + 2y = 4

If (x, y) is a solution of the system of equations above, what

is the value of the ratio x ?
y

18
Trout Population

4,000

3,500
Population

3,000

2,500

2,000
1980 1990 2000 2010
Year

The bar graph above shows the population of trout in a

lake, from 1980 to 2010.
By what percent did the population decline from 1980 to
2000? Round to the nearest percentage point if necessary,
and enter your answer as a two-digit number.

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19 If f(x) = 5x + 12, what is the value of f(p + 3) – f(p)? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

20 What is the sum of the solutions of the equation

9 16
+ =5?
x −2 x +3

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this section only.
Do not turn to any other section.

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SECTION 4: MATH TEST—CALCULATOR

55 Minutes—38 Questions

TURN TO SECTION 4 OF YOUR ANSWER SHEET TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION.

DIRECTIONS: For Questions 1–30, solve each problem, select the best answer from the choices provided, and fill in the
corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For Questions 31–38, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid on
the answer sheet. The directions before Question 31 will provide information on how to enter your answers in the grid.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Diagnostic Test — math — calculator

1.   The use of a calculator in this section is permitted.
2.   All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
3.   Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
4.   All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
5.   Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x) is a real number.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a + b2 = c2
2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based

Solid: Pyramid:
r h
w
h
l r h
V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
4 1
w
V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
3 3 V = lwh
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

CONTINUE

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1 The usual price for 10 audio singles sold by an online SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
vendor is $12.50. During a sale, this price is reduced by
15%. What is the savings if one were to purchase 40 audio
singles during such a sale?

A. $1.88

B. $2.50

C. $7.50

D. $10.00

2 Ifit costs $1.30 a square foot to lay linoleum, what

will be the cost of laying 20 square yards of linoleum?
(3 ft. = 1 yd.)

A. $26.00

B. $78.00

C. $156.00

D. $234.00

3 Bill averaged a score of 182 for 6 games of bowling. His

scores for the first three games were 212, 181, and 160.
Of the remaining three games, two scores were identical,
and the third was 20 points higher than one of these two
games. What was the second highest score of these 6
games?

A. 173

B. 181

C. 183

D. 193

4 A gallon of water is equal to 231 cubic inches. How many

gallons of water are needed to fill a fish tank that measures
11" high, 14" long, and 9" wide?

A. 6

B. 9

C. 12

D. 14

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5 The recommended daily protein intake for an adult weigh- SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
ing 50 kg (approximately 110 pounds) is 40 grams. One cup
of milk contains 8 grams of protein, and one egg contains
6 grams of protein. Which of the following inequalities
represents the possible number of cups of milk, m, and
eggs, n, an adult weighing 50 kg could consume in a day
to meet or exceed the recommended daily protein intake
from these alone?

A. 8m + 6n ≥ 40

B. 8m + 6n > 40
8 6
C. + ≥ 40
m n

D. 8 6
+ > 40
m n

6 Amy is renting a moving van for $19.99 per day, plus an

additional $0.15 per mile. A tax of 7.5% is applied to both
the daily rate and the mileage rate. Which of the following
represents the total charge, y, that Amy will pay to rent the
van for one day and drive it miles?

A. y = 19.99 + 0.075x + 0.15

B. y = 1.075(19.99) + 0.15x

C. y = 1.075(19.99 + 0.15x)

D. y = 1.075(19.99 + 0.15)x

7 If nails are bought at 35 cents per dozen and sold at 3 for

1
10 cents, the total profit on 5 dozen is
2
A. 25 cents.
1
B. 27 cents.
2
1
C. 31 cents.
2
D. 35 cents.

8 A cubic foot of concrete weighs approximately 150 pounds.

How many pounds will a similar block of concrete weigh
if the edges are twice as long?

A. 300 pounds

B. 450 pounds

C. 800 pounds

D. 1,200 pounds

CONTINUE
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9 Which of the following expressions is equivalent to SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

–2(1 – x)2 + 2(1 – x2)?

A. –2x

B. –4x2 + 4x

C. –4x2 – 4x – 4

D. 0

10 An organization is giving away T-shirts for its 5-kilometer

road race. The cost to produce the T-shirts is defined by the
equation C(x) = 7x + 60, where x is the number of T-shirts
produced. The organization gives away the T-shirts for free
to people who sign up for the race more than one month
in advance and pay the $20 sign-up fee. What is the few-
est number of people who must sign up in order for the
organization to profit if the only cost is manufacturing the
T-shirts and the only income is the sign-up fee?

A. 3

B. 5

C. 13

D. 20

11 A small college, which has a population of 2,180 students,

recently held a fundraiser in which each male student
raised $20, and each female student raised $25. Together,
they raised a total of $50,000. If x represents the number of
male students in the college and y represents the number
of female students in the college, which system of equa-
tions can be used to represent the scenario?

A. x + y = 50 , 000
20 x + 25 y = 2,180

B. x + y = 2,180
20 x + 25 y = 50 , 000

C. x + y = 2,180
25 x + 20 y = 50 , 000

D. x + y = 50 , 000
25 x + 20 y = 50 , 000

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12 Which of the following is an expression equivalent to SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

3
9 x 3 y 5z 6 ?

A. 3y2z3

B. 3xy2z3
1
C. 9 3 xy 2 z 3
1 5
D. 9 3 xy 3 z 2

13
4

–4 –2 0 2 4

–2

–4

y = x +1
y = − x2 +1

A system of equations and their graphs are shown above.

Which of the following are solutions to the system?
I. (0, 1)
II. (1, 0)
III. (–1, 0)
IV. (0, –1)

A. I only

B. II only

C. I and III only

D. II and IV only

14 x y
If − = 5 , what is the value of 8x – 6y?
3 4

A. –120

B. –60

C. 60

D. 120

CONTINUE
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15 At a restaurant, the rates for meals are $7.50 for a lunch SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
and $12.00 for a dinner. One weekend, the restaurant sold
a total of 241 meals for $2,523.00. Which of the following
systems of equations can be used to determine the num-
ber of lunches, x, and the number of dinners, y, that the
restaurant sold?

A. 7.5 x + 12 y = 241
x + y = 2, 523

B. 12 x + 7.5 y = 241
x + y = 2, 523

C. 7.5 x + 12 y = 2, 523
x + y = 241

D. 12 x + 7.5 y = 2, 523
x + y = 241

16
United States Population

400M
Number of people (in millions)

300M

200M

100M

0 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000

Years

The graph shows the relationship between the population

of the United States (in millions) and the year the population
was recorded. Which of the following statements is true
about the data shown on the graph?

A. There is a weak correlation between the variables.

B. There is a strong correlation between the variables.

C. There is no clear correlation between the variables.

D. There is an exponential correlation between the

variables.

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17 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

GDP of China
10T

D olla r s in t r illions 8T

6T

4T

2T

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

Years

The graph shows data representing the gross domes-

tic product (GDP), in trillions of dollars, of China from
1970 through 2013. Which of the following function
types would best represent the data?

A. Linear

B. Logarithmic

C. Cubic

D. Exponential

18 A college graduate goes to work for x dollars per week.

After several months, the company gives all the employees
a 10% pay cut. A few months later, the company gives all
the employees a 10% raise. Which expression is equal to
the college graduate’s weekly salary resulting from these
changes?

A. 0.90x

B. 0.99x

C. x

D. 1.01x

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

19 Which of the following systems of inequalities has a solu- SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
tion set that intersects the first quadrant of the xy-plane?

 y ≤ −2 x + 4
A. 
 y > −2 x + 2
 x ≤ −2
B. 
y ≥ 5
y ≥ x
C. 
 y < −3 − x
 y > 5 + 3x
D. 
 y ≤ −3 + 3 x

20 If (1− 2i ) is rewritten as a + bi, then what is the value

2

2
of b? (Note: i = −1 )

A. –2
−3
B.
2
1
C.
2
D. 2

21 What is the original price of an item if it costs $12.60 after

a 10% discount is applied to the selling price?

A. $11.34

B. $12.48

C. $13.86

D. $14.00

22 A recipe for a homemade weed killer calls for 1

1 gallons of
3
white vinegar and 2 cups of table salt. Miguel made a large
batch of the weed killer and used 7 cups of table salt. If he
followed the recipe correctly, how many gallons of white
vinegar did he use?

A. 4
2
B. 4
3
1
C. 5
3
D. 6

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23 Given (1.26 + 4.52i) + (–0.89 + xi) = 0.37 + 7.4i, what is the

value of x? (Note: i = −1 )

A. –1.64

B. 1.64

C. 2.88

D. 11.92

24 If (x – 4) and (x + 2) are factors of f(x), which of the following

graphs could represent the function f(x)?

A. C.

4 4

2 2

–4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 0 2 4

–2 –2

–4 –4

B. D.

4 4

2 2

–4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 0 2 4

–2 –2

–4 –4

CONTINUE
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25 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

None 1 to 3 4 or more

Group A 8 23 19

Group B 14 21 5

Total 22 44 24

The table above shows data from demographic research-

ers studying the number of living siblings people have. If
a person is chosen at random from Group A, what is the
probability that the person has no living siblings?

A. 4
25
4
B.
11
7
C.
11
22
D.
25

26 During the Apollo 14 mission, astronaut Alan Shepard hit

a golf ball on the moon. The height of the ball in meters is
modeled by the function f(t) = –0.81t2 + 55t + 0.02, where
t is the time in seconds after the ball was hit. What does
0.02 stand for in this equation?

A. Acceleration of the ball due to gravity

B. Vertical velocity of the ball

C. Horizontal velocity of the ball

D. Height of the ball before it is hit

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27 If k is a positive constant other than 1, which of the follow-

ing could be the graph of kx + y = c?

A. C.

4 4

2 2

–4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 0 2 4

–2 –2

–4 –4

B. D.

4 4

2 2

–4 –2 0 2 4 –4 –2 0 2 4

–2 –2

–4 –4

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

28 The Cyber Corporation buys a new machine for $80,000. SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
If the machine loses 15% of its value each year, what is its
value after 4 years?

A. $41,760.50

B. $42,750.50

C. $48,000.00

D. $49,130.00

29 The table below shows the total number of medals won

by the United States in the last six Winter Olympics.

Number of
Year
Medals

12 1994
13 1998
31 2002
25 2006
37 2010
28 2014

How many medals will the United States have to win in the
2018 Olympics in order for the average number of medals
for the years 1994 to 2018 to be one more than the average
number of medals won during the years 1994 to 2014?

A. 29

B. 31

C. 32

D. 36

30 6x A
If the expression is written in the form 3 + ,
2x + 4 x +2
what is the value of A?

A. –12

B. –6

C. 6

D. 12

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DIRECTIONS: For Questions 31–38, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid, as described below, on the answer
sheet.

1.   Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.
2.   Mark no more than one circle in any column.
3.   No question has a negative answer.
4.   Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5.   Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2
1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2
6.   Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.

7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Grid in 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
. .

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

CONTINUE
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 Diagnostic Test

31 If (ax – 1)(2x + b) = 4x2 + 4x – 3, what is the value of a + b? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

32 Derek has $50 to spend on organic produce at the local

farmer’s market. A pint of berries costs $4.00, a 1-pound
bag of peaches costs $3.75, and a head of lettuce costs
$1.50. If he buys at least two of each item, what is the
maximum number of pints of berries he could purchase?

33 In a 3-hour examination of 350 questions, there are 50

mathematical problems. If twice as much time should be
allowed for each mathematical problem as for each of the
other questions, how many minutes should be spent on
the mathematical problems?

34 In the 1924–25 season of the National Hockey League

(NHL), the Montreal Canadiens won 57% of their games.
During the 1947–48 season, they won 33% of their games.
If there were twice as many games played in the 1947–48
season as in the1924–25 season, what percentage of the
games did the Montreal Canadiens win in these two sea-
sons of the league? (Do not grid the percentage sign.)

35 A polling company surveys 625 randomly selected reg-

istered voters to determine whether a proposed ballot
measure might pass. Of those surveyed, 400 voters were in
favor of the ballot measure. The polling company reports
that the poll results have a conservative margin of error
of 4%. If 9,000 people actually vote, what is the minimum
number of people likely to vote for the ballot measure?

36 The average weight of a medium-sized bottlenose dolphin

is 400 pounds. If a particular medium-sized bottlenose
dolphin weighs 110% of the average, how many pounds
does the dolphin weigh?

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37 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

3 x + y = −4
x + y = 13

If (x, y) is a solution for the system of equations above, what

is the value of y?

38
−3 x + 2 y = −1
6 x − by = 8

What is the value for b that will make the system above
have no solution?

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this section only.
Do not turn to any other section.

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 Diagnostic Test

SECTION 5: ESSAY

50 Minutes—1 Essay

Directions: The essay gives you an opportunity to show how effectively you can read and comprehend
a passage and write an essay analyzing the passage. In your essay, you should demonstrate that you
have read the passage carefully, present a clear and logical analysis, and use language precisely.

Your essay will need to be written on the lines provided in your answer booklet. You will have enough
space if you write on every line and keep your handwriting to an average size. Try to print or write
clearly so that your writing will be legible to the readers scoring your essay.

Diagnostic Test — essay

As you read the passage below, consider how Peter Krapp uses the following:

•  Evidence, such as facts, statistics, or examples, to support claims

•  Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence
•  Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power
to the ideas expressed

Adapted from “Penn State Hack Exposes Theft Risk of Student Personal Data” by Peter Krapp, originally published in The
Conversation on May 20, 2015. Peter Krapp is a professor of film & media studies at University of California, Irvine.
(This passage was edited for length.)

1 Pennsylvania State University’s College of Engineering took its computer network offline on May 15 after disclosing two
cyberattacks. The perpetrators were able to access information on 18,000 students, who are being contacted this week with
the news that their personal identifying information is in hackers’ hands.

2 Three days later, the computer network is back online, with new protections for its users. One of the two attacks is ascribed
by a forensic cybersecurity corporation retained by Penn State to computers apparently based in China.

3 As a researcher who has published on hacking and hacktivism and serves on the board of the UC Irvine data science
initiative, I believe two aspects of this news story deserve particular attention.

Compromising student data

4 Penn State announced last week that the FBI alerted it on November 21, 2014, about an attack with custom malware that
started as early as September 2012.

5 Why did it take so long for Penn State to disclose the breach, despite the fact that the experience of large-scale hacks
in 2013 and 2014 (against Target, Home Depot, and others) clearly demonstrated an urgent need for quick and full
disclosure—both to help the victims and to preserve a modicum of trust?

6 Penn State stated only that any disclosure would have tipped off the perpetrators before their access to the College of
Engineering computers could be cut off. Meanwhile, student data may have been compromised for at least six months,
maybe longer.

7 Another conspicuous problem with public discussion of events like this is, in fact, the lack of distinction often made in the
media between actual appropriation of data (as at Penn State) and mere temporary disabling or defacement of websites
(as happened to Rutgers University last month). That is like being unable to make a difference between a grand theft auto
and keying a car.

8 The question is, what can universities do to limit the risk to their students?

CONTINUE
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9 The exposure of student data in higher education is not limited to Social Security numbers or email passwords. Information
collected and retained by educational institutions includes full name, address, phone number, credit and debit card
information, workplace information, date of birth, personal interests and of course academic performance and grade
information.

Concern with data practices

Data Storage and Security Transparency About Data Use Legal Standards & Oversight

Very much 75% Very much 80% Very much 81%

Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat
Only a little Only a little Only a little
Not at all Not at all Not at all
No response No response No response

Collection of Location Data Collection of Video/Audio Data Collection of Telecom Data

Very much 58% Very much 59% Very much 64%

Somewhat Somewhat Somewhat
Only a little Only a little Only a little
Not at all Not at all Not at all
No response No response No response

A survey conducted by the Obama administration collected responses from 24,092 individuals on how much they
trusted various institutions to keep their data safe. There was a high level of concern around transparency and legal
standards.

...

10 President Obama only recently called for laws covering data hacking and student privacy. “We’re saying that data collected
on students in the classroom should only be used for educational purposes,” he stated in his speech to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) earlier this year.

Data privacy concerns

11 If students’ right to privacy needs to be protected from the specter of foreign intelligence agencies poking around the Penn
State Engineering School, then by the same logic it should be protected also against data-mining by for-profit actors right
here in the US.

12 Until May 2014, Google, for instance, routinely mined its apps for education services for advertising and monetizing
purposes. When Education Week reported that Google was mining student emails, it quickly led not only to lawsuits but also
to landmark legislation. The California Senate Bill 1177 was enacted to prevent educational services from selling student
information or mining it for advertising purposes.

13 Yet, almost a year later, students in California remain just as concerned about their data privacy as before—since the new
state law was watered down to apply only to K–12 and not to higher education. And when it was disclosed earlier this spring
that education publisher Pearson secretly monitored social media to discern references to their content, the legislative
response was one that, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) in Washington, DC, “fails to uphold
President Obama’s promise that the data collected in an educational context can be used only for educational purposes.”

14 Students in higher education nationwide are still in a position where they cannot opt out of the computer services of their
learning institutions, and so they have no expectation of privacy.

15 Despite President Obama’s promises for safeguarding the privacy of consumers and families, and despite the fact that a
number of technology companies concerned with growing consumer distrust recently signed a pledge to safeguard student
privacy, neither Google nor Apple signed on.

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16 The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was tasked to examine current and likely future
capabilities of key technologies, both those associated with the collection, analysis, and use of big data and those that can
help to preserve privacy, resulting in a direct recommendation to strengthen US research in privacy-related technologies.

17 And overwhelmingly, respondents to a White House survey recently expressed severe reservations about the collection,
storage, and security and use of private information.

18 Maybe it is time for higher education to heed those signals.

Write an essay in which you explain how Peter Krapp builds an argument to persuade his audience that
the use of college students’ personal information for anything other than educational purposes is a
serious violation of privacy and a major breach of computer security. In your essay, analyze how Peter
Krapp uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen
the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant
features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with the writer’s claims, but
rather explain how he builds an argument to persuade his audience.

STOP
If you finish before time is called, you may check your work on this section only.
Do not turn to any other section.

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Section 1: Reading Test

1. C 12. A 23. B 33. C 43. D

2. A 13. A 24. A 34. A 44. D

3. C 14. D 25. B 35. C 45. B

4. C 15. A 26. B 36. B 46. B

5. D 16. D 27. B 37. B 47. C

6. B 17. A 28. A 38. B 48. B

7. D 18. D 29. D 39. A 49. B

8. B 19. C 30. B 40. A 50. C

9. D 20. C 31. A 41. D 51. B

10. B 21. A 32. C 42. C 52. B

11. A 22. B

READING TEST RAW SCORE

(Number of correct answers)

1. The correct answer is C. Address appears in the author’s is incorrect because it assumes the reader is more
description of the black bear, including qualities that interested in what Audubon knows than the topic
the bear possesses. So the context here tells us that he is actually discussing, shifting the focus from
address is not being used to mean direction, choice D, bears and placing it onto the author himself. Choice
because one can possess a great sense of direction but D is incorrect because Audubon never compared
not direction. Habitat, choice A, can also be eliminated the black bear to any species of bird in the passage.
because the correct answer choice should refer to a trait
3. The correct answer is C. In lines 36–38, Audubon
of the black bear, and one’s habitat is not a personal
addresses the reader in a direct way in order to
trait. Anxiety is a personal trait, but it contradicts the
engage the reader’s interest in bears. In lines 29–32,
author’s description of the black bear as possessing
he also addresses the reader directly, but doesn’t
great courage, so choice B can be eliminated. Therefore,
attempt to provide “more information.” Instead, he
the correct answer is choice C, since skill is a positive
reinforces information assumed to be already
personality trait that would be listed among traits such
known by the reader, making choice B incorrect.
as strength and courage.
Although he mentions other mammals in the
2. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because passage, such as in lines 5–6 (choice A), there is not
Audubon clearly wanted to inform readers about black enough evidence to conclude that he was fasci-
bears even though he was mainly known as a studier of nated by mammals in general. Although it’s
birds. Had this not been his goal, he would not have interesting that Audubon inserts his own opinion
written this particular passage, nor would he address so directly in lines 55–59 (choice D), these lines do
the reader directly with phrases such as, “You are not provide any evidence for the answer to the
probably not aware . . . ” Choice B can be eliminated previous question.
because its conclusion is too general; Audubon seems
4. The correct answer is C. The author explicitly
as though he was likely fascinated by the black bear, but
states that “many of our woodsmen and hunters
there is no strong evidence that this man, who mostly
who have seen the Bear performing the singular
studied birds, was fascinated by all mammals. Choice C

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operation just described, imagine that it does so for the 9. The correct answer is D. By referring to man as “the
purpose of leaving behind an indication of its size and most dangerous of its enemies,” Audubon creates an
power,” which supports choice C. Choice A represents image of man as almost villainous in his treatment of
Audubon’s claim, which begins with the phrase “It hunted bears, which indicates that he has sympathy for
seems to me,” not that of the huntsmen and woodsmen. the creatures. Choice A refers to the bear’s migratory
There’s no indication that the tree will be used for habits in a neutral way, indicating nothing about the
hibernation, choice B, nor that such behavior is a way of author’s feelings for the bear. Neither does choice B,
obtaining food, choice D. which merely refers to a basic instinct of the bear.
Choice C only indicates how the bear protects itself
5. The correct answer is D. The author explains how bears
from its most dangerous enemies; it does not comment
forage for food by using descriptive phrases that create
on those enemies in a way that expresses the author’s
a placid, or peaceful, image. The author mentions that
sympathy for bears.
bears may eat livestock, but that is not the main focus,
so choices A and B are incorrect. While the lines in 10. The correct answer is B. The author addresses the
choice C do show that the bear eats a wide range of reader directly with such phrases as “as you well know”
foods, the author’s use of descriptive phrases is and “you also know that” when stating information
evidence that he is creating an image as opposed to about bears. This shows that he believes the reader
making a scientific list of what the bear eats. already has some knowledge about bears and contra-
dicts the assumption in choice A. While it is entirely
6. The correct answer is B. The previous question
possible that some readers may have a fear of bears,
indicated that the author was trying to create a placid,
there is no evidence that the author believes this in the
or peaceful, effect with his description of how bears
passage, so choice C is not the best answer. Although
behave in swamps in lines 17–18, and the words “passes
the author assumes that the reader knows that bears
much of its time” and “wallowing” help achieve that
are “good climbers,” he never compares their climbing
effect. The wording in lines 16–17 creates a sense of
abilities to that of apes, so choice D is incorrect.
discomfort by using phrases such as “During the
summer heat” and “gloomy,” so choice A is not the best 11. The correct answer is A. The first paragraph of the
answer. Focusing on the bear’s hunger, as choice C does, letter indicates that Wythe and Jefferson have an
or how it seizes prey, as choice D does, does not established relationship and Jefferson believes Wythe
contribute to the placid atmosphere the author is trying had a positive influence on Jefferson’s education, thus
to achieve. we can infer that Wythe was a teacher. The letter does
not imply any familial relationship or that Wythe and
7. The correct answer is D. Audubon explains that the
Jefferson are friends—choices B and C—rather, it shows
bear sharpens its claws and the wild boar sharpens its
a more formal connection. There is no indication of how
tusks for the same purpose: to prepare themselves for
Wythe is employed—choice D. While he could be a
competition during the mating season, choice D—not
public servant of some kind, that conclusion could not
for defense from human predators, choice C, which are
be drawn from the information provided.
only mentioned very briefly in the passage. A predator
would not be very effective if it went out of its way to 12. The correct answer is A. Jefferson’s overall concern is
warn potential prey that it was a predator, so choice A that his nephew should receive a solid education,
does not make much sense. The author only mentions choice A. This letter has a greater purpose than merely
that the black bear forages for crayfish and roots and staying in touch, choice D. His advice about studying
does not indicate what the wild boar eats, so choice B is languages, choice C, is part of the overall advice about
incorrect. education, and morality is also a part of his course of
study, choice B.
8. The correct answer is B. The fact that Audubon calls
man the bear’s “most dangerous” enemy shows that he 13. The correct answer is A. Jefferson indicates that
has some sympathy for hunted bears, making choice B learning Italian might actually make it harder to learn
the correct answer. Nothing indicates that Audubon Spanish, which he views as the more useful language.
hunts, so choice A is incorrect. He never denies that This contradicts the conclusion in choice C. Jefferson
bears are dangerous nor does he state that bears are only briefly mentions French to indicate that it is a
more dangerous than people, so choices C and D are similar language to Italian and Spanish and never
also incorrect. indicates he believes that it is more important to learn
French than Spanish or Italian, so choice B is incorrect.

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Although he mentions that Spanish and Italian are when choosing which languages to study, so choice C is
similar, Jefferson never suggests that they are so similar incorrect.
that it makes sense to speak Italian to Spanish people,
19. The correct answer is C. Jefferson says morality is
which eliminates choice D.
innate, therefore it doesn’t need to be taught. In fact, he
14. The correct answer is D. The word “prosecute” in this argues, teaching it can have the negative effect of
context is used to mean “pursue,” so in lines 23–25, leading “astray” (lines 47–48).
Jefferson is suggesting that Peter lay Italian aside to
20. The correct answer is C. The family tree shows that
learn Spanish instead. Choices A and B introduce the
Peter’s father died when Peter was only 3 years old, and
problem of learning Italian and Spanish at the same
that his mother had 5 other children to care for, so
time, but neither choice suggests how Peter should deal
choice C is the best conclusion to reach. The fact that
with this problem. Choice C is incorrect because it
Peter’s father was already dead when Thomas wrote this
merely indicates Jefferson’s own observations about
letter eliminates choice A, since a comparison cannot be
people who speak Italian, French, and Spanish.
fairly made between someone currently living and
15. The correct answer is A. Jefferson compares con- someone who is dead. Choice B is too speculative and is
science to a physical limb of the body to show that it is not as logical a conclusion as choice C. Choice D
natural and present in all human beings, choice A. assumes that Peter was responsible for caring for his 5
Choices B, C, and D may be true, but Jefferson only siblings, and there is no evidence of this in the family
covers the first point: that morality is as natural as an tree or the passage.
arm or leg and is given to all “in a stronger or weaker
21. The correct answer is A. The letter shows Jefferson to
degree” (lines 43–44).
be very involved in ensuring that his nephew gets the
16. The correct answer is D. In advising Peter about best education since it refers to a number of important
language studies, Jefferson tells him to learn Spanish study topics and how Peter should approach them.
(lines 26–29). He predicts that it will be valuable in the Expressing that he felt “very happy” to receive letters
future because of “connections with Spain and Spanish from Peter also helps create a warm tone. Although
America” (choice D). He dismisses Italian (choice C) as Jefferson clearly cares for his nephew, he does not seem
unworthy of Peter’s attention and doesn’t discuss particularly worried about the boy since there is no
America’s future with France (choice B) or England anxious language in this letter, so choice B can be
(choice A). eliminated. The letter’s warmth also eliminates choices
C and D since an “objective and matter-of-fact” tone
17. The correct answer is A. By “lost time,” Jefferson means
would be contrary to warmth, as would a “distant and
“wasted time,” choice A. In his third point, Jefferson tells
preoccupied” tone.
Peter that he shouldn’t bother to study moral phi-
losophy because it is something everyone knows 22. The correct answer is B. In the first paragraph, the
intuitively, stating that morality “is as much a part of his author provides a number of statistics that support
nature as the sense of hearing, seeing, feeling.” “Lost choice B. However, the author never compares plastic
time” could refer to the past, choice B, or mean “missing waste to the impact of other forms of waste, so choice A
time,” choice C, but Jefferson is not discussing the past cannot be concluded based on information in this
or a gap in time in this context. He says nothing about particular passage. The author writes that “World
youth either, so choice D does not make much sense. plastics production has experienced almost constant
growth for more than half a century,” which contradicts
18. The correct answer is D. Jefferson claims that he has
choice C. While the entire passage discusses the impact
never seen anyone who spoke French, Spanish, and
of plastic waste on the planet, the author never
Italian who didn’t get them confused, choice D. All three
compares that to the impact of other forms of waste, so
languages are derived from Latin, choice A, as Jefferson
choice D is not the best answer.
notes (“all of them degenerated dialects of the Latin”),
but that is not the reason he gives to avoid the study of 23. The correct answer is B. Lines 4–6 provide specific
Italian. Jefferson does think it is necessary to learn a statistics about how plastic accounts for 10 percent of
language other than French, choice B, because he the 1.4 billion tons of trash the world generates each
recommends learning Spanish. Jefferson states that it is year. By any standards, that is a massive amount of
useful to be multilingual, as he advocates the study of waste. Choice A indicates that plastic production
Spanish; he only suggests that one should be careful continues to grow, but without specific numbers, there

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is no way to use this information to conclude that that this is or is not a problem, so choice A is not the
plastic is responsible for a massive amount of waste. best answer. Choice C describes how certain problems
That the International Maritime Organization has had to associated with plastic pollution are still unknown, so it
ban dumping of plastic waste indicates it is a big fails to support the previous question’s conclusion that
enough problem to warrant such action, but choice C is plastic pollution is a problem. Choice D merely sets up
simply not as specific as choice B is, so it is not the best questions to follow without providing evidence that
answer choice. Choice D also refers to a problem but plastic pollution in the ocean is a problem.
fails to supply specific numbers.
28. The correct answer is B. In lines 16–19, the author
24. The correct answer is A. The overall tone is neutral, explains that microplastics are “the most abundant type
choice A. The author provides facts and data using of plastic in the ocean.” Although it is likely that
scientific terminology and explanations. Nowhere does recycling has increased in the past 60 years, the passage
he attempt to persuade the reader to a particular view doesn’t mention it, making choice A incorrect. Although
(choice B), inject a personal story (choice C), or offer his it’s true that plastic breaks down into smaller pieces in
own opinion (choice D), although he does offer differing the ocean, it is stated in the passage that microplastics
viewpoints on possible solutions. are more dangerous to marine organisms, who mistake
them for food, rather than less dangerous, making
25. The correct answer is B. In lines 72–74, Halden’s quote
choice C incorrect. As explained in lines 27–29, nurdles
(“We need to design the next generation of plastics to
are plastic pellets used in plastic production, making
make them more biodegradable…”) shows that he
choice D incorrect. In lines 30–33, the passage mentions
believes science can find a way to make plastics
that scrubbing agents in shampoo that leak into the
biodegradable, choice B, which he says will eliminate
environment are called microbeads, not nurdles.
the problem. The author states that new laws may help
minimize the problem (“New laws … could require 29. The correct answer is D. The author explains that a law
handling plastics more responsibly at the end of their was passed in Illinois to prevent infiltration of these tiny
useful life through recycling, proper disposal, and microbeads into the water system (lines 33–37). The
extended producer responsibility”), not Halden, so microbeads were ending up in the Great Lakes and
choice A is incorrect. The author describes how some Chicago’s waterways. None of the other options are
sea creatures have ingested plastic, but Halden never offered as a reason for the law.
advocates for the invention of edible plastic in this
30. The correct answer is B. Knowing the meaning of
passage, so choice C is incorrect. Banning all new plastic
"absorb" (choice C) does not assist in understanding the
production is an extreme and unrealistic solution that
meaning of “adsorbed.” The words share the same suffix,
Halden never suggests, so choice D is incorrect.
but it’s the prefix that makes the word less familiar.
26. The correct answer is B. The article includes scientific "absolve" (choice A) has the same prefix as "absorb" but
data and explanations of the effects of plastics in the does not help in figuring out the meaning of "adsorb."
ocean and waterways, offering information to the public, The sorb- in “sorbet” (a frozen dessert) has nothing to do
choice B. The specific data in this passage contradict the with the word “adsorbed,” so choice D is incorrect.
idea that the author is merely theorizing that the “Adhere" (choice B) is to hold fast or stick to something
environment could be in danger, and this conclusion is else; so "adsorb" must mean when one substance sticks
too general in any event, so choice A is not the best to another.
answer. Choices C and D are too extreme and unrealistic;
31. The correct answer is A. The author indicates that
it is unlikely a movement will halt all plastic production,
there are ways humans may be ingesting plastic waste
which is not even something the author advocates, and
in lines 57–65. The author had already discussed how
cleaning up the oceans is too huge a job for readers to
sea creatures ingest such waste in the previous
take on personally. Choice B remains the most logical
paragraphs, so choice B is not the best answer. Choice C
and realistic answer.
had already been discussed earlier, too. Choice D is
27. The correct answer is B. Lines 49–51: “Research has incorrect because the author never theorizes about why
shown that harmful and persistent substances can both people dump plastic waste into the oceans in this
bioaccumulate … and biomagnify …” indicate that passage.
plastic pollution in the ocean is a problem by specifying
32. The correct answer is C. These lines (“And, finally, what
that they are “harmful.” Choice A merely states what
proportion of humans’ exposure to plastic ingredients
happens when animals eat plastics without suggesting

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and environmental pollutants occurs through indicating that they were causing her any particular
seafood?”) deal with how much plastic waste from the problem.
oceans people might be ingesting by eating seafood.
37. The correct answer is B. The narrator has faith that her
Choice A has to do with the transference of plastic
offering will save her sister, and the medicine man has
pollutants, not the amount of such pollutants people
faith that the girl’s spirit still exists. Choice B emphasizes
are ingesting. Choice B deals with the effects of plastic
the theme of faith in this passage. Choice A is not the
pollutants. Choice D is a general statement about the
best answer because it places the medicine man at the
efforts to answer the questions the author raises.
center of the story when it is mainly about the narrator’s
33. The correct answer is C. As she places the offering, the faith that her actions will save her sister. Choice C
narrator wonders whether her sister will die, so it is implies that the passage is mostly concerned with
logical to conclude that she wants to place her offering Native American culture when the rituals in the story
correctly to prevent that from happening. No one at are not as important as how the characters feel about
home asks her about the offering once she returns, so them. Choice D describes one passing incident in the
choices A and D can be eliminated. By worrying about passage that says nothing about the story’s overall
her sister’s potential death, the narrator indicates that theme.
she has more important things on her mind than
38. The correct answer is B. Choice B most effectively
whether she’ll be trusted to make offerings again in the
indicates the strength of the narrator’s faith by
future, so choice B is not the best answer.
describing how she believes her offering will save her
34. The correct answer is A. In line 70, the medicine man sister. Choice A merely describes the offering without
describes seeing a “luminous vapor above the house,” indicating the narrator’s faith that it has any power to
and clarifies that “It was the spirit of the little child who save her sister. Choice C describes a moment in the
is sick” in line 72. Choice B describes objects that were in story in which the narrator’s faith is shaken, so it
his medicine bag, not the appearance of the sister’s contradicts the conclusion in the previous question.
spirit. The sister was a baby, but the medicine man Choice D mistakes the correct answer to the previous
never describes her as a baby, so choice C is not the best question.
answer. In line 73, the medicine man says the “spirit is
39. The correct answer is A. The parents seem oblivious to
beyond our reach,” but this describes the spirit’s
the natural emotions of a child. Though they give the
location, not its appearance.
narrator responsibility and take care of her physical
35. The correct answer is C. The family didn’t send for the needs (lines 48–49), they don’t seem to offer comfort or
medicine man until the medicine woman had given up consolation. The narrator is probably given more
hope, which makes choice C the most logical answer. responsibility than she wants, which makes choice B
What the medicine man had been doing before arriving incorrect. The parents naturally focus on the child likely
at the family’s house is never indicated, so there is no to die, but there is no indication they prefer the younger
evidence for choice A. Although we are told that the child, so choice C is incorrect. The narrator seems very
medicine man had to travel quite a distance, choice B, alone and her parents display little warmth or affection,
this is not offered as a reason why he was not contacted making choice D incorrect.
in the first place. Although the family did have a
40. The correct answer is A. Choice A covers the central
medicine woman attempt to cure their child before
idea of the passage best by including its most important
calling the medicine man, the narrator never implies
details: the sister’s death and the narrator’s efforts to
that the healers’ genders were of any significance.
save her. Choice B narrowly focuses on the girl following
36. The correct answer is B. These lines show the girl the instructions of the medicine woman without
having trouble analyzing how nature will affect the indicating why she was following those instructions.
delivery of her offering and unsure if she is making the Choices C and D do not capture the concept of the
right decision. Choice A describes the instructions given narrative and the point of view because they both shift
by the medicine woman; it doesn’t explain why they focus from the narrator to the entire family.
were difficult to follow. Choice C describes the variance
41. The correct answer is D. The narrator feels remorseful
in the terrain where she was searching for the right
because she feels as if she had failed, since her sister
spot, but it does not describe any particular problem.
dies despite her efforts to save the baby. The narrator
Choice D describes the narrator’s surroundings without
may feel responsible for her sister’s death, but there is

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no evidence that she has any reason to feel as though more resources to help. However, the Napoleonic Wars
she caused her sister’s illness, so choice A is not the best were draining the French treasury, choice B, leaving the
answer. The narrator follows the instructions of the country overburdened and uninterested in becoming
medicine woman meticulously, so choice B is not the involved elsewhere. The French Revolution had started
best conclusion. The narrator may have felt burdened in 1789, triggering the rise of Napoleon, but this was
by the amount of responsibility she took on, but her not directly related to its refusal to aid Emmet.
remorse is more directly related to her sister’s death, so
47. The correct answer is C. Emmet loved his country and
choice C is not the best answer.
declared his patriotism toward Ireland as his reason for
42. The correct answer is C. The modern meaning of his actions, choice C. Wright’s view was more inclusive,
“thrilled” is usually “excited,” but in line 45, the author is defining it as freeing all people, whatever the country.
talking about fear and doubt. Choices A, B, and D all Emmet’s primary focus was on his own people, choice B,
have positive connotations that fail to capture the not all of humankind. He defended his actions, choice A,
feelings of heightened fear the narrator was experi- but this action is unrelated to Wright’s concept of a
encing when she began thinking that her offering had patriot, as is a court that renders an unjust sentence,
failed to save her sister’s life. choice D.

43. The correct answer is D. In choice D, Emmet acknowl- 48. The correct answer is B. Although both Emmet and
edges his death sentence and declares that he is dying Wright wanted freedom from tyranny, Emmet’s focus
for a cause. Choice C explains why he asked France for was on Ireland, and Wright had a broader objective of
assistance, and choice B explains that he was fighting freedom and independence for all humankind, choice B.
for his country’s independence and freedom from Choice A is incorrect because only Wright states that her
tyranny. In choice A, he defends his actions by saying country’s concept of patriotism needs to be rethought.
that he could have stood by and done nothing, given Wright was focused on advancing an expansive concept
his family’s privileged position, but chose instead to of patriotism that included other countries, which does
defend liberty. not mean that she did not love her country, so choice C
is not the best answer. Choice D is incorrect because
44. The correct answer is D. Choice D shows Emmet’s
Wright indicates that she does understand tyranny by
pride in his country by saying that his government
advocating for its opposite: freedom and concern for all
speaks for him. In choice A, he merely states that he is
people.
not working for France, but this alone does not prove
that he feels pride in his own country. In choice B, he 49. The correct answer is B. Wright’s speech reads as a
theorizes about the different influences that could have sincere yet calm plea for understanding and concern for
caused him to betray his country. Choice C makes a all people, while Emmet’s feels more motivated by his
statement about how he feels the people in his country desperation to save himself and his anger regarding the
deserve assistance from France, but that alone does not charges of treason against him, which is clear through
make a strong case for the author’s patriotism. his regular use of exclamations throughout his speech.
Wright does not express anger, so choice A is incorrect.
45. The correct answer is B. According to the timeline,
It is Emmet who is passionate and angry and Wright
“American colonies declare” independence in 1776, and
who is calm, not the other way around, so choice C is
the fact that the country needed to define itself outside
incorrect. Someone can speak calmly yet sincerely, as
of the rule of another country probably caused
Wright does, or desperately and angrily, as Emmet does,
America’s view of patriotism to focus more on the
and still be convincing, so choice D is not the best
country itself, rather than a greater concern for all
answer.
people. Choice A refers to events that did not concern
America. Choices C and D do refer to events that 50. The correct answer is C. All the options refer to patri-
concerned America, but neither had as significant an otism, but choice A is mostly about perseverance and the
impact on the country and its views as declaring importance of freedom. Choice B speculates on how
independence in 1776 did. Americans might react if attacked and suggests sub-
mission as one possibility. Choice C sets up the either-or
46. The correct answer is B. Noting the date of Emmet’s
scenario in which there can only be one of two outcomes:
speech in his defense of his actions prior to his exe-
liberty or death. Emmet’s statement is analogous because
cution, choice A is not possible. The Louisiana Purchase
there are only two choices: if the enemy wishes to come
by the United States, choice D, would have given France

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

into his homeland (symbolized by the word “threshold”), 52. The correct answer is B. Emmet speaks of being
he will defend it to the death. Choice D expresses too accused of secretly selling his country out to France,
much pleasure in the act of fighting for and dying for one’s which would be the actions of a spy. In this context, an
country, while Emmet’s statements show that he is emissary is a spy, choice B. The government wouldn’t
motivated more by his belief in the righteousness of accuse someone of being an ambassador, an official
freedom than more romantic ideas about dying for one’s position as a representative, choice A. Similarly, a
country. minister is an official head of a government department,
which eliminates choice C. Choice D is incorrect because
51. The correct answer is B. Wright says Americans’ idea of
a mercenary is a paid soldier, and there is nothing that
a patriot is someone who loves his/her country, choice
suggests the government thinks Emmet is a “hired gun.”
D, but that idea is too narrow. She explains that
Europeans see patriotism as a more expansive concept
that extends to freedom for all humans. This idea, she
explains, includes working toward the best interests of
all human lives, wherever they are, so that they are free
from despotism. This statement suggests that she
herself holds these ideas, choice B, and wants others to
consider them. Physically fighting for one’s country,
choices A and C, is an example of vanity.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

Section 2: Writing and Language Test

1. A 11. A 21. C 31. C 41. D

2. D 12. A 22. C 32. A 42. B

3. A 13. C 23. D 33. D 43. A

4. B 14. D 24. C 34. C 44. C

5. C 15. B 25. B 35. B

6. B 16. D 26. D 36. D

7. B 17. A 27. B 37. A

8. A 18. C 28. A 38. C

9. B 19. B 29. C 39. A

10. B 20. C 30. B 40. C

WRITING TEST RAW SCORE

(Number of correct answers)

1. The correct answer is A. Choice A correctly sets up the 5. The correct answer is C. Choice C, solicit, correctly
sentence’s focus on the various causes of depopulation establishes the implied intent of the city planners within
and their negative impact. Choices B, C, and D are the context of the passage—to solicit, or ask for, the
incorrect because they present potentially positive input of city residents while studying their urban
developments. spaces. Choices A, B, and D do not make sense within
the context of the passage, as all of these terms imply
2. The correct answer is D. Choice D follows the same
the opposite of the city planners' intent.
parallel construction as the preceding phrase, “driving
away its middle class.” Choices A, B, and C are incorrect 6. The correct answer is B. The plural pronoun they is
because they do not demonstrate parallel construction. required here to agree with the plural noun planners, so
they call (choice B) is the correct answer. Choices A and
3. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because
C are incorrect because they incorrectly use singular
the dash is being used to indicate the following
pronouns. Choice D is incorrect because “we call” is
explanation of what is staggering. Choice C is incorrect
first-person plural, not third-person plural, which is what
because it creates a run-on sentence. Choices B and D
is required here.
are incorrect because they move the punctuation to the
wrong part of the sentence. 7. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because “in
fact” properly suggests an elaboration of the previous
4. The correct answer is B. Choice B correctly maintains
sentence. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests the
the sentence’s focus on the effects of depopulation.
second sentence is an equal and additional example,
Choices A and C are incorrect because they suggest a
rather than an elaboration of the first. Choice C is
growth in residency, which contradicts the main
incorrect because it implies the author is drawing a
argument of the passage. Choice D is incorrect because
conclusion despite a contradiction. Choice D is also
homelessness is unrelated to the main focus of the
incorrect because it implies that the second sentence is
passage, which is Detroit’s depopulation.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

a second example supporting a contrast scenario, which correct punctuation to denote two independent
is not the case. clauses.

8. The correct answer is A. In choice A, the sentence 15. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because
explains the planners’ logic. Choice B implies that there the phrase, “a nation to which Indonesia was linked
was resistance to their thinking or that their thinking through trade relations” should refer to the country of
was absolute, which is incorrect. Choices C and D do not India, not “migrants.” Choices A and D are incorrect
denote the careful calculation that the rest of the because the modifier is misplaced. Choice C is incorrect
sentence implies. because it is awkward and doesn’t make sense.

9. The correct answer is B. This sentence would best 16. The correct answer is D. Choice D is correct because
serve as a transition between the previous and current this sentence is tangential to the paragraph’s focus on
paragraphs. The previous paragraph refers to the city the cultural influences of Hindu culture on the
planners' strategic plan, and the current paragraph Indonesian way of life. Choice A is incorrect because this
begins with an example of one of the plan’s boldest information is not relevant. Choice B is incorrect
suggestions. A sentence that mentions that the plan because this paragraph is not focused on the actual
contained bold suggestions, choice B, would work well practice of shadow puppetry. Choice C is incorrect
here. The other choices would place this notion after because this information has not been presented before
providing examples of the plan’s bold suggestions, this sentence.
rendering it ineffective and unnecessary.
17. The correct answer is A. Choice A reflects the para-
10. The correct answer is B. Choice B correctly places the graph’s emphasis that depicting gods in human form
dash so that it separates the two clauses. Choices A, C, was not allowed under any circumstance. Choices B, C,
and D are incorrect because they place the dash in the and D are incorrect because these words do not suggest
wrong place. complete proscription the way choice A does.

11. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because 18. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because it
items in a series should be separated by commas. places the verb in the past tense. Choice A is incorrect
Choice B is incorrect because it is unnecessarily wordy because the present tense is an inappropriate shift from
and misuses semicolons. Choice C is incorrect because it the past tense that the rest of the paragraph uses.
misuses semicolons. Choice D is also incorrect because Choices B and D are incorrect because the sentence
it incorrectly mixes a semicolon with commas. requires the simple past tense.

12. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because 19. The correct answer is B. Choice B conveys both the
“hawk” means to call out and sell, which is what vendors duration of the events and the lack of interruptions
at festivals do. Choice B is incorrect because, while the without being redundant or wordy. Choice A is incorrect
vendors may stock merchandise, the author’s intent because “all night long” is redundant. Choice C is
here is to describe how they sell that merchandise. incorrect because it is redundant and wordy; while it is
Similarly, choices C and D are incorrect because the constructed better by omitting “at all,” “all night long
vendors are selling—not advertising or trading—goods. from sunset to sunrise” is still redundant. Choice D is
incorrect because just noting that the performance
13. The correct answer is C. Choice C correctly suggests
lasted all night isn’t as informative as noting that, from
that this sentence provides a transition between the
dusk to dawn, the performance had no interruptions.
scene depicted in the first paragraph and the ancient
and modern tradition of puppetry, and the writer 20. The correct answer is C. As written, the sentence is a
should not delete it. Choice A is incorrect because this run-on and needs some added punctuation to reduce
sentence is not an opinion. Choice B is incorrect confusion. Choice C fixes the run-on by adding the
because this sentence does not distract from but rather appropriate commas and an em-dash. Choices B and D
helps in contextualizing the main ideas of the para- add commas in inappropriate places, creating addi-
graph. Choice D is incorrect because it is the following tional confusion.
sentence that explains what wayang kulit is.
21. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because
14. The correct answer is D. Choice D correctly uses end the pronoun “its” should refer back to the antecedent
punctuation to correct this run-on sentence. Choices A, “the puppet.” Choice A is incorrect because “their” is
B, and C are incorrect because they do not employ the

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

plural and “puppet” is not. Choices B and D are incorrect 28. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because
because “the puppet” is neither male nor female. the context of the sentence suggests that a scientific
forecast or prediction about water flow has been made.
22. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because
Choices B and C are incorrect because they reflect
comparisons require “than,” not “then.” Choice A is
subjective impulses and do not maintain the neutral
incorrect because “then” is an adverb that refers to time.
and scientific tone of the passage. Choice D is incorrect
Choices B and D are incorrect because they don’t make
because it is vague and fails to suggest a basis in
sense in the sentence.
research.
23. The correct answer is D. The intent of this passage is to
29. The correct answer is C. This sentence adds new and
bring attention to the serious water issues occurring in
relevant information by providing an example that
the American Southwest, so choice D would be the
shows the reader how severe the drought really is.
most effective introductory sentence. The passage is not
Choice A is incorrect because this information has not
an enticement to vacation in the American Southwest,
been presented previously in the passage. Choice B is
so choice A is incorrect. It is also not focused on
incorrect because this sentence does not blur the
pointing out the majestic aspects of the American
paragraph’s focus; rather, it is relevant to the paragraph’s
Southwest, so choice B is incorrect. The Anasazi people
main argument. Choice D is incorrect because this
are a supporting detail about the American Southwest
sentence does not introduce this argument; rather, it
in the context of this passage, so choice C is also
supports the argument.
incorrect.
30. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because
24. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because
the dependent clause “and possibly more alarming”
the sentence subject that includes “arid climate and
must be set off by commas. Choice A is incorrect
limited water resources,” is a compound subject, which
because it contains one too many commas. Choice C is
means the verb must also be plural. Choice A is
incorrect because it contains no commas. Choice D is
incorrect because “has” is singular. Choice B is incorrect
incorrect because the comma should be before “and.”
because it is the past perfect instead of the present
perfect tense. Choice D is incorrect because it is present 31. The correct answer is C. Although it may sound
tense and changes the meaning of the sentence. otherwise, the conventional expression is “for all intents
and purposes,” choice C. Choices A, B, and D are
25. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because
incorrect.
the sentence requires a possessive pronoun in order to
refer back to the Anasazi people. Choice A is incorrect 32. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because
because “they’re” is a contraction, not a possessive. the author’s intent is to suggest that there are other
Choice C is incorrect because “there” is an adverb, not a factors that make the problems of drought worse and
possessive. Choice D is incorrect because “its” is singular more complicated. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect
possessive, while the antecedent, “people,” is plural. because each word emphasizes an increase in severity
rather than an increase in the number of factors
26. The correct answer is D. Choice D combines the
contributing to problems in the area.
sentences in a way that helps emphasize the con-
nection between the two. Choice A is incorrect because 33. The correct answer is D. The accompanying map
“but” implies that the two ideas are contradictory. measures average air temperatures, so choice D is
Choice B is incorrect because it misuses a semicolon to correct. The map does not measure the highest or
connect an independent clause and what is now a lowest air temperatures, so choices A and B are
dependent clause. Choice C is incorrect because it incorrect. It also doesn’t measure water temperature, so
creates a run-on sentence. choice C is incorrect.

27. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because 34. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because
the sentence is a statement, and thus it should end in a this first paragraph establishes that women do not get
period. Choice A is incorrect because the sentence does as many leading roles as men nor do they spend as
not warrant the excitement or surprise that an excla- much time on-screen. Choice A is incorrect because it
mation point conveys. Choice C is incorrect because the does not stress the number of roles nor the amount of
sentence is not a question. Choice D is incorrect on-screen time. Choice B is incorrect because it does not
because it creates a run-on sentence. cite the amount of on-screen time, alluding to it only
vaguely. Choice D is incorrect because the main idea of

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

the passage is not a plea to pay female actresses more 40. The correct answer is C. Choice C is correct because
than their male counterparts to attract new talent. the pronoun should refer to the female actress using
“her.” Choice A is incorrect because it is plural. Choice B
35. The correct answer is B. Choice B is correct because
is incorrect because it is masculine. Choice D is incorrect
only “agents” expresses the idea that television and
because it is plural and first person.
movies play an active role in causing social change.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they don’t 41. The correct answer is D. Choice D maintains the
suggest a causal relationship to social change. objective and neutral tone of the passage while noting
unfavorable comparisons. Choices A, B, and C are
36. The correct answer is D. Choice D is correct because
incorrect because the tone of each choice is emotionally
the subordinate clause that begins with “while” is tied to
charged, which is inconsistent with the objective tone
the central premise of the sentence and needs to be at
of the passage.
the beginning. Choice A is incorrect because at the end
of the sentence, the relationship of the clause to the 42. The correct answer is B. Given the context of the
central idea is lost. Choices B and C are incorrect sentence and paragraph, famous is the most appro-
because they obscure the relationship of the clause to priate word choice. Streep is offered as an example of a
the central idea of the sentence. woman who has achieved great acclaim as an actress,
despite gender inequalities in the film industry. The
37. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because
previous sentence mentions her many award nomina-
the noun “women” should agree in number with
tions, so referring to her fame here makes the most
“protagonists.” Choice B is incorrect because “protag-
sense. The other answer choices either don’t make
onist” should be plural. Choice C is incorrect because
sense given the context, or we are not given enough
“protagonist” should be singular if it is to agree with the
information to determine if they are appropriate
subject. Choice D is incorrect because “a woman” is not
choices, so they are incorrect.
plural.
43. The correct answer is A. Choice A is correct because
38. The correct answer is C. Choice C clarifies that the
“accolades” connotes the achievements, honor, and
comparison is between women’s marital status and the
respect that the passage goes on to describe. Choice B
marital status of men. Choice A is incorrect because it
is incorrect because the awards were not privileges.
makes an illogical comparison between women’s
Choices C and D are incorrect because they do not
marital status and men in general. Choice B is incorrect
connote the honor and respect that “accolades” does.
because it uses the singular “man,” meaning that only
one man’s marriage status is being compared. Choice D 44. The correct answer is C. The word “characters” should
is incorrect because it compares women’s marital status be the possessive “character’s,” so choice C is correct.
to the grammatically incorrect phrase “men’s marriage.” Choice A is incorrect because “characters” is plural
instead of possessive. Choice B is incorrect because
39. The correct answer is A. Choice A supports the
“character” is not possessive. Choice D is incorrect
paragraph’s claim that women are underrepresented in
because it does not convey the appropriate meaning.
the film industry. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect
because they don’t support the paragraph’s main focus
that women are underrepresented in the film industry.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator

1. B 5. C 9. B 13. D 17. 6

2. B 6. A 10. A 14. A 18. 25

3. B 7. D 11. C 15. D 19. 15

4. C 8. C 12. C 16. 80 20. 4

MATH TEST—NO CALCULATOR RAW SCORE

(Number of correct answers)

1. The correct answer is B. The slope of a line can be 5. The correct answer is C.
determined by finding the difference in the y-coordi-
nates divided by the difference in the x-coordinates for 5 −16
any two points on the line. Using the points indicated,
5 −1 4
=5 ( 16 i )
−1
the slope is = − . Translating the line moves all the = 5( 4 i )
0−3 3
points on the line the same distance in the same = 20i

direction, and the image will be a parallel line. 6. The correct answer is A. The amount of grain added
4 each week is 1,000 bushels. Divide 1,000 bushels by 0.8
Therefore, the slope of the line is − .
3 bushels per cubic foot to obtain 1,250 cubic feet per
2. The correct answer is B. The constant 12 represents the week. So, the total amount of grain in the silo is 32,500
starting distance on the driveway. In other words, (what is already there) plus 1,250w (the amount added
before the snail even moved, it was already 12 feet from each week times the number of weeks), which must be
the beginning of the driveway. Therefore, Catherine less than or equal to the volume of the silo, 45,000 cubic
must have placed the snail 12 feet from the start of her feet.
driveway before she began recording the time it took 7. The correct answer is D. The vertex of a parabola is
for the snail to get to the end of her driveway. found when the equation is written in the form
3. The correct answer is B. Solve for x: y = a(x – h)2 + k. You don’t need to perform any
calculations, because only choice D is written in this
−2 x + 5 = 2 − (5 − 2 x )
form.
−2 x + 5 = 2 − 5 + 2 x
−2 x + 5 = −3 + 2 x Add 2x to booth sides. 8. The correct answer is C.
5 = −3 + 4 x Add +3 to both sides.
− x 2 + 2 y − (− x − y ) = − x 2 + 2 y + x + y
8 = 4x Divide by 4.
= − x 2 + x + 3y
2= x

4. The correct answer is C. Multiply both the numerator

and the denominator by the complex conjugate of the
denominator, which is equivalent to multiplying by 1.
The resulting rational expression has a real denominator
and can be simplified to –4 + 2i.

(
10i  1+ 2i  10i + 20i
=
2
)
 
1 − 2i  1 + 2i  1− 4 i 2
10i − 20
=
1+ 4
= 2i − 4

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9. The correct answer is B. Since Jorge’s truck is traveling 13. The correct answer is D. The graph will cross the x-axis
at an average speed of 55 miles per hour and the truck at the point where the function (that is, the y-coor-
gets 6 miles per gallon, the number of gallons of diesel dinate) has a value of 0. As a result, the following
used each hour can be found by the equation equation needs to be solved:
55 miles 1 gallon 55 . The truck uses 55 gallons of
× = 480 − 60t = 0
1 hour 6 miles 6 6
55 −60t = −480
diesel per hour, so it uses h gallons of diesel in h t =8
6
hours. The truck’s fuel tank has 125 gallons of diesel at
Since t represents the independent variable, the point
the beginning of the trip. Therefore, the function that
is (8, 0).
models the number of gallons of diesel remaining in the
14. The correct answer is A. The initial population of the
55h
tank h hours after the trip begins is d (h) = 125 − . town is 500. The rate of change between consecutive x
6
values (1 year, 2 years, 3 years) is not constant. As a
10. The correct answer is A. result, the expression cannot be linear, and choice B is
eliminated. Determine the ratio of each year's popu-
lation to the previous year's population to the previous
M
A= year's population. Comparing the population after one
M−N
A(M − N) = M year to the initial population, we have:
AM − AN = M 650
= 1.3
AM − M = AN 500
M( A − 1) = AN If the population is growing exponentially, then we
AN can calculate the population after x years by mul-
M=
A −1 tiplying the initial population by 1.3 raised to the x
power. Choice A represents that calculation. (You
11. The correct answer is C. The total cost of the sofa, y, is can eliminate choice C by substituting x = 1 year, and
equal to the number of monthly payments multiplied choice D doesn't make sense because it introduces
by the amount of each payment, plus the down the undefined quantity t.)
payment. The number of monthly payments is x, and x is
multiplied by 90 in the given equation. So 90 represents 15. The correct answer is D. For questions of this type, you
the monthly payment. 75 represents the down
payment. often can identify the correct answer by substituting

values for the variable. Zero (or any value that simplifies
12. The correct answer is C. The sum of the values that
satisfy the equation is the sum of the solution the necessary arithmetic) is a good choice. When you
2.5 + 3 = 5.5. 1
sustitute 0 for x, 4 x + 1 simplifies to . Because any
x +2 2
2n 2 − 11n + 15 = 0 equivalent expression must have the same value as the
(2n − 5) (n − 3) = 0 original expression for all x, look for the expression that
2n − 5 = 0 , n − 3 = 0 1
equals when x = 0. Among the answers, only choice
n = 2.5, n = 3 2
D is such an expression. You can also arrive at this

answer using algebra, but it takes longer.

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16. The correct answer is 80. If AC = BC, then m–A = 18. The correct answer is 25. According to the graph, the
m–B = 50°. trout population was 4,000 in the year 1980 and 3,000 in
the year 2000. The decrease in number of fish is 1,000,
A B whereas the initial trout population for the year 1980
50 ˚ 50 ˚ was 4,000. So, the percent decrease equals the ratio of
the change in population to the original population.
This relationship can be represented as 1, 000 .
4 , 000
1
This ratio simplifies as , or 25%.
80
˚ 4
C
19. The correct answer is 15. To begin,
80 ˚ f(p + 3) = 5(p + 3)+ 12 = 5p + 15 + 12 = 5p + 27.
E Similarly, f(p) = 5p + 12. Thus,

f ( p + 3) − f ( p) = 5p + 27 − (5p + 12)
D = 5p + 27 − 5p − 12
= 15
In ∆ABC, m – ACB = 180° – (m – A + m – B). So,
m – ACB = 80°. Further, m – ACB = m – ECD because 20. The correct answer is 4. Solve for x:
they are opposite angles. Therefore, m – ECD = 80°.
9 16
+ =5
17. The correct answer is 6. First, solve for x by multiplying x −2 x +3
the second equation by 2 so that the coefficient of y will  9 16 
 +  ( x − 2) ( x + 3) = 5 ( x − 2) ( x + 3)
be 4, the additive inverse (the opposite) of the y x − 2 x + 3
coefficient in the first equation. Add the two equations 9 x + 27 + 16 x − 32 = 5 x 2 + 5 x − 30
to eliminate y. 0 = 5 x 2 − 20 x − 25
0 = 5( x + 1)( x − 5)
x = −1 or x = 5
5 x − 4 y = 13
x + 2y = 4
To get the sum of the solutions, simply add –1 and 5:
5 x − 4 y = 13 –1 + 5 = 4.
2x + 4 y = 8
7 x = 21
x =3

Then, substitute x = 3 into the second equation to get

the value of y:

3 + 2y = 4
2y = 1
1
y=
2
1 x
Finally, substitute x = 3 and y = into to get the
2 y
value of the ratio:

x 3
= =6
y 1
2

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Section 4: Math Test—Calculator

1. C 9. B 17. D 25. A 33. 45

2. D 10. B 18. B 26. D 34. 41

3. D 11. B 19. A 27. D 35. 5400

4. A 12. D 20. A 28. A 36. 440

5. A 13. C 21. D 29. B 37. 21.5

6. C 14. D 22. B 30. B 38. 4

7. B 15. C 23. C 31. 5

8. D 16. B 24. A 32. 9

MATH TEST—CALCULATOR RAW SCORE

(Number of correct answers)

1. The correct answer is C. 15% of $12.50 is (0.15)($12.50) 5. The correct answer is A. The amount of protein in m
= $1.875. So, the discount for every 10 audio singles cups of milk is 8m grams, and the amount of protein in
purchased is $1.875. Multiply this by 4 to get the savings n eggs is 6n grams. The problem asks for the amount to
when purchasing 40 audio singles: 4($1.875) = $7.50. meet or exceed the recommended daily intake, which
sets up a greater-than-or-equal-to scenario.
2. The correct answer is D. When measuring length, 1
yard = 3 feet. When measuring area, 1 square yard = 9 6. The correct answer is C. The total charge that Amy will
square feet. So, 20 square yards = 180 square feet. At pay is the daily rate, the mileage rate, and the 7.5% tax
$1.30 per square foot, it will cost 180 × $1.30 = $234.00. on both. If Amy drove x miles, then the total charge is
(19.99 + 0.15x) + 0.075(19.99 + 0.15x), which can be
3. The correct answer is D. Let x represent the score of
rewritten as 1.075(19.99 + 0.15x).
one of the two games in which he scored identically.
1
Then, the score of the third game is x + 20. Since the 7. The correct answer is B. 5 dozen nails are bought for
2
average of all six games is 182, solve the following
1
equation for x: 5 dozen × 35 cents per dozen = 192.5 cents. There are
2
1
66 nails in 5 dozen and 66 ÷ 3 = 22 sets sold at 10
212 + 181+ 160 + x + x + ( x + 20) 2
= 182
6 cents per set, so 22 sets × 10 cents per set = 220 cents.
573 + 3 x 1
= 182 The profit is 220 – 192.5 = 27 cents.
6 2
573 + 3 x = 1, 092 8. The correct answer is D. The weights are proportional
3 x = 519 to the volumes, and the volumes vary as the cubes of
x = 173 their linear dimensions. If the edges are doubled, the
volume becomes 23 = 8 times as large (see the figure).
So, his six scores were 160, 173, 173, 181, 193, and
Therefore, the weight is 8 × 150 = 1,200 pounds.
212. Therefore, the second highest score is 193.

4. The correct answer is A. The volume of the fish tank is

11(14)(9) = 1,386 cubic inches. The amount needed to
fill the tank is 1,386 ÷ 231 = 6 gallons.

1 ft.

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9. The correct answer is B. 16. The correct answer is B. The scatterplot shows a strong
correlation between the variables. As the years increase,
−2(1− x ) 2 + 2(1− x 2 ) = −2(1− 2 x + x 2 ) + 2(1− x 2 )
the population also increases.
= −2 + 4 x − 2 x 2 + 2 − 2 x 2
17. The correct answer is D. The points on the graph
= −4 x 2 + 4 x
display a pattern of exponential growth, as a rapidly
10. The correct answer is B. One method of finding the upward-turning curve could be used to connect them;
correct answer is to create an inequality. The income therefore, an exponential curve would best represent
from the sign-up fees for x people is 20x. For the the data.
organization to profit, 20x must be greater than the cost 18. The correct answer is B. The graduate starts at x dollars
of x T-shirts. Therefore, 20x > 7x + 60 can be used to per week. After the pay cut, the graduate receives 90%
model the situation. Solving this inequality yields x > of the original salary. The 10% raise adds 9% to the
4.6. Since there can’t be 4.6 people, round the answer salary (10% of 90%), so the new salary is 0.99x.
up to 5.
19. The correct answer is A. The solution set is as follows.
11. The correct answer is B. The total number of students, Note that it extends into all quadrants except the third.
x + y, is equal to 2,180, so the answer must be choice B
or choice C. The male students raised $20 each, and the y
female students raised $25 each. Since x represents the
number of male students, then the amount the male
students raised is represented by 20x, and the amount 4
y = –2x+ 4
the female students raised is represented by 25y. The
total amount raised is $50,000, so the sum is 20x + 25y =
2
50,000. That leaves choice B as the only correct answer.

12. The correct answer is D. The cube root of an expression 1 2 x

1
is equal to that expression raised to the power, so
3
1
3
(
9 x 3 y 5z 6 = 9 x 3 y 5z 6 ) 3 y = –2x + 2

1 5
= 9 3 xy 3 z 2

13. The correct answer is C. The two intersections of the

20. The correct answer is A.
graphs of the equations are at the points (0, 1) and
(–1, 0). Substituting 0 for x and 1 for y makes both (1− 2i )2
equations true. Also, substituting –1 for x and 0 for y 2
makes both equations true. 1 − 2i − 2i + 4 i 2
=
14. The correct answer is D. Find the solution to this 2
1− 4 i + 4 i 2
problem by using the structure of the given equation. =
x y 2
Multiplying both sides of the equation − = 5 by 24 1− 4 i + 4( −1)
3 4 =
2
will clear fractions from the equation and yield
1− 4 i − 4
8x – 6y = 120. =
2
15. The correct answer is C. If x is the number of lunches −3 − 4 i
=
sold and y is the number of dinners sold, then x + y 2
represents the number of meals sold during the 3
= − − 2i
weekend. The equation 7.5x + 12y represents the total 2
3
amount collected in the weekend. Therefore, the correct = − + ( −2)i
2
system of equations is x + y = 241 and 7.5x + 12y =
2,523.
Hence, b = –2.

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21. The correct answer is D. If the discount is 10%, then 28. The correct answer is A. If the machine loses 15% of its
$12.60 is 90% of $14.00. value each year, then each year its value is 85% of what
it was the year before. Therefore, the value of the
22. The correct answer is B. To solve for the number of
machine can be modeled by V(x) = 80,000 × (0.85)x,
gallons of white vinegar, set up a proportion.
where x = the number of years since the machine was
purchased. After 4 years, its value is $80,000 × (0.85)4 =
1
1 $41,760.50.
3=x
2 7 29. The correct answer is B. To find the current average,
28
2x = add all of the medals and divide by 6:
3
4 2 12 + 13 + 31+ 25 + 37 + 28 146
x =4 =4 =
6 3 6 6
= 24.3
23. The correct answer is C. When adding complex ≈ 24
numbers, we add the real parts of each number and the
imaginary parts separately. The new average has to be one more than that, or
25.3. However, it will be spread over seven Winter
(1.26 + 4.52i ) + (–0.89 + xi )
Olympics:
= (1.26 + (–0.89)) + (4.52 + x)i

We are given that this sum equals 0.37 + 7.4i. So we 12 + 13 + 31+ 25 + 37 + 28 + x 146 + x
= = 25.3
know that (4.52 + x), or the coefficient of i, equals 7.4. 7 7
146 + x = 177.1
(We can disregard the real number part of the sum.)
x = 31.1
We can write: 4.52 + x = 7.4.
Solving for x gives: x = 7.4 − 4.52 6x
30. The correct answer is B. Simplify the ratio by
x = 2.88 2x + 4
factoring out the greatest common factor (2).
24. The correct answer is A. Because the function f has 3x 3x A
The result is . Set = 3+ and solve.
(x – 4) and (x + 2) as factors, the function should have x +2 x +2 x +2
zeros when x – 4 = 0 and x + 2 = 0. The only graph that A = –6.
shows a curve that has x-intercepts at –2 and 4 is
choice A. 3x = 3(x + 2) + A
3x = 3x + 6 + A
25. The correct answer is A. There are a total of 8 + 23 + 19 A = −6
= 50 people in Group A, and 8 of them have no living
8 4 31. The correct answer is 5. Expand the left side and then
siblings. So the probability is = .
50 25 equate corresponding coefficients:

26. The correct answer is D. When t = 0, the height of the

(ax − 1) ⋅ (2 x + b ) = 4 x 2 + 4 x − 3
ball is 0.02 m, so 0.02 represents the height of the ball
2ax 2 − 2 x + abx − b = 4 x 2 + 4 x − 3
before it is hit.
2ax 2 + (ab − 2) x − b = 4 x 2 + 4 x − 3
27. The correct answer is D. If k is a positive constant other
than 1, then the equation kx + y = c can be rewritten as So, 2a = 4, ab – 2 = 4, and –b = –3. So, a = 2 and b = 3.
y = –kx + c. If k is positive, then –k is negative, and it Therefore, a + b = 5.
must be something other than –1. The only graph with
a negative slope other than –1 is answer choice D.

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32. The correct answer is 9. Since he must buy at least two 36. The correct answer is 440. If the dolphin weighs 110%
of each item, first determine the cost of buying exactly 2 of the average, it weighs 10% more than the average
of each: weight of 400 pounds, or 0.10 × 400 = 40 pounds. The
dolphin weighs 400 + 40 = 440 pounds.
2($4.00 + $3.75 + $1.50) = $18.50
37. The correct answer is 21.5. First, combine the
Now, subtract that from $50: $50 – $18.50 = $31.50. equations by subtracting (x + y = 13) from (3x + y = –4):

Divide this difference by the cost of a pint of berries

($4.00) to get 7.875. 3 x + y = −4
So, Derek would be able to buy at most 7 more pints −( x + y = 13)
of berries. This, together with the 2 pints we account- 2 x = −17
ed for at the start of the solution, gives a maximum of x = −8.5
9 pints of berries that he could purchase.
Then solve for x and substitute into one of the equa-
33. The correct answer is 45. Letting m be the time per
tions to solve for y:
regular question, 2m is the time per math problem. The
total time for all the regular questions is 300m, and the
−8.5 + y = 13
total time for all the math problems is 50(2m). Since the
y = 21.5
exam is 3 hours, or 180 minutes, 300m + 100m = 180
180 9
minutes, 400m = 180, and m = = . The time to 38. The correct answer is 4. In general, a system of
400 20
equations that has no solution takes this form, where a,
 9 9
do a math problem is 2   = . All 50 math b, m, and n are constants:
 20  10
9
problems can be done in 50   = 45 minutes. ax + by = m
 10 
ax + by = n
34. The correct answer is 41. The number of games that
the Montreal Canadiens played is not provided, but it is To rewrite the given system in this form, we must
given that the ratio of the number of games played in multiply –3x + 2y = –1 by some factor so that the
the 1947–48 season to that in the 1924–25 season is 2:1. coefficient of x will be 6, making it equal to the coef-
Problems like this can be solved by plugging in real ficient in the second equation. That factor is –2. When
numbers. Let’s say that there were 100 games in the we multiply the first equation by –2, the given system
1924–25 season, so they won 57 of those games. In the becomes this equivalent system:
1947–48 season, there were twice as many games, or
200 games, so they won 33% of 200 games, or 66 6x − 4y = 2
games. Altogether they won 123 out of 300 games, and 6 x − by = 8
this fraction can be simplified to 41 out of 100, or 41%.

35. The correct answer is 5400. Of the number of voters Now the coefficients are equal, and the y coefficients
polled, 400 of 625, or 64%, were in favor of the measure. would be equal if b = 4. So if b = 4, then the system
If the margin of error is 4%, the likely population has no solution.
proportion will be between 60% and 68%: 60% of 9,000
total voters is (0.6)(9,000) = 5,400.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

Section 5: Essay

Analysis of Passage
The following is an analysis of the passage by Peter Krapp, noting how the writer used evidence, reasoning, and stylistic or persuasive
elements to support his claims, connect the claims and evidence, and add power to the ideas he expressed. Check to see if you
evaluated the passage in a similar way.

1 Pennsylvania State University’s College of Engineering took 1 The writer cites a specific example of a computer security
its computer network offline on May 15 after disclosing breach and uses facts and statistics to show the seriousness
two cyberattacks. The perpetrators were able to access of the problem.
information on 18,000 students, who are being contacted
this week with the news that their personal identifying
information is in hackers’ hands.

Three days later, the computer network is back online, with

new protections for its users.

2 One of the two attacks is ascribed by a forensic 2 By mentioning that the computer hackers appear to be
cybersecurity corporation retained by Penn State to located in China, the writer underscores the global risks of
computers apparently based in China. the security breach.

3 As a researcher who has published on hacking and 3 The writer establishes his credentials to write about and offer
hacktivism and serves on the board of the UC Irvine data an argument on this topic.
science initiative, I believe two aspects of this news story
deserve particular attention.

Compromising student data

4 Penn State announced last week that the FBI alerted it on 4 The writer uses facts and dates to lay the groundwork for the
November 21, 2014, about an attack with custom malware point he is about to make.
that started as early as September 2012.

5 Why did it take so long for Penn State to disclose the breach, 5 The writer poses a rhetorical question to address one
despite the fact that the experience of large-scale hacks in aspect of this story that he earlier said deserves “particular
2013 and 2014 (against Target, Home Depot, and others) attention.” His first point is that Penn State took too long to
clearly demonstrated an urgent need for quick and full disclose the security breach. He cites two past breaches to
disclosure—both to help the victims and to preserve a support his argument about the need for quick disclosure
modicum of trust? and uses evocative words (“help the victims and to preserve
a modicum of trust”) to emphasize how important early
disclosure is.

6 Penn State stated only that any disclosure would have 6 The writer states Penn State’s justification for delaying
tipped off the perpetrators before their access to the disclosure. He uses the word only to imply that Penn State
College of Engineering computers could be cut off. should have been more forthcoming, thus strengthening
his own position. At the same time, he presents himself as
reasonable because he offers Penn State’s argument before
going on with his own.

7 Meanwhile, student data may have been compromised 7 The writer shows why, in his opinion, Penn State’s position is
for at least six months, maybe longer. weak.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

8 Another conspicuous problem with public discussion 8 The writer now addresses the second point that he feels
of events like this is, in fact, the lack of distinction often “deserve[s] particular attention” — The media do not treat
made in the media between actual appropriation of breaches like the one at Penn State seriously, often viewing
data (as at Penn State) and mere temporary disabling them more like nuisance problems. He supports his view that
or defacement of websites (as happened to Rutgers the media should be able to make a distinction between
University last month). That is like being unable to make a serious and non-serious security breaches by juxtaposing a
difference between a grand theft auto and keying a car. significant crime (grand theft auto) with a minor infraction
(keying a car).
The question is, what can universities do to limit the risk
to their students?

9 The exposure of student data in higher education is not 9 The writer shows how dangerous these kinds of security
limited to Social Security numbers or email passwords. breaches are, using specific examples of the kinds of
Information collected and retained by educational information that can fall into hackers’ hands.
institutions includes full name, address, phone number,
credit and debit card information, workplace information,
date of birth, personal interests and of course academic
performance and grade information.

10 A survey conducted by the Obama administration 10 The writer strengthens his viewpoint by providing statistical
collected responses from 24,092 individuals on how evidence in the form of a survey that reveals how concerned
much they trusted various institutions to keep their people are about the safety of their personal data.
data safe. There was a high level of concern around
transparency and legal standards. (https://www.
whitehouse.gov/issues/technology/big-data-review)

...

11 President Obama only recently called for laws covering 11 The writer supports his argument by quoting an authority
data hacking and student privacy. “We’re saying that data no less than the president of the United States. (He also
collected on students in the classroom should only be makes the point that he believes the president’s concern is
used for educational purposes,” he stated in his speech to overdue, by saying this statement was made “only recently.”)
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) earlier this year.

Data privacy concerns

12 If students’ right to privacy needs to be protected from 12 The writer underscores the depth of the problem by pointing
the specter of foreign intelligence agencies poking out that there are many entities that might access students’
around the Penn State Engineering School, then by the computer data: not only foreign intelligence agencies (as was
same logic it should be protected also against data- the case with the Penn State breach), but US companies that
mining by for-profit actors right here in the US. mine computer data for profit. The writer argues that just as
foreign breaches have been recognized as serious, so should
13 Until May 2014, Google, for instance, routinely mined
domestic for-profit breaches.
its apps for education services for advertising and
monetizing purposes. When Education Week reported 13 The writer offers a specific example of a US company mining
that Google was mining student emails, it quickly led not personal data for profit to strengthen his case.
only to lawsuits but also to landmark legislation.

14 The California Senate Bill 1177 was enacted to prevent 14 The writer underscores the validity of his argument by citing
educational services from selling student information or legislation enacted to address the problem.
mining it for advertising purposes.

15 Yet, almost a year later, students in California remain just 15 The writer points out that the final form of the legislation to
as concerned about their data privacy as before—since protect students’ data does not extend to college students.
the new state law was watered down to apply only to
K–12 and not to higher education.

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16 And when it was disclosed earlier this spring that 16 The writer reinforces his argument that not enough is being
education publisher Pearson secretly monitored social done to protect college students’ personal data by citing
media to discern references to their content, the legislative another example of a US company data-mining for profit. He
response was one that, according to the Electronic Privacy also quotes an authoritative source to support this claim.
Information Center (EPIC) in Washington, DC, “fails to
uphold President Obama’s promise that the data collected
in an educational context can be used only for educational
purposes.”

17 Students in higher education nationwide are still in a 17 The writer points out a reality that makes and keeps college
position where they cannot opt out of the computer students vulnerable: “they cannot opt out of the computer
services of their learning institutions, and so they have no services of their learning institutions.”
expectation of privacy.

18 Despite President Obama’s promises for safeguarding 18 The writer underscores college students’ vulnerability by
the privacy of consumers and families, and despite the pointing out that two major companies (Google and Apple)
fact that a number of technology companies concerned have refused to sign a pledge to safeguard student privacy.
with growing consumer distrust recently signed a pledge
to safeguard student privacy, neither Google nor Apple
signed on.

19 The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and 19 The writer points out that an advisory board to the US
Technology (PCAST) was tasked to examine current president has recommended strengthening research on the
and likely future capabilities of key technologies, both problem.
those associated with the collection, analysis, and use
of big data and those that can help to preserve privacy,
resulting in a direct recommendation to strengthen US
research in privacy-related technologies.

20 And overwhelmingly, respondents to a White House 20 The writer cites a White House survey that reflected “severe
survey recently expressed severe reservations about reservations about the collection, storage, and security and
the collection, storage, and security and use of private use of private information.” The survey shows that despite
information. the measures that have been put in place, the public still
feels its data is at risk.
21 Maybe it is time for higher education to heed those
signals.
21 The writer concludes his argument by saying it’s time for
colleges (where people are particularly vulnerable) to pay
attention to—and act on—the information they have, in
order to remedy the situation.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

Sample Essays
The following are examples of a high-scoring and low-scoring essay, based on the passage by Peter Krapp.

High-Scoring Essay
Peter Krapp builds a well-constructed argument designed to persuade readers that computer hacking is a danger that steals
our most valuable possession—personal information—from our most vulnerable people—students. The article focuses on
personal information about college students stolen from college computer networks. The writer builds his argument brick by
brick. He starts by giving an example of student data stolen from a college by hackers in China, relating his topic to an event
that really happened. The writer quickly establishes himself as an expert in the topic so readers can trust his information.
Krapp asks and answers questions about the theft of data, goes into more depth about the type of information stolen from
college networks, and then briefly touches on the laws, or the lack of laws, to protect students. He points out that data is
stolen from students by not only foreign hackers, but also by American companies. The writer finishes with a call for colleges
to protect student data, clearly stating his purpose.

The theft of 18,000 students’ data from Pennsylvania State University’s College of Engineering is a strong example to start the
article. Naming the college and identifying the large number of students tells the reader immediately that a single incident
affected many people. The location of the hackers shows that protecting the physical location of the data is useless, and it
adds a bit of foreign intrigue.

The second paragraph is a single sentence, but accomplishes two important things. It gives the reader his credentials,
proving that he is qualified to speak as an authority on the topic. It also provides structure for the next section by telling the
reader that the writer will focus on two aspects of the news story.

Krapp reveals the first aspect to be discussed right away—Penn State knew that data was being stolen for six months before
doing anything about it. To emphasize just how astonishing Penn State’s behavior is, Krapp asks the same question that any
reader might ask: Why? He asks the question in words that urge a fast response such as “urgent need” and “help the victims.”
He demonstrates that Penn State’s response is weak by describing the response as “stated only.”

The next paragraph starts with “Another conspicuous problem.” This phrase presents the second aspect he wants to discuss,
which is the media’s lack of understanding about the difference between the major problem of stealing data and the minor
problem of disabling a website for a short period of time. He helps readers to understand the difference by comparing
stealing a car to causing only minor damage to the car.

Krapp follows the reader’s natural thought process by asking the next question: If it’s a problem, how do we fix it? He presents
information in two ways, listing the type of information at risk and displaying bar charts that show the results of a presidential
survey on the public’s perception of data security.

The section title, “Data privacy concerns,” informs readers that Krapp is addressing another concern, the theft of student data
by US companies that want to mine data for profit. He gives two examples that are recognized and used by college students:
Google and Pearson. He points out that students are particularly vulnerable to theft by the corporations that provide the
apps and class materials that students must use for school. The school dictates which apps are to be used, so students “cannot
opt out.” He touches again on the law, but reveals that it doesn’t protect college students. This information reinforces his
arguments that college students are vulnerable to data theft. Presenting the facts this way says that college students are not
only vulnerable, they are betrayed by the universities, US companies, and laws that should protect them.

The argument Krapp has built leads to a solid conclusion that Krapp states in a single, final sentence that is brief but
summarizes the conclusion readers should draw. The brevity of the statement ensures that readers will get the point of the
article and remember it in the future. The information that Krapp presents in examples, lists, survey results and bar charts
provides a solid foundation for the conclusion that becomes obvious to any reader. Protect student data.

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 Answer Keys and Explanations

Low-Scoring Essay
Peter Krapp tries to persuade us that students should be allowed to opt out of giving their data to colleges and companies.
This would protect them from having their full name, address, phone number, credit and debit card information, workplace
information, date of birth, personal interests and of course academic performance and grade information stolen by people
like Chinese hackers and companies like Google and Pearson.

Peter Krapp persuades us by giving lots of examples of data being stolen, like Pennsylvania State University’s College of
Engineering, Target, Home Depot, Google, and Pearson. One of the examples includes a chart that shows how much 24,092
individuals trusted various institutions to keep their data safe. Most of them didn’t think their data was safe.

All of this information, charts, and examples that Peter Krapp included in his essay is very convincing. I think we should pass
some laws like Peter Krapp suggested. The laws would keep American companies from stealing our data and punish hackers
from other countries who steal our data.

All college students should try to opt out of giving away all of their private information because we know the colleges won’t
protect it. The colleges actually tell students to use apps that they know companies steal data from. This makes college
students more vulnerable than anyone else to losing their data.

If companies are going to use the data they take from students, they should pay the students for the data. Then, students
might not mind so much if companies take their data because the students would make money from it and college is very
expensive.

When I go to college, I will opt out of giving my data to colleges and companies. My information is important to me and I
don’t want it stolen from me.

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 Computing Your Scores

COMPUTING YOUR SCORES

Now that you've completed this diagnostic test, it's time to compute your scores. Simply follow the instructions on the following
pages, and use the conversion tables provided to calculate your scores. The formulas provided will give you as close an approximation
as possible of how you might score on the actual SAT® exam.

To Determine Your Practice Test Scores

1. After you go through each of the test sections (Reading, Writing and Language, Math—No Calculator, and Math—Calculator)
and determine which answers you got right, be sure to enter the number of correct answers in the box below the answer
key for each of the sections.
2. Your total score on the practice test is the sum of your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score and your Math
Section score. To get your total score, convert the raw score—the number of questions you got right in a particular section—
into the “scaled score” for that section, and then calculate the total score. It sounds a little confusing, but we’ll take you
through the steps.

To Calculate Your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section Score

Your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score is on a scale of 200–800. First determine your Reading Test score, and then
determine your score on the Writing and Language Test.

1. Count the number of correct answers you got on the Section 1: Reading Test. Remember that there is no penalty for wrong
answers. The number of correct answers is your raw score.
2. Go to Raw Score Conversion Table 1: Section and Test Scores on page 125. Look in the “Raw Score” column for your
raw score, and match it to the number in the “Reading Test Score” column.
3. Do the same with Section 2: Writing and Language Test to determine that score.
4. Add your Reading Test score to your Writing and Language Test score.
5. Multiply that number by 10. This is your Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section score.

To Calculate Your Math Section Score

Your Math score is also on a scale of 200–800.

1. Count the number of correct answers you got on the Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator and the Section 4: Math
Test—Calculator. Again, there is no penalty for wrong answers. The number of correct answers is your raw score.
2. Add the number of correct answers on the Section 3: Math Test—No Calculator and the Section 4: Math Test—Calculator.
3. Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 1: Section and Test Scores on page 125 and convert your raw score into your Math
Section score.

To Obtain Your Total Score

Add your score on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section to the Math Section score. This is your total score on this SAT®
Practice Test, on a scale of 400–1600.

Subscores Provide Additional Information

Subscores offer you greater details about your strengths in certain areas within literacy and math. The subscores are reported on
a scale of 1–15 and include Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math, Expression of Ideas,
Standard English Conventions, Words in Context, and Command of Evidence.

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 Computing Your Scores

Heart of Algebra

The Heart of Algebra subscore is based on questions from the Math Test that focus on linear equations and inequalities.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions:

ºº Math Test—No Calculator: Questions 1–3, 6, 9, 11, 17, 18
ºº Math Test—Calculator: Questions 5, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 19, 27, 29, 37, 38
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Heart of Algebra subscore.

Problem Solving and Data Analysis

The Problem Solving and Data Analysis subscore is based on questions from the Math Test that focus on quantitative reasoning,
the interpretation and synthesis of data, and solving problems in rich and varied contexts.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions:

ºº Math Test—No Calculator: None
ºº Math Test—Calculator: Questions 1–3, 7, 8, 16–18, 21, 22, 25, 28, 32–36
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Problem Solving and Data Analysis
subscore.

Passport to Advanced Math

The Passport to Advanced Math subscore is based on questions from the Math Test that focus on topics central to your ability
to progress to more advanced math, such as understanding the structure of expressions, reasoning with more complex equations,
and interpreting and building functions.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions:

ºº Math Test—No Calculator: Questions 7, 8, 10, 12–15, 19, 20
ºº Math Test—Calculator: Questions 9, 12, 13, 24, 26, 30, 31
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Passport to Advanced Math subscore.

Expression of Ideas

The Expression of Ideas subscore is based on questions from the Writing and Language Test that focus on topic development,
organization, and rhetorically effective use of language.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions in Section 2: Writing and Language Test:
ºº Questions 1, 4, 5, 7–9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 26, 28, 29, 32–35, 39, 41–43
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Expression of Ideas subscore.

Standard English Conventions

The Standard English Conventions subscore is based on questions from the Writing and Language Test that focus on sentence
structure, usage, and punctuation.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions in Section 2: Writing and Language Test:
ºº Questions 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, 36–38, 40, 44
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Standard English Conventions
subscore.
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 Computing Your Scores

Words in Context

The Words in Context subscore is based on questions from the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test that address
word/phrase meaning in context and rhetorical word choice.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions in Sections 1 and 2:
ºº Reading Test: Questions 1, 5, 12, 16, 27, 30, 41, 42, 51, 52
ºº Writing and Language Test: Questions 5, 8, 12, 17, 28, 32, 35, 43
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Words in Context subscore.

Command of Evidence

The Command of Evidence subscore is based on questions from the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test that ask
you to interpret and use evidence found in a wide range of passages and informational graphics, such as graphs, tables, and charts.

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions in Sections 1 and 2:
ºº Reading Test: Questions 6, 9, 14, 19, 28, 32, 36, 38, 43, 44
ºº Writing and Language Test: Questions 1, 4, 13, 16, 29, 33, 34, 42
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores on page 126 to determine your Command of Evidence subscore.

Cross-Test Scores
The SAT® exam also reports two cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. These scores are based
on questions in the Reading Test, Writing and Language Test, and both Math Tests that ask you to think analytically about texts and
questions in these subject areas. Cross-test scores are reported on a scale of 10–40.

Analysis in History/Social Studies

•  Add up your total correct answers from these questions:
ºº Reading Test: Questions 11–21, 43–52
ºº Writing and Language Test: Questions 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20
ºº Math Test—No Calculator: Question 14
ºº Math Test—Calculator: Questions 11, 16, 17, 25, 29, 34, 35
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 3: Cross-Test Scores on page 127 to determine your Analysis in History/Social
Studies cross-test score.

Analysis in Science
•  Add up your total correct answers from these sections:
•  Reading Test: Questions 1–10, 22–32
•  Writing and Language Test: Questions 23, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33
•  Math Test—No Calculator: Questions 2, 13
•  Math Test—Calculator: Questions 4, 5, 8, 22, 26, 36
•  Your Raw Score = the total number of correct answers from all of these questions
•  Use the Raw Score Conversion Table 3: Cross-Test Scores on page 127 to determine your Analysis in Science cross-test
score.

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 Computing Your Scores

Raw Score Conversion Table 1: Section and Test Scores

Writing and Language

Writing and Language

Writing and Language

Math Section Score

Math Section Score

Math Section Score

Reading Test Score

Reading Test Score

Reading Test Score

Raw Score

Raw Score

Raw Score
Test Score

Test Score

Test Score
0 200 10 10 20 450 22 23 40 610 33 36
1 200 10 10 21 460 23 23 41 620 33 37
2 210 10 10 22 470 23 24 42 630 34 38
3 230 11 10 23 480 24 25 43 640 35 39
4 240 12 11 24 480 24 25 44 650 35 40
5 260 13 12 25 490 25 26 45 660 36
6 280 14 13 26 500 25 26 46 670 37
7 290 15 13 27 510 26 27 47 670 37
8 310 15 14 28 520 26 28 48 680 38
9 320 16 15 29 520 27 28 49 690 38
10 330 17 16 30 530 28 29 50 700 39
11 340 17 16 31 540 28 30 51 710 40
12 360 18 17 32 550 29 30 52 730 40
13 370 19 18 33 560 29 31 53 740
14 380 19 19 34 560 30 32 54 750
15 390 20 19 35 570 30 32 55 760
16 410 20 20 36 580 31 33 56 780
17 420 21 21 37 590 31 34 57 790
18 430 21 21 38 600 32 34 58 800
19 440 22 22 39 600 32 35

Conversion Equation 1 Section and Test Scores

READING TEST WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST

RAW SCORE (0–52) RAW SCORE (0–44)

CONVERT CONVERT

10
EVIDENCE-BASED
READING AND WRITING
SECTION SCORE (200–800)
READING WRITING AND LANGUAGE READING AND WRITING
TEST SCORE (10–40) TEST SCORE (10–40) TEST SCORE (20–80)

MATH TEST EVIDENCE-BASED

RAW SCORE READING AND WRITING
(0–58) SECTION SCORE (200–800)

MATH TEST—NO CALCULATOR MATH TEST—CALCULATOR CONVERT

RAW SCORE (0–20) RAW SCORE (0–38)

MATH SECTION
SCORE (200–800)

MATH SECTION
SCORE (200–800)
TOTAL SAT® SCORE
(400–1600)

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 Computing Your Scores

Raw Score Conversion Table 2: Subscores

Standard English Conventions

Passport to Advanced Math

Command of Evidence
(# of correct answers)

Expression of Ideas

and Data Analysis

Words in Context
Heart of Algebra

Problem Solving
Raw Score

0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1
2 1 1 2 2 5 2 2
3 2 2 3 3 6 3 3
4 3 2 4 4 7 4 4
5 4 3 5 5 8 5 5
6 5 4 6 6 9 6 6
7 6 5 6 7 10 6 7
8 6 6 7 8 11 7 8
9 7 6 8 8 11 8 8
10 7 7 8 9 12 8 9
11 8 7 9 10 12 9 10
12 8 8 9 10 13 9 10
13 9 8 9 11 13 10 11
14 9 9 10 12 14 11 12
15 10 10 10 13 14 12 13
16 10 10 11 14 15 13 14
17 11 11 12 15 14 15
18 11 12 13 15 15
19 12 13 15
20 12 15
21 13
22 14
23 14
24 15

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 Computing Your Scores

Conversion Equation 2 Subscores

HEART OF ALGEBRA EXPRESSION OF IDEAS COMMAND OF EVIDENCE PROBLEM SOLVING AND DATA
RAW SCORE (0–19) RAW SCORE (0–24) RAW SCORE (0–18) ANALYSIS RAW SCORE (0–17)

CONVERT CONVERT CONVERT CONVERT

HEART OF ALGEBRA EXPRESSION OF IDEAS COMMAND OF EVIDENCE PROBLEM SOLVING AND DATA
SUBSCORE (1–15) SUBSCORE (1–15) SUBSCORE (1–15) ANALYSIS SUBSCORE (1–15)

STANDARD ENGLISH CONVENTIONS WORDS IN CONTEXT PASSPORT TO ADVANCED

RAW SCORE (0–20) RAW SCORE (0–18) MATH RAW SCORE (0–16)

CONVERT CONVERT CONVERT

STANDARD ENGLISH CONVENTIONS WORDS IN CONTEXT PASSPORT TO ADVANCED

SUBSCORE (1–15) SUBSCORE (1–15) MATH SUBSCORE (1–15)

Raw Score Conversion Table 3: Cross-Test Scores

Analysis in History/Social

Analysis in History/Social
Studies Cross-Test Score

Studies Cross-Test Score

(# of correct answers)

(# of correct answers)
Analysis in Science

Analysis in Science
Cross-Test Score

Cross-Test Score
Raw Score

Raw Score

0 10 10 18 28 26
1 10 11 19 29 27
2 11 12 20 30 27
3 12 13 21 30 28
4 14 14 22 31 29
5 15 15 23 32 30
6 16 16 24 32 30
7 17 17 25 33 31
8 18 18 26 34 32
9 20 19 27 35 33
10 21 20 28 35 33
11 22 20 29 36 34
12 23 21 30 37 35
13 24 22 31 38 36
14 25 23 32 38 37
15 26 24 33 39 38
16 27 24 34 40 39
17 28 25 35 40 40

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 Computing Your Scores

Conversion Equation 3: Cross-Test Scores

ANALYSIS IN
HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES ANALYSIS IN SCIENCE
TEST QUESTIONS RAW SCORE QUESTIONS RAW SCORE

Reading Test 11–21, 43–52 1–10, 22–32

Writing and
12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33
Language Test

Math Test—No
14 2, 13
Calculator

Math 11, 16, 17, 25, 29,

4, 5, 8, 22, 26, 36
Test—Calculator 34, 35
TOTAL

ANALYSIS IN HISTORY/ ANALYSIS IN SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES RAW SCORE (0–35)
RAW SCORE (0–35)

CONVERT CONVERT

ANALYSIS IN HISTORY/ ANALYSIS IN SCIENCE

SOCIAL STUDIES CROSS-TEST SCORE (10–40)
CROSS-TEST SCORE (10–40)

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 part iii: reading
strategies for the sat ®

Chapter 3: Evidence-Based Reading Test Strategies

 Chapter 3:
Evidence-Based Reading
Test Strategies
OVERVIEW
A Closer Look at the Evidence-Based Reading Test
Basic Steps for Answering Evidence-Based
Reading Questions
Tips for Taking the Reading Test
Strategies for Answering Specific Question Types
Exercise: Evidence-Based Reading Test
Summing It Up

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EVIDENCE-BASED READING TEST

The SAT® Evidence-Based Reading Test is focused on demonstrating comprehension and reasoning skills through responses to
a variety of reading passages. The passages are chosen to reflect the complexity and reading levels appropriate to college and
career readiness. The questions will require you to analyze the text and use textual evidence to assess meaning and to support
131
ideas. The emphasis is on using the text to support your answers and on understanding the overall concepts and how they are
developed through the course of the passage. Chapter 3

Passage topics are drawn from U.S. and world literature, historical and social science documents, and scientific writing. There will Evidence-
be four single passages and one paired passage, with a total of 52 questions. The single passages’ lengths are between 500–750 Based
Reading Test
words; the paired passage has the same word length between the two passages. Strategies
The reading comprehension questions are designed to assess how well you read and understand information. The questions
don’t test the specifics you have learned in your course work. They are based solely on explicit and implicit information contained
in the passage. At least one passage will be accompanied by an informational graphic from which one or more questions will be
drawn. These questions require you to analyze the data presented in such formats as tables, graphs, and charts.

NOTE: Evidence-based reading questions are not arranged in order of difficulty. The questions
for each passage will generally begin with broader questions about the overall ideas in the
text and will then focus on specific portions of the passage.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Question Format
On the SAT® exam, each evidence-based reading passage and question set starts with a direction line that looks like this:

Questions 1–10 are based on the following passage.

OR

Questions 1–10 are based on the following passage[s] and supplementary material.

OR

Questions 1–10 are based on the following two passages.

The direction line is followed by a brief introduction to the text. The introduction describes the origin of the passage. Sometimes,
the introduction will include additional background information.

The questions for each passage are in standard multiple-choice format with four answer choices each. Most often, these questions
ask you to do one of the following:

•  Determine central themes and ideas as presented in the passage.

•  Determine the author’s purpose or point of view of the text.
•  Cite textual evidence to support inferences, conclusions, or arguments.
•  Cite evidence to illustrate or support interpretations of meaning, mood, or tone of the passage.
•  Analyze words and phrases in the context of the passage.

132 •  Analyze information in an accompanying table, graph, chart, etc.

Chapter 3
BASIC STEPS FOR ANSWERING EVIDENCE-BASED READING QUESTIONS
Evidence-
Based To answer the reading questions, follow these five steps:
Reading Test
Strategies 1. Read the introduction.
2. Read the questions.
3. Read the passage with the questions in mind.
4. Answer the questions.
5. For any question you’re not sure of, eliminate obviously wrong answers and take your best guess. Answer all the questions.

Let’s look at the five steps in more detail.

1. You don’t want to blow past the introductory paragraph because it can be very helpful to you. It might provide some
important background information about the passage, or it might set the stage so you know what you’re reading about.
2. Read the questions so you know what to look for in the passage. For example, if there’s a question about the theme,
consider that as you read. If there’s a question that references a particular word or phrase, or perhaps a quotation in
the text, look for it as you read the passage.
3. Now read the passage as quickly as you can without getting lost. Don’t fret over details; focus on the larger ideas and
try to follow the sequence, argument, or plot.

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 4. Answer the questions that are easiest for you. Then tackle the others in order, referring to the text to find and confirm
answers as time permits.
5. Eliminate answer choices that you know are incorrect and guess at the remaining choices. Remember, there is no
penalty for incorrect answers, so be sure not to leave any answer circles blank.

Now that you’re familiar with how to approach evidence-based reading passages and questions, let’s try a few. Note that in the
SAT® and all of the practice tests in this book, the reading passages will appear in two columns. For instructional purposes, we
have placed the passages full page in this chapter.

NOTE: Never skip the introduction as it is likely to contain some important information about both the passage and the
types of questions that accompany it. The introduction will identify the type of passage being presented, the source or
author of the passage, the era in which the passage was written, or the event that the passage describes. All of this infor-
mation will help you focus your reading and find the correct answers to the questions.

Sample Reading Passage 1

Questions 1–4 are based on the following passage.

José Martí was a Cuban teacher, organizer, writer, and poet. The lyrics to the popular folksong “Guantanamera” were adapted from
one of Martí’s poems. Although Cuban by birth, he is considered one of the most influential writers in all of Latin America. He died in
the battle for Cuba’s independence from Spain, a cause to which he had devoted much of his life.

The following excerpt comes from an article by Martí that was published in El Partido Liberal (Mexico City), March 5, 1892.

Our America
133
The prideful villager thinks his hometown contains the whole world, and as long as he can stay on as mayor or
humiliate the rival who stole his sweetheart or watch his nest egg accumulating in its strongbox he believes the universe
Chapter 3
to be in good order, unaware of the giants in seven-league boots who can crush him underfoot or the battling comets
Line in the heavens that go through the air devouring the sleeping worlds. … It is the hour of reckoning and of marching in Evidence-
5 unison, and we must move in lines as compact as the veins of silver that lie at the roots of the Andes. … Based
Reading Test
Our youth go out into the world wearing Yankee- or French-colored glasses and aspire to rule by guesswork a Strategies
country they do not know. … To know is to solve. To know the country and govern it in accordance with that knowledge
is the only way of freeing it from tyranny. The European university must yield to the American university. The history of
America from the Incas to the present must be taught in its smallest detail, even if the Greek Archons go untaught. Our
10 own Greece is preferable to the Greece that is not ours; we need it more. Statesmen who arise from the nation must
replace statesmen who are alien to it. …

What a vision we were: the chest of an athlete, the hands of a dandy, and the forehead of a child. We were a whole
fancy dress ball, in English trousers, a Parisian waistcoat, a North American overcoat, and a Spanish bullfighter’s hat.
The Indian circled about us, mute, and went to the mountaintop to christen his children. The black, pursued from afar,
15 alone and unknown, sang his heart’s music in the night, between waves and wild beasts. The campesinos, the men of
the land, the creators, rose up in blind indignation against the disdainful city, their own creation. We wore epaulets
and judge’s robes, in countries that came into the world wearing rope sandals and Indian headbands. The wise thing
would have been to pair, with charitable hearts and the audacity of our founders, the Indian headband and the judicial
robe, to undam the Indian, make a place for the able black, and tailor liberty to the bodies of those who rose up and
20 triumphed in its name. … No Yankee or European book could furnish the key to the Hispanoamerican enigma. So the
people tried hatred instead, and our countries amounted to less and less each year. Weary of useless hatred … we are
beginning, almost unknowingly, to try love. The nations arise and salute one another. “What are we like?” they ask, and

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 begin telling each other what they are like. … The young men of America are rolling up their sleeves and plunging their
hands into the dough, and making it rise with the leavening of their sweat. They understand that there is too much
25 imitation, and that salvation lies in creating. Create is this generation’s password. Make wine from plantains; it may be
sour, but it is our wine! …

Anyone who promotes and disseminates opposition or hatred among races is committing a sin against humanity. …
To think is to serve. We must not, out of a villager’s antipathy, impute some lethal congenital wickedness to the continent’s
light-skinned nation simply because it does not speak our language or share our view of what home life should be or
30 resemble us in its political failings, which are different from ours, or because it does not think highly of quick-tempered,
swarthy men or look with charity, from its still uncertain eminence, upon those less favored by history who, in heroic
stages, are climbing the road that republics travel. But neither should we seek to conceal the obvious facts of the problem,
which can, for the peace of the centuries, be resolved by timely study and the urgent, wordless union of the continental
soul. For the unanimous hymn is already ringing forth, and the present generation is bearing industrious America along
35 the road sanctioned by our sublime forefathers. From the Rio Bravo to the Straits of Magellan, the Great Cemi,* seated
on a condor’s back, has scattered the seeds of the new America across the romantic nations of the continent and the
suffering islands of the sea!

*Cemi is a deity or ancestral spirit of the Taíno people—one of the indigenous groups of the Caribbean.

1. What is the most likely reason Martí wrote this article?

A. To appeal to fellow Latin Americans to be more like the Europeans

B. To gain support from fellow Latin Americans to join in a fight against European invaders

C. To rally support for himself as a leader of a revolution to free his country from tyranny

D. To encourage fellow Latin Americans to educate themselves about their own mixed heritage

Review the introduction and note that Martí was a teacher, writer, and organizer and that he spent a good part of his life fighting

134 for Cuban independence. You can infer from that information that he would try to persuade people to educate themselves. Martí
talks about how little his fellow countrymen know of their own heritage and says that they cannot expect to govern themselves
unless they understand their own heritage (lines 6–8). Choice D pinpoints one rationale Martí gives for education. Overall, the
Chapter 3 excerpt does not address revolution, nor does Martí present himself as revolutionary. He appeals to pride in one’s heritage. These
ideas are connected, because Martí believes that his fellow Latin Americans can free themselves through education (lines 7–8:
Evidence-
Based “To know the country and govern it in accordance with that knowledge is the only way of freeing it from tyranny.”). The correct
Reading Test answer is choice D.
Strategies
2. As used in line 12, “vision” refers to

A. how others perceive the peoples of Latin America.

B. a picture of a unified culture.

C. Martí’s ideals about freedom.

D. the opportunity to create a new beginning.

When a question refers to a specific part of the text, quickly reread the line(s) and the surrounding text. In paragraph 3, Martí
offers a detailed, mocking description of the disparate parts blended to compose the peoples of Latin America. The picture he
paints is of a person comprising various elements of other cultures—none his or her own. This, he says, is how Europeans saw
the people of Latin America. The vision is the image others have of them and how it is misunderstood and even hated by others.
So, the correct answer is choice A.

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 3. Which statement represents Martí’s attitude toward education?

A. Universal education is of the utmost importance.

B. Everyone should learn about Latin American history.

C. Education is necessary for new leadership.

D. Education should include the study of Greek democracy as a model for freedom.

This question is asking for an overview, so you need to think about the points Martí makes and his overall message. You can
eliminate choices A and B because they are general statements that anyone could make—they are not ideas that are represented
in the passage (though they are related). Choice D is an incorrect interpretation of the text. Choice C is the best answer because
Martí says that education is important for new leaders, and these leaders must be well-versed in the history of Latin America.
People who are educated about their own country and heritage will rise as leaders and take over for “statesmen who are alien to
it” (line 11). The correct answer is choice C.

4. Which of the following best describes of the overall tone of the article?

A. Passionate and resolute

B. Angry and bitter

C. Scolding and arrogant

D. Inflammatory and rebellious

This type of question also requires you to think about the point of view and presentation, which determine the tone. Martí tries
to persuade his readers, advising them to wake up to threats from those who don’t understand them or hate them (lines 20–21:
“No Yankee or European book could furnish the key to the Hispanoamerican enigma. So the people tried hatred instead, and
our countries amounted to less and less each year.”). His passion comes through in the use of flowery and emotional language:
“the hour of reckoning and of marching in unison” (lines 4–5); similes: “move in lines as compact as the veins of silver” (line 5);
and metaphors: “sang his heart’s music in the night, between waves and wild beasts” (line 15). He expresses a resolve, not anger
135
or bitterness: “Make wine from plantains; it may be sour, but it is our wine!” (lines 25–26). Although Martí admonishes his fellow
countrymen for being naïve and for ignoring dangers (line 3): they are “unaware of the giants in seven-league boots who can Chapter 3
crush him underfoot”), he does not take the position of preacher. Rather, he speaks as one of the people (lines 4–5: “It is the
Evidence-
hour of reckoning and of marching in unison, and we must move in lines as compact as the veins of silver that lie at the roots of
Based
the Andes.”). Martí does not use inflammatory language; nor does he call for rebellion, choice D. Rather, he tries to persuade his Reading Test
fellow Latin Americans to unite in spite of their differences and to defend their lands from foreigners who do not understand Strategies
them. The correct answer is choice A.

Sample Reading Passage 2

Questions 1–4 are based on the following two passages.

The following passages discuss theories of how culture and language spread across Europe and Central Asia to form modern European
and Asian peoples. Two teams of scientists—one based at the University of Copenhagen and one at the University of Adelaide—pre-
sented studies about the DNA of ancient Europeans, based on 170 skeletons found in countries from Spain to Russia.

Passage 1 is excerpted from “When modern Eurasia was born,” originally published by the University of Copenhagen on June 10, 2015,
by the Center for GeoGenetics and the Natural History Museum of Denmark.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 PASSAGE 1

When Modern Eurasia Was Born

With this new investigation, the researchers confirm that the changes came about as a result of migrations. The
researchers think that this is interesting also because later developments in the Bronze Age are a continuation of this new
social perception. Things add up because the migrations can also explain the origin of the northern European language
Line families. Both language and genetics have been with us all the way up to the present. Kristian Kristiansen [professor of
5 archaeology at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden] even thinks that it was crucial that events happened during these
few centuries, as crucial as the colonization of the Americas.

One of the main findings from the study is how these migrations resulted in huge changes to the European gene-pool,
in particular conferring a large degree of admixture on the present populations. Genetically speaking, ancient Europeans
from the time post these migrations are much more similar to modern Europeans than those prior to the Bronze Age.

Mobile warrior people

10 The re-writing of the genetic map began in the early Bronze Age, about 5,000 years ago. From the steppes in the
Caucasus, the Yamnaya Culture migrated principally westward into North and Central Europe, and to a lesser degree, into
western Siberia. Yamnaya was characterized by a new system of family and property. In northern Europe the Yamnaya
mixed with the Stone Age people who inhabited this region and along the way established the Corded Ware Culture,
which genetically speaking resembles present-day Europeans living north of the Alps today.

15 Later, about 4,000 years ago, the Sintashta Culture evolved in the Caucasus. This culture’s sophisticated new weapons
and chariots were rapidly expanding across Europe. The area east of the Urals and far into Central Asia was colonized
around 3,800 years ago by the Andronovo Culture. The researchers’ investigation shows that this culture had a European
DNA background.

During the last part of the Bronze Age, and at the beginning of the Iron Age, East Asian peoples arrived in Central Asia.

136 20 Here it is not genetic admixture we see, but rather a replacement of genes. The European genes in the area disappear.

A new scale
Chapter 3
These new results derive from DNA analyses of skeletons excavated across large areas of Europe and Central Asia, thus
Evidence- enabling these crucial glimpses into the dynamics of the Bronze Age. In addition to the population movement insights, the
Based
Reading Test data also held other surprises. For example, contrary to the research team’s expectations, the data revealed that lactose tol-
Strategies erance rose to high frequency in Europeans, in comparison to prior belief that it evolved earlier in time (5,000–7,000 years ago).

Passage 2 is excerpted from “European invasion: DNA reveals the origins of modern Europeans,” published in March 2015, by Alan
Cooper, a director at the Australian Centre for Ancient DNA at the University of Adelaide, and Wolfgang Haak, a senior research fellow
at the University of Adelaide.

PASSAGE 2

European Invasion: DNA Reveals the Origins of Modern Europeans

25 What we have found is that, in addition to the original European hunter-gatherers and a heavy dose of Near Eastern
farmers, we can now add a third major population: steppe pastoralists. These nomads appear to have “invaded” central
Europe in a previously unknown wave during the early Bronze Age (about 4,500 years ago).

This event saw the introduction of two very significant new technologies to western Europe: domestic horses and
the wheel. It also reveals the mysterious source for the Indo-European languages.

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 30 The genetic results have answered a number of contentious and long-standing questions in European history. The
first big issue was whether the first farmers in Europe were hunter-gatherers who had learnt farming techniques from
neighbours in southeast Europe, or did they instead come from the Near East, where farming was invented.

The genetic results are clear: farming was introduced widely across Europe in one or two rapid waves around 8,000
years ago by populations from the Near East—effectively the very first skilled migrants.

35 At first the original hunter-gatherer populations appear to have retreated to the fringes of Europe: to Britain, Scan-
dinavia and Finland. But the genetics show that within a few thousand years they had returned, and significant amounts
of hunter-gatherer genomic DNA was mixed in with the farmers 7,000 to 5,000 years ago across many parts of Europe.

Wheeling across Europe

But there was still a major outstanding mystery. Apart from these two groups, the genomic signals clearly showed
that a third—previously unsuspected—large contribution had been made sometime before the Iron Age, around 2,000
40 years ago. But by whom?

We have finally been able to identify the mystery culprit, using a clever new system invented by our colleagues at
Harvard University.

Instead of sequencing the entire genome from a very small number of well-preserved skeletons, we analysed 400,000
small genetic markers right across the genome. This made it possible to rapidly survey large numbers of skeletons from
45 all across Europe and Eurasia.

This process revealed the solution to the mystery. Our survey showed that skeletons of the Yamnaya culture from
the Russian/Ukrainian grasslands north of the Black Sea, buried in large mounds known as kurgans, turned out to be the
genetic source we were missing.

1. How do the passages illustrate the contributions of DNA evidence to scientific inquiry?

A. Both provide examples of how DNA evidence enabled scientists to fill in gaps in their knowledge about human
migrations.
137
B. Both describe how DNA analysis is used in scientific investigations.
Chapter 3
C. The passages imply that DNA evidence can solve evolutionary questions.
Evidence-
D. The passages show how scientists solved the mysteries of DNA evidence. Based
Reading Test
Strategies
Both passages illustrate how DNA has been used to answer questions about human migration patterns—questions that had
been unresolved before the ability to use DNA as evidence for such studies, choice A. Neither passage gives details about the
actual scientific methodology as both are focused on the results. Choices C and D are not correct interpretations of the passages.
The correct answer is choice A.

2. Which lines from the text support the idea that migration of human populations can be tracked through DNA testing?

A. Line 1: (“With this … migrations.”)

B. Lines 8–9: (“Genetically … the Bronze Age.”)

C. Lines 26–27: (“These nomads … 4,500 years ago.”)

D. Lines 28–29: (“This event … Indo-European languages.”)

This type of question requires that you find specific text to support an answer to a question. Although the concept given—that
DNA testing was used to track population migrations—can be found in both passages, you only need to review the specific lines
given in the answer choices to find the correct answer. Review only the options to find the one that that best supports the concept.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Choices C and D are not directly related to DNA evidence. Choice A confirms the idea of migration, but the text does not refer
to DNA as the process that tracked the migration. Choice B refers to the genetic evidence, another term for DNA, which shows
a similarity between ancient and modern Europeans. This evidence illustrates that scientists have been tracking the migration
patterns. The correct answer is choice B.

3. What is the best description of the two passages?

A. They show conflicting claims about the migrations.

B. They describe different scientific methodologies.

C. They provide supplementary information.

D. They are written from a different perspective.

When reading paired passages, compare the passages as you read. This question asks you to compare the information. On your
first reading, you probably noticed that they do not contradict one another, choice A; nor do they show different points of view,
choice D. Both passages describe scientific studies and what scientists were able to learn from them, and both describe using
DNA as the methodology, so you can eliminate choice B. But the second passage adds to the information in the first, making
them supplements, choice C, to one another. The correct answer is choice C.

4. Based on information in the two passages, which of the following statements could be made about scientific inquiry?

A. DNA evidence showed why many Europeans are lactose intolerant.

B. Research can provide historical information.

C. Evidence showed that the steppe pastoralists introduced horses and the wheel to Western Europe.

D. Scientific investigation can provide evidence about human history not obtainable through other means.

138 Like the preceding question, this one asks you to compare the two passages, except this question looks at a topic not directly
discussed in the passages but one that is implicit within it—the nature of scientific inquiry. So while choices A and C are true,
neither one answers the question. Choice B is also true, but it doesn’t address the nature of scientific investigations; it is simply
Chapter 3 a general statement that could apply to many texts. Choice D, however, states a fact about scientific inquiry that can be gleaned
from the text: Both passages describe how scientists were able to use DNA data to answer questions they were unable to address
Evidence- before the use of DNA testing was available. The correct answer is choice D.
Based
Reading Test
Strategies
NOTE: The paired passages have the same types of questions as the single passages. Some
of the questions, however, may ask you to synthesize the information presented in the two
passages by noting commonalities or comparing them in some way.

TIPS FOR TAKING THE READING TEST

You will be allotted 65 minutes to answer the 52 questions in the Reading section. That’s a lot of questions in a short period of
time. However, you can use some specific strategies and techniques to move through this portion of the SAT® efficiently. Check
out these strategies for answering the evidence-based reading questions quickly and accurately.

Answer All of the Questions Before You Start the Next Passage
There won’t be time to go back to reread the passages and recheck your answers, so answer every question that you can about
the passage. If you don’t know an answer, skip the question and return to it when you have answered the other questions in

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the passage. Check your time, and if you think you can answer one of the skipped questions with a quick reread of part of the
passage, go ahead. If not, or if you find it is taking too long, just give it your best guess and then move on. Remember, wrong
answers are not held against you, so don’t leave anything blank. Make sure you have answered every question for each passage
before you move on to the next one.

Remember That the Questions Get More Specific

The question order often holds a key to understanding a passage. The SAT® Reading Test organizes the questions from broader
questions about themes, purpose, point of view, and main ideas to more specific questions about explicit and implicit meaning,
specific language, and structure of the text. Review the questions and take note of the information they ask for before reading
the passage. As you read, underline or make notes to highlight text that may answer a question. Remember, answers will be in
the text—either stated or implied.

Paired Passages
For the paired passages, look for the characteristics in each passage that tie them together. Skim the questions so you know
what to look for and underline parts of the text that you may want to refer to. Try to form an overview of the two passages. Ask
yourself why they are paired: what do they have in common; how are they different. In answering the questions for this type of
passage, follow the same strategy: first answer all the questions you are fairly sure about. Then fill in the others based on best
guesses, and, if time allows, review the evidence in the text to support your guess and answer the question accordingly. Make
sure you have answered all the questions, and then go to the next passage.

Don’t Panic When You Read an Unfamiliar Passage

The passages can be unfamiliar. In their attempt to be fair, the test-makers purposely choose a variety of passages. This helps
make sure that each test-taker can demonstrate his or her reading and analysis skills. Remember, you’re not being tested on your
knowledge of the topic but on how well you do the following: 139
•  Understand the author’s assumptions, point of view, and theme
Chapter 3
•  Determine how the author supports the main ideas in the text
•  Determine how the author uses specific language to create mood or tone Evidence-
Based
•  Analyze the logical structure of the text Reading Test
Strategies
•  Analyze overall meaning as well as specific words and phrases in context of the passage

Remember That Everything You Need to Know Is Right There in Front of You
The introductory paragraph and the passage have all the information you’ll need to answer the questions. Even if the passage is
about the price of beans in Bulgaria or the genetic makeup of a wombat, don’t worry. It’s all right there on the page.

Start with the Passages That Interest You

A point is a point. It doesn’t matter if the point comes from answering correctly a question about a piece of fiction or a scientific
experiment. If the style and subject matter appeal to you, you will probably go through a passage more quickly and answer the
questions more easily. So before you start, quickly check the topics by skimming the titles and introductions. Start with the topics
that are most familiar or most interesting. Then work your way down to the ones that you think will be hardest. Make a notation
so you know which passages you have completed, and double check that your answers on the answer sheet correspond to the
correct question numbers.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Highlight Important Information as You Read the Passages
It pays to be an active reader, and making quick notes is a part of this process. Let the questions guide your notations. Based on
the questions, actively use your pencil to look for and bracket the text evidence that addresses questions about the big ideas,
themes, and purpose as you read. Use other markings to indicate places in the text that may provide evidence for other questions,
for example, a specific word or phrase referred to in a question. The questions will be related to the most important information in
the passage. If you’ve highlighted those pieces of information, you’ll be able to find them more easily to help answer the questions.

Don’t Get Bogged Down in the Details

Remember, you don’t have to understand every bit of information. You just have to find the information you need to answer the
questions. Don’t waste your time trying to analyze technical details or information not related to a question.

Don’t Confuse a “True” Answer with a “Correct” Answer

The fact that an answer choice is true doesn’t mean it’s right. What does that mean? It means that a certain answer choice may be
perfectly true—in fact, all of the answer choices may be true. But the right answer must be the correct answer to the question that’s
being asked. Only one of the answer choices will be correct and, therefore, the right choice. Read carefully—and don’t be fooled!

STRATEGIES FOR ANSWERING SPECIFIC QUESTION TYPES

As you learned earlier, each reading question asks you to do one of the following:

•  Determine central themes and ideas as presented in the passage.

•  Determine the author’s purpose or point of view of the text.
•  Cite textual evidence to support inferences, conclusions, or arguments.
140 •  Cite evidence to illustrate or support interpretation of meaning, mood, or tone of the passage.
•  Analyze words and phrases in the context of the passage.
Chapter 3
•  Analyze quantitative information in an accompanying graphic, such as a table, graph, or chart.
Evidence-
Based The following tips present strategies for dealing with specific types of SAT® reading questions. You should use these strategies
Reading Test in combination with the basic steps for approaching the reading test. These strategies don’t take the place of the basic steps but
Strategies are extra tools to help you with certain types of questions. These tools work with both single and paired passages on any topic.

1. A broad question about the passage requires you to think about the passage as a whole. Keep this in mind as you read
the passage, noting any references to an overview in the introduction and/or conclusion of the passage.
2. Before you begin, note the subject of the passage and the voice/perspective. These items can often be found in the
introduction. Ask yourself if the author is providing information about a specific topic, making an argument for or
against something, or telling a story. Whether fiction or nonfiction, ask yourself who is telling the story and why.
3. Look for evidence of inferences in the text and evaluate how they support the author’s ideas.
4. As you read, notice the overall tone and mood of the passage and find textual evidence—specific words or phrases—
that contribute to these elements.
5. If a question asks about a specific word, read the surrounding text to verify the context in which the word is used.
6. Examine the graphic illustration specifically in response to the question associated with it. If it asks to apply the illus-
tration to the text, read that portion of the text in conjunction with the graphic illustration.

To help you see how these tips work, read the passage in the exercise on the next page. Then read each tip and try to use it to help
you answer each question before you read the answer explanation. Note, again, that on the real exam and in the practice tests
in this book, reading passages will appear in two columns. For instructional purposes, the following passages appear full page.

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EXERCISE: EVIDENCE-BASED READING TEST
30 Minutes—23 Questions

DIRECTIONS: Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by a number of questions. After reading each passage
or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages and in any
accompanying graphics (such as a table or graph).

Questions 1–6 are based on the following passage.

The passage below discusses how Alaska Native cultural practices and heritage are being preserved in the twenty-first century.
(For the full article, please visit http://nps.gov.)

Alaska Native cultural practices continue to be a central force in virtually all villages throughout Alaska. In order to
maintain cultural knowledge and ensure its survival, Alaska Native people need to learn the best methods of recording
and archiving music, dance, and oral history. Along with the expansion of Europeans and Americans into Alaska were
Line accompanying hardships for the indigenous people: epidemic diseases, strong Christian missionary activities, and western
5 educational policies such as English language-only rules. These resulted in decimated populations throughout the entire
territory of Alaska, a decline in indigenous languages, and, in many cases, the abolishment of traditional religion and
associated music and dance repertoires.

Native people are deeply spiritual people; historically, they had a rich ceremonial life that was profoundly expressed
through music and dance—core means by which people communicate their identities and beliefs. With the introduction
10 of Christianity, traditional cultures, including aspects such as music and dance, were not viewed favorably by the mission-
aries. Sadly, most of the missionaries did not tolerate masked dancing and other forms of religious expressions. Dance,
language, and ceremonial practices either had to be practiced in secret, or were lost.

In the 1960s, during the Native Solidarity Movement, as Alaska Native people became more politically active, their
141
re-identification with their cultures, languages, music, and dance became a banner of their newfound political and social
15 strength. One of the major outcomes of that movement has been a renaissance in traditional music and dance practices, Chapter 3
resulting in multiple dance festivals and younger people becoming actively involved in their village dance groups. …
Evidence-
The Fifth Annual Kingikmiut Dance Festival featured a large Russian dance group, as well as the Tikigaq Traditional Based
Reading Test
Dancers of Point Hope and dance groups from Brevig Mission and other villages on the Seward Peninsula. Kingikmiut, Strategies
or Wales, was once known as the dance capital of the Seward Peninsula. Captain Henry Trollope visited Wales in 1853–54
20 and wrote “… the place is sort of a capital in these parts and has four dancing houses, which is a very expressive manner
of estimating the extent and population for a place.” (Ray 1975) Because of its strategic location, Kingikmiut flourished.
Before the 1900 and 1917 epidemics, it consisted of two related villages and consolidated into one village once the pop-
ulations had been decimated by disease. After these terrible epidemics, western educators’ English-only policies forced
music, dance, and other expressions of traditional Native culture to go underground.

25 Repression of Native culture by western educators and missionaries was common all over Alaska and is a major
reason why many Alaska Native languages are threatened today. In the first part of the twentieth century, traditional
dance and music became associated with the old ways and were looked down upon. After the 1960s, a strong revital-
ization movement arose. Today there is a renaissance in traditional music and dance practices. In Wales and other Seward
Peninsula communities, the younger people, who make up a large percentage of the population, have a great thirst for
30 learning to sing and dance their traditional songs.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 1. Which of the following best reflects the main idea of the passage?

A. There has been a recent surge in interest in Native cultures everywhere.

B. Native Alaskans have always tried to preserve their history and culture.

C. Western expansion into Alaska resulted in loss of native cultures.

D. Native Alaskan traditions were revived in the 1960s.

2. What can you infer about how the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1960s might have influenced the Native Solidarity
Movement?

A. It was a catalyst for the Native Solidarity Movement, which provided an avenue for political activity and renewed
cultural identity.

B. It led to new laws that give the Native Alaskan people the right to practice their religion and express their native
culture.

C. It allowed the Native Alaskan people to rebel against the forced repression of their culture.

D. It revived Native Alaskan cultural practices that had been lost.

3. What was the relationship between the missionaries in Alaska and the Native Alaskans?

A. The Native Alaskans and missionaries lived in harmony because they had the same religious beliefs.

B. The missionaries embraced the Native Alaskans and rescued them from epidemics of disease.

C. The Native Alaskans resented the missionaries and tried to make them leave.

D. The missionaries repressed native culture and the Native Alaskans rebelled by holding on to their culture.

142
4. What evidence does the passage provide to suggest that Alaskan culture was influenced by Russia?

A. Lines 3–4: (“Along with … indigenous people”)

Chapter 3 B. Line 17: (“The Fifth Annual … dance group”)

C. Lines 18–19: (“Kingikmiut, or Wales, … Seward Peninsula.”)

Evidence-
Based D. Line 21: (“Because of … Kingikmiut flourished.”)
Reading Test
Strategies
5. What conclusion could you infer from the passage?

A. Native Alaskan cultures are still thriving.

B. Cultural ties are very strong and can’t be easily extinguished.

C. Many minor native languages are being lost.

D. Music and dance is a common way to express one’s culture.

6. As used in line 24, “go underground” most nearly means

A. hide in a hut.

B. be practiced in an ice hut.

C. practice in secret.

D. be wiped out.

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 Questions 7–11 are based on the following passage.

The following is an excerpt from “The Purloined Letter,” a short story by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is best known for writing poems and stories
in the horror and mystery genre. However, he is also considered the inventor of detective fiction. The Mystery Writers of America call
their awards for excellence in the genre “Edgars,” in honor of Poe.

The Purloined Letter

… “Well, then; I have received personal information, from a very high quarter, that a certain document of the last
importance, has been purloined from the royal apartments. The individual who purloined it is known; this beyond a
doubt; he was seen to take it. It is known, also, that it still remains in his possession.”

Line “How is this known?” asked Dupin.

5 “It is clearly inferred,” replied the Prefect, “from the nature of the document, and from the non-appearance of certain
results which would at once arise from its passing out of the robber’s possession; that is to say, from his employing it as
he must design in the end to employ it.”

“Be a little more explicit,” I said.

“Well, I may venture so far as to say that the paper gives its holder a certain power in a certain quarter where such
10 power is immensely valuable.” The Prefect was fond of the cant of diplomacy.

“Still I do not quite understand,” said Dupin.

“No? Well; the disclosure of the document to a third person, who shall be nameless, would bring in question the
honor of a personage of most exalted station; and this fact gives the holder of the document an ascendancy over the
illustrious personage whose honor and peace are so jeopardized.”

15 “But this ascendancy,” I interposed, “would depend upon the robber’s knowledge of the loser’s knowledge of the
robber. Who would dare—”

“The thief,” said G., “is the Minister D—, who dares all things, those unbecoming as well as those becoming a man. 143
The method of the theft was not less ingenious than bold. The document in question—a letter, to be frank—had been
received by the personage robbed while alone in the royal boudoir. During its perusal she was suddenly interrupted Chapter 3
20 by the entrance of the other exalted personage from whom especially it was her wish to conceal it. After a hurried and
vain endeavor to thrust it in a drawer, she was forced to place it, open as it was, upon a table. The address, however, was Evidence-
Based
uppermost, and, the contents thus unexposed, the letter escaped notice. At this juncture enters the Minister D—. His lynx
Reading Test
eye immediately perceives the paper, recognises the handwriting of the address, observes the confusion of the personage Strategies
addressed, and fathoms her secret. After some business transactions, hurried through in his ordinary manner, he produces
25 a letter somewhat similar to the one in question, opens it, pretends to read it, and then places it in close juxtaposition to
the other. Again he converses, for some fifteen minutes, upon the public affairs. At length, in taking leave, he takes also
from the table the letter to which he had no claim. Its rightful owner saw, but, of course, dared not call attention to the
act, in the presence of the third personage who stood at her elbow. The minister decamped; leaving his own letter—one
of no importance—upon the table.” …

30 “You looked among D—’s papers, of course, and into the books of the library?”

“Certainly; we opened every package and parcel; we not only opened every book, but we turned over every leaf in
each volume, not contenting ourselves with a mere shake, according to the fashion of some of our police officers. We
also measured the thickness of every book-cover, with the most accurate ad measurement, and applied to each the most
jealous scrutiny of the microscope. Had any of the bindings been recently meddled with, it would have been utterly
35 impossible that the fact should have escaped observation. Some five or six volumes, just from the hands of the binder,
we carefully probed, longitudinally, with the needles.”

“You explored the floors beneath the carpets?”

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 “Beyond doubt. We removed every carpet, and examined the boards with the microscope.”

“And the paper on the walls?”

40 “Yes.”

“You looked into the cellars?”

“We did.”

“Then,” I said, “you have been making a miscalculation, and the letter is not upon the premises, as you suppose.”

“I fear you are right there,” said the Prefect. “And now, Dupin, what would you advise me to do?”

45 “To make a thorough re-search of the premises.”

“That is absolutely needless,” replied G—. “I am not more sure that I breathe than I am that the letter is not at the Hotel.”

7. Which of the following best describes the mystery to be solved in “The Purloined Letter”?

A. What information is in the letter?

B. What will happen if the letter is exposed?

C. Where is the letter?

D. Who has the letter?

8. Who is being blackmailed, and by whom?

A. The royal lady is being blackmailed by the Minister D.

B. The Minister D is being blackmailed by the Prefect G.

144 C. The Prefect G is being blackmailed by Dupin.

D. The royal lady is being blackmailed by the Prefect G.

Chapter 3
9. What is the most likely reason that Dupin asks the Prefect to describe the search in such detail?
Evidence-
Based A. To make sure the police haven’t missed anything
Reading Test
Strategies
B. To look for other clues

C. To hear a good story

D. To verify his own ideas

10. As used in line 10, “cant” most nearly means

A. inclination.

B. jargon.

C. music.

D. inability.

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 11. Which of the following is a line that could be in the letter?

A. It would be such an honor to have you in attendance at this surprise gala.

B. You know how much I would like to be in your employ again.

C. I’m so sorry that this is late notice, but can I meet with you and the prince next week?

D. I beg of you to meet me on Monday when the prince is in Monaco.

Questions 12–17 are based on the following passage and supplementary material.

This passage is the introduction to a report from the Office of the Chief Technologist at the U.S. space agency NASA, entitled “Emerging
Space: The Evolving Landscape of the 21st Century American Spaceflight”
(http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/files/Emerging_Space_Report.pdf).

America stands today at the opening of a second Space Age. Innovative NASA programs and American entrepreneurs
together are transforming the space industry. These initiatives—both at NASA and in the private sector—are expanding
the nation’s opportunities for exploration and for the economic development of the solar system.

Line Today’s space economy extends some 36,000 kilometers (22,369 miles) from the surface of the Earth and includes an
5 array of evidence-based technologies—satellite communications, global positioning satellites, and imaging satellites—on
which our economy depends. These technologies are now an integral part of our economy, and they would not exist
if not for the over 50 years of research, development, and investment in the enabling technologies by NASA and other
government agencies that seeded these efforts and allowed them to bloom. As we expand our activities in the solar
system over the next decades, NASA programs and investments will provide the seed and soil that encourage economic
10 development increasingly farther from Earth. The first signs of this are already visible.

The next era of space exploration will see governments pushing technological development and the American
private sector using these technologies as they expand their economic activities to new worlds. NASA’s next objectives 145
for exploration—visits to asteroids and Mars— are more complex than any previous space mission attempted. They will
happen in the context of relatively smaller NASA budgets and an expanding commercial space economy. Teaming with Chapter 3
15 private-sector partners to develop keystone markets like low Earth orbit (LEO) transportation and technological capa-
bilities like asteroid mining will help NASA achieve its mission goals, help the space economy evolve to embrace new Evidence-
ambitions, and provide large economic returns to the taxpayer through the stimulation and growth of new businesses Based
Reading Test
and 21st-century American jobs. Strategies
Motivated by an intrinsic desire to explore space, successful American entrepreneurs have pledged and spent
20 hundreds of millions of dollars to develop technologies aimed at fundamentally improving space access. Since 2003,
commercial human spaceflight has received $2.5 billion in private investment.1 At the same time, a new generation of
space enthusiasts are engaging directly though small-scale projects. Through cubesats, suborbital and orbital adventures,
and citizen science opportunities, the United States is transitioning from a spacefaring nation to a nation of spacefarers.

In addition to executing its scientific and human spaceflight programs, NASA also has a legislated responsibility to
25 “encourage, to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space.” As part of fulfilling this responsibility,
this report examines how NASA has collaborated with American private-sector individuals and companies investing in
space exploration, collectively known as “emerging space.” Today, more than fifty years after the creation of NASA, our
goal is no longer just to reach a destination. Our goal is to develop the capabilities that will allow the American people to
explore and expand our economic sphere into the solar system. Although when NASA was founded only a government
30 program could undertake a voyage from the Earth to the Moon, this may not be true in the future. By taking full advantage
of the combined talents of government and the American private sector, our next journeys beyond Earth will come sooner
and we will catalyze new industries and economic growth in the process.

1.  2013 Commercial Spaceflight Industry Indicators, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 NASA provides a number of resources for people willing to contribute as citizen scientists. All are available online, meaning all you need
is access to the Internet. Software tools are also provided. More than 1.2 million people from 80 countries have participated in NASA’s
citizen science projects. This table captures just a few of the projects.

Project Citizen Scientist Role Number of Participants

Tag rover images and map craters
Be a Martian 1,230,000
from satellite pictures
Help translate NASA’s HiRISE project
HiTranslate 1,021 new in 2012
captions into different languages
Develop mobile applications,
software, hardware, data
International Space visualization, and platforms to 2,083 from 17 countries in
Apps Challenge address current challenges relevant 2012
to space exploration and social
need
Independent observers can
monitor the rates and sizes of large
Lunar Impacts 26 impact candidates
meteoroids striking the far side of
the Moon
Help Mars scientists better
Rock Around the World understand the red planet by 12,461 rocks received
sending rocks to NASA for analysis
Search for the first samples of
Stardust at Home solid matter from outside the solar 30,649 from 2006 to 2012
system
146 Observe asteroids, to help scientists
refine orbits and determine the
104 registered users from 23
Chapter 3 Target Asteroids! composition of near-Earth objects
countries
(NEOs) in support of the OSIRIS-Rex
Evidence- mission
Based
Reading Test
12. How did the government investment in space boost the economy?
Strategies
A. It expanded the knowledge about space beyond our solar system.

B. It led to the development of popular commercial products.

C. It led to human spaceflight programs, which required specialized products.

D. It expanded space exploration farther from the Earth.

13. How will the next era of space exploration be different from the past?

A. It will include private and public investment.

B. It will require citizen participation.

C. It will send people to explore and perhaps live on other planets.

D. It will be much more expensive.

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 14. What is meant by: “the United States is transitioning from a spacefaring nation to a nation of spacefarers.” (line 23)?

A. The United States will no longer be able to use space for warfare.

B. People will be more interested in space exploration.

C. The United States will be able to dominate space exploration.

D. People will be able to travel in space.

15. Which of the following is the best summary of the passage?

A. NASA is ushering in a new chapter in the space age that will allow the commercialization of space.

B. In the next decades, ordinary people will be able to travel in space.

C. NASA is the U.S. agency that is charged with developing space programs.

D. The Second Space Age will expand the economy and increase complex technologies in space exploration.

Questions 16 and 17 refer to the table.

16. What is the most likely reason that the “Be a Martian” project has so many more participants than the other projects?

A. More people are interested in exploring Mars than in other aspects of the program.

B. Other projects require more sophisticated/complex technology skills.

C. It is the only project that is designed for young people.

D. The other projects all require more time as a volunteer.

17. What skills are needed to participate in the NASA projects as a citizen-scientist? 147
A. The ability to identify different kinds of rocks
Chapter 3
B. The ability to use a telescope
Evidence-
C. The ability to use software technology and the Internet
Based
D. The ability to locate and recognize the planets and other celestial bodies Reading Test
Strategies

Questions 18–23 are based on the following two passages.

The following passages are excerpted from narratives written by two explorers. Passage 1 is by Sir Earnest Shackleton from an account
he wrote entitled: South! The Story of Shackleton’s Last Expedition (1914–1917). Passage 2 is part of an account by Hiram Bingham
III, from “The Discovery of Machu Picchu,” first published in Harper’s Monthly magazine in 1913.

PASSAGE 1

Some intangible feeling of uneasiness made me leave my tent about 11 p.m. that night and glance around the
quiet camp. The stars between the snow-flurries showed that the floe had swung round and was end on to the swell, a
position exposing it to sudden strains. I started to walk across the floe in order to warn the watchman to look carefully
Line for cracks, and as I was passing the men’s tent the floe lifted on the crest of a swell and cracked right under my feet. The
5 men were in one of the dome-shaped tents, and it began to stretch apart as the ice opened. A muffled sound, suggestive
of suffocation, came from beneath the stretching tent. I rushed forward, helped some emerging men from under the
canvas, and called out, “Are you all right?”

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 “There are two in the water,” somebody answered. The crack had widened to about four feet, and as I threw myself
down at the edge, I saw a whitish object floating in the water. It was a sleeping-bag with a man inside. I was able to
10 grasp it, and with a heave lifted man and bag on to the floe. A few seconds later the ice-edges came together again with
tremendous force. Fortunately, there had been but one man in the water, or the incident might have been a tragedy. The
rescued bag contained Holness, who was wet down to the waist but otherwise unscathed. The crack was now opening
again. The James Caird and my tent were on one side of the opening and the remaining two boats and the rest of the
camp on the other side. With two or three men to help me I struck my tent; then all hands manned the painter and rushed
15 the James Caird across the opening crack. We held to the rope while, one by one, the men left on our side of the floe
jumped the channel or scrambled over by means of the boat. Finally I was left alone. The night had swallowed all the
others and the rapid movement of the ice forced me to let go the painter. For a moment I felt that my piece of rocking
floe was the loneliest place in the world. Peering into the darkness; I could just see the dark figures on the other floe.

PASSAGE 2

Nor was I in a great hurry to move. The water was cool, the wooden bench, covered with a woolen poncho, seemed
20 most comfortable, and the view was marvelous. On both sides tremendous precipices fell away to the white rapids of
the Urubamba River below. In front was the solitary peak of Huay-na Picchu, seemingly inaccessible on all sides. Behind
us were rocky heights and impassable cliffs. Down the face of one precipice the Indians had made a perilous path, which
was their only means of egress in the wet season, when the bridge over which we had come would be washed away. Of
the other precipice we had already had a taste. We were not surprised to hear the Indians say they only went away from
25 home about once a month.

Leaving the huts, we climbed still farther up the ridge. Around a slight promontory the character of the stone-faced
andenes began to improve, and suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of a jungle-covered maze of small and large
walls, the ruins of buildings made of blocks of white granite, most carefully cut and beautifully fitted together without
cement. Surprise followed surprise until there came the realization that we were in the midst of as wonderful ruins as any
30 ever found in Peru. It seemed almost incredible that this city, only five days’ journey from Cuzco, should have remained

148
so long undescribed and comparatively unknown. Yet so far as I have been able to discover, there is no reference in the
Spanish chronicles to Machu Picchu. It is possible that not even the conquistadors ever saw this wonderful place. From
some rude scrawls on the stones of a temple we learned that it was visited in 1902 by one Lizarraga, a local muleteer.
Chapter 3 It must have been known long before that, because, as we said above, Wiener [an Austrian-French explorer], who was
35 in Ollantaytambo in the 70’s, speaks of having heard of ruins at a place named “Matcho Picchu,” which he did not find.
Evidence-
Based
Reading Test
18. How do the two passages differ in their tone?
Strategies
A. Passage 1 has a tone of surprise, and Passage 2 has a tone of fear.

B. Passage 1 has a threatening tone, and Passage 2 has an adventurous tone.

C. Passage 1 exhibits a tone of danger, and Passage 2, a tone of awe.

D. Passage 1 features a gloomy tone, and Passage 2, a festive tone.

19. What does the passage reveal about Shackleton’s character?

A. He is fearful for himself and others.

B. He is a risk-taker who likes adventure.

C. He is a heroic man who likes attention.

D. He is a leader who puts others first.

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 20. Which of the following best describes a purpose common to both passages?

A. They want to tell the world about the dangers of undeveloped places.

B. They want to tell the world about new and undiscovered places.

C. They want to persuade others to visit undeveloped places.

D. They want to persuade people to help develop the locales described.

21. As used in line 12, “unscathed” most nearly means

A. fearless.

B. not whole.

C. not harmed .

D. harmless.

22. What idea in the text leads to the conclusion that Bingham thought he discovered Machu Pichu?

A. It would take five days to get there from the closest city of Cuzco.

B. The Native Indians didn’t seem to know about it.

C. He dismisses the others who may have been there.

D. It was hidden behind thick jungle growth.

23. Based on the two passages, what can be inferred about the nature of expeditions?

A. They are often dangerous and can’t be undertaken alone.

B.
149
They usually add to the knowledge about a place.

C. They are good travel destinations for people who enjoy going to little-known places.

D. They represent undiscovered parts of the world. Chapter 3

Evidence-
Based
Reading Test
Strategies

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Key and Explanations

1. C 6. C 11. D 16. B 20. B

2. A 7. C 12. B 17. C 21. C

3. D 8. A 13. A 18. C 22. C

4. B 9. D 14. D 19. D 23. B

5. B 10. B 15. D

1. The correct answer is C. The first paragraph in the pas- as in choice C, the passage does not explain its geographic
sage provides a summary. It explicitly states the reasons relationship to Russia, choice D.
that the Native Alaskan culture was almost wiped out and
5. The correct answer is B. The main idea of the text shows
what needs to be done to ensure that it is not lost forever.
that although missionaries tried to impose their beliefs on
The rest of the passage supports the concepts introduced
the Native Alaskans, they were not completely successful.
here.
The Native Alaskans maintained their belief systems and
2. The correct answer is A. Lines 13–15 explain that the passed on their traditions in secret when it was not possi-
Native Solidarity Movement led to increased political ble to be open about them. Today, these traditions are no
activity. Although the passage doesn’t mention the civil longer repressed and are thriving. Overall, this suggests
rights movement by name, the question identifies its era, the conclusion in choice B. Although choice A is true, it is
and the passage states that the Native Solidarity Movement neither a conclusion nor an inference; that idea is stated in
occurred during the same time period. A logical inference, the text. Both answer choices C and D are general concepts
therefore, could be that the civil rights movement had some that could be applied to the Native Alaskan culture, but
impact on the Native American Solidarity Movement. There nothing in the text suggests such a generality.
is no information about laws that might have affected
6. The correct answer is C. The idiom “go underground”
150 Native Alaskans, choice B. The passage does not indicate
that the Native Alaskans rebelled, choice C. The passage
means doing something in secret. In this case, the west-
ern educators who had come to Alaska forced their own
does indicate that the cultural practices have been revived,
culture onto the Native Alaskans, who then practiced their
Chapter 3 but the text does not connect the revival, even indirectly,
traditions in secret rather than give them up.
to the civil rights movement.
Evidence-
7. The correct answer is C. The conversation in the excerpt
Based 3. The correct answer is D. The passage does not directly
Reading Test reveals, in general terms, the responses listed in the other
state the relationship of the Native Alaskan people to the
Strategies choices A, B, and D. The mystery to be solved by either the
missionaries, but it does describe how the missionaries
Prefect or Dupin is in locating the letter, choice C.
imposed Christianity on them and tried to force the Native
Alaskans to abandon their own belief systems. There is no 8. The correct answer is A. It is the royal lady who has told
indication of living in harmony, choice A, nor of the mission- the Prefect the story, which he retells to Dupin and the
aries rescuing them in the face of epidemic disease, choice narrator (line 1: “I have received personal information,
B. Although the passage suggests that Native Alaskans from a very high quarter.”). His retelling also describes the
may have had reason to resent the missionaries, there is identity of the thief (minister D), and the importance of
no indication that they tried to make them leave, choice C. the document (line 9–10: “that the paper gives its holder
a certain power in a certain quarter where such power is
4. The correct answer is B. The presence of a Russian dance
immensely valuable.”).
group among other native groups indicates that the Russian
culture had been mixed with that of the Native Alaskan 9. The correct answer is D. We can infer from his advice (line
groups. Choice A does not explain any influences on culture. 45: “To make a thorough re-search of the premises.”) that
There is no information that explains the proximity of the Dupin has an idea about the whereabouts of the letter,
Seward Peninsula to Russia, choice C. Kingikmuit is located which he wants to confirm through the details of the search.
on the Seward Peninsula, as described in the passage, but, Dupin listens carefully, demonstrating that he is interested

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 in the specifics of the investigation. The details confirm his 18. The correct answer is C. The first line of Passage 1 sets
own ideas. the tone of danger (feeling of uneasiness) that continues
after the crack in the ice. Although the men aren’t killed,
10. The correct answer is B. The word “cant” is used in a state-
the path to the boat was nevertheless full of danger. Pas-
ment made by the unnamed narrator. He is commenting
sage 2 begins with Bingham’s observations that show his
about the language of the Prefect’s statement.“Jargon”(the
appreciation of the beauty of the place. He marvels at the
language or idiom of a particular group) is the only choice
Indians who make their way down the steep precipice on
related to language.
a regular basis (lines 22–23). As Bingham makes his way
11. The correct answer is D. We know that the royal lady is through the jungle and sees Machu Picchu for the first
being blackmailed. Therefore, the contents must reveal time, detailed descriptions show awe and surprise at the
something she is hiding from the man in the room with “wonderful ruins” (line 29).
her, most likely her husband. Choice D is the only one that
19. The correct answer is D. Shackleton describes the scene
contains information that is to be kept from the prince.
and how he warned to “look carefully for cracks” (lines 3–4),
12. The correct answer is B. The passage describes the space which shows he was checking the ice to make sure he and
economy and the many products that were developed his men were safe. When he saw the ice cracking, his first
because of space exploration and then applied to com- instinct was to throw himself down at the edge (lines 8–9)
mercial markets. Lines 6–8 explain that these products and save one of the men. He made sure the others were
are now part of our economy. The space program was safe, leading them back to the boat; he was the last in line
responsible for introducing new products to the market to board.
and new products that people want and buy increase
20. The correct answer is B. Both passages record the experi-
economic activity.
ences of men who are drawn to exploring places that most
13. The correct answer is A. The passage discusses the in- people don’t ever see. Both use detailed descriptions of
clusion of private investment (lines 11–12). Commercial the physical terrain of remote places that are void of other
companies are already gearing up to provide new space people. There is no call inviting others to join them—just
services based on the ability to travel in space and explore descriptions that inform.
places beyond Earth. Formerly, space travel was only done
by NASA.
21. The correct answer is C. The surrounding text describes
the condition of the man (who was wet down to the waist), 151
14. The correct answer is D. People have always been inter- and we know from the rest of the text that the water was
ested in space but the passage talks about how the next bitter cold. The word “otherwise” shows that what follows Chapter 3
phase of space exploration will include ordinary citizens is an exception, so he is—not harmed—except for being
who will be able to take advantage of the commercialization wet (and presumably cold). Evidence-
Based
of space exploration and travel. Reading Test
22. The correct answer is C. In lines 32–35, Bingham describes
Strategies
15. The correct answer is D. This statement represents the the others who may have come before him. He remarks on
best summary because it states the main idea by providing the beauty of the ancient city and how incredible it is that
the two most important aspects of the commercialization others missed it. Surely the conquistadors would have told
of space exploration. others about it; Weiner never found it; and the muleteer
didn’t understand what he was looking at.
16. The correct answer is B. The table shows that the “Be a
Martian” project involves tagging on the Internet, and the 23. The correct answer is B. Both passages describe places
table caption explains that participants are provided with about which little was known at the time. Both men under-
any needed software. According to the descriptions of the took the trip and wrote detailed accounts of their experi-
other projects, they all require some additional skill, for ences so that others could learn about them and perhaps
example, translating text or doing more complex searches. follow their footsteps to gain even more knowledge.

17. The correct answer is C. Reading the descriptions, the skill

required in all of the projects is how to use the Internet to
conduct searches. Even for projects that involve language
translation, a participant would have to access the Internet
to get the text that needs to be translated.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SUMMING IT UP
•  You do not need information beyond what is provided by the passage to answer any question.

•  Complete familiar and interesting passages first.

•  Read the introduction; it often provides background that will help form an overview of the passage.

•  Read the questions and their answer choices.

•  Read the passage as quickly as possible, marking the text to note information that may be relevant to the questions. Let the
questions drive your focus and the notations you make.

•  Don’t get bogged down in details. Most questions will not be focused on details unless they are used to support a major idea
or theme.

•  Go back into the passage to find answers as needed.

•  Reading Test questions are ordered from those related to the central ideas and overall themes to those involving structural
and language-related concepts. Approach each passage by first looking for the big ideas and then the more structural
concepts.

•  For any question you’re not sure of, eliminate obviously wrong answers and take your best guess. Wrong answers are not
counted against you, so answer every question.

•  Answer every question for a passage before starting the next passage.

152
Chapter 3

Evidence-
Based
Reading Test
Strategies

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ONLINE
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Access more practice questions, helpful lessons, valuable tips, and expert strategies for the following reading topics in Peterson’s
SAT® Online Course:

•  Advanced Reading Strategies

•  Advanced Question Types
•  Analyzing Arguments
•  Analyzing Structure
•  Common Question Types
•  Hard Prose Passages
•  Hard Science Passages
•  Other Reading Questions
•  Paired Passages
•  Passage Technique
•  Point of View
•  Quantitative Information
•  Reading Actively
•  Understanding Difficult Text
•  Wrong Answer Types

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

153
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 part iv: writing
strategies for the sat ®

Chapter 4: Writing and Language Test Strategies

Chapter 5: English Language Conventions
 Chapter 4:
Writing and Language
Test Strategies
OVERVIEW
A Closer Look at the Writing and Language Test
The Three Most Common Multiple-Choice Editing
Questions
Expression of Ideas Questions: Words in Context
Expression of Ideas Questions: Adding or
Deleting Text
Expression of Ideas Questions: Reordering
Sentences
Expression of Ideas Questions: Combining
Sentences and Using Transitional Words and
Phrases Correctly
Graphic Organizer Questions
Exercise: Writing and Language Test 157
Answer Keys and Explanations
Summing It Up Chapter 4

Writing and
Language
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST Test
Strategies
The Writing and Language Test gives you opportunities to demonstrate your college and career readiness by revising and editing
four passages. Each passage is 400–450 words long. There are 11 multiple-choice questions about each one—a total of 44
questions in all. You have 35 minutes to complete this section; that is about 48 seconds per question. If that doesn’t sound like
enough time to you, be assured that you will be able to answer many of the questions in fewer than 48 seconds. You can save up
your extra seconds for the harder questions you’ll encounter.

One passage of the four will be career-related; for example, this chapter includes a passage on technical writing careers. Another
passage will be humanities-related; it might be about visual art, music, theater arts, or literature. For example, this chapter includes
a short critical essay on a nineteenth-century novel by British author Jane Austen. The other two passages will be about history/
social studies and science. Some of the passages will be accompanied by graphic organizers such as tables, charts, or graphs.

The passages’ writing modes will include argument, informative/explanatory text, and nonfiction narrative. For example, this
chapter’s sample passage on technical writing is an informative/explanatory text. The essay on Jane Austen that appears later in
this chapter includes both argument and nonfiction narrative.

Answering the multiple-choice questions on each passage will place you in an editor’s role. You will be revising and editing the
work of an unspecified writer. You will be asked to improve each passage’s development, organization, and use of language. Your

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 tasks will include making sure that each passage conforms to standard rules of English grammar, usage, and punctuation. When a
passage is accompanied by one or more graphic organizers, you may need to correct the passage’s inaccurate interpretation of data.

These editing and revising goals may sound overwhelming, but don’t worry. Every answer is right there on your test page. All you
have to do is to select one out of four possible solutions [A, B, C, or D] to choose the best use of language.

THE THREE MOST COMMON MULTIPLE-CHOICE EDITING QUESTIONS

The Writing and Language Test contains three primary categories of multiple-choice questions:

1. Expression of Ideas Questions

More than half of the questions fall into this category. This group includes questions about the following:

•  Words in context
•  Adding, deleting, or changing text
•  Transitional language that smoothly and clearly takes the reader from one idea to another
•  Relevant (or irrelevant) details
•  Combining sentences to make text more concise and less “choppy-sounding”
•  Eliminating awkward language and wordiness
•  Reordering sentences so that paragraphs make better sense
•  Consistency of style and tone
•  Cohesion and precision of language

158 You will learn how to approach Expression of Ideas questions later in this chapter.

Chapter 4

Writing and
2. Standard English Conventions Questions
Language
Test About 45 percent of the questions fall into this category of grammar, usage, and punctuation rules. It includes questions that
Strategies require you to demonstrate your knowledge of the following:

•  Consistent (or inconsistent) verb tenses

•  Punctuation
•  Sentence structure
•  Correct (or incorrect) word usage

The Exercise section of this chapter provides practice with answering some questions from this category. In Chapter 5, you will
learn more about grammar, usage, and punctuation questions.

3. Graphic Organizer Questions

This is the smallest percentage of the three primary categories. There may be only a few questions that deal with graphic orga-
nizers on the Writing and Language Test. This type of question asks you to make revising and editing decisions about passages
in light of information and ideas conveyed through graphic organizers such as tables, charts, and graphs. However, you will not
need to do any mathematical computation in order to answer the questions in this category. Later in this chapter, you will learn
how to approach Graphic Organizer questions.

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EXPRESSION OF IDEAS QUESTIONS: WORDS IN CONTEXT
Words-in-Context questions are perhaps the easiest type of question on the Writing and Language Test. Most of the questions
on the test, including words in context, do not have a question right before the answer choices. Instead, you should choose the
response that corrects the sentence or paragraph and makes the writing stronger. Review the example below.

Jane Austen and Fanny Price 4

In real life, one 1 was sometimes left out because of A. NO CHANGE

actual purposeful wrongdoing on the parts of those doing B. Fairy tales
the leaving out, but sometimes one is simply left out—and
C. Stories
2 realism is beside the point. 3 The second case is D. Articles
much less satisfying to the left-out person, but it is also much

more usual. 4 Novels such as “Cinderella” are satisfying

because, in them, it is clearly the nastiness of the villains

and villainesses that causes the heroes and heroines to be

excluded from pleasurable activities.

First, quickly read the paragraph to get a general sense of its meaning—you don’t need to understand every word. Right now
you are answering Question 4 only, so don’t worry about any errors you might spot in the rest of the paragraph—you will deal
with those later in the “Exercise” portion of this chapter.

Question 4 asks you to decide which word best fits the context. Your four choices are:

A. NO CHANGE (Novels); B. Fairy tales; C. Stories; and D. Articles.

159
Use the context clue Cinderella to make the best choice. Right away you can eliminate choice D: “Cinderella” is not an article— Chapter 4
most articles are nonfiction. Choice C is a possibility: “Cinderella” is a story—set this choice aside for a moment. Is “Cinderella” a
Writing and
novel? No—novels are long, and the story of Cinderella is fairly short. Eliminate choice A. Is Cinderella a fairytale? Yes, it is: it has Language
magical elements, and it is a traditional tale that has been passed down for many generations. Is Fairy tales a better answer than Test
Stories? Yes, it is, because this description is more precise. Fairy tales are a specific type of story. The correct answer is choice B. Strategies

Let’s try a words-in-context question that goes with a different passage.

A Technical Writing Career 11

Technical 11 communicators, better known as “technical A. NO CHANGE

writers,” plan, write, and edit instruction manuals, print and B. engineers
online articles, and other documents that transform 12 C. manuals
intense technical information into simpler language that end
D. workers
users can understand.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Quickly read the one-sentence paragraph to figure out what it is mainly about. Again, focus on the question you’re answering
(Question 11).

Here are some clue words and phrases that will help you figure out which word belongs after the numeral 11  : writers; write,
and edit; and simpler language that . . . users can understand. To which answer choice do these clues direct you? You can eliminate
choice C, manuals: a manual is a thing (a set of instructions), not a person. Might engineers, choice B, and workers, choice D, be
writers who write and edit text?

Maybe, but the word communicators is the best choice because it is most precise—a writer’s main job is to communicate with
others by writing understandable sentences, paragraphs, and so on.

Since the word communicators already appears in the paragraph after the 11 , the correct answer is choice A, NO CHANGE.

If you are somewhat stuck, but not totally, make an educated guess. If you can
eliminate at least one answer choice that you know is wrong (eliminating two
is even better), you won’t be guessing at random. Remember that you will not
be penalized for wrong answers, so educated guessing is a fine strategy to use.

EXPRESSION OF IDEAS QUESTIONS: ADDING OR DELETING TEXT

Here is a question that asks you whether it is a good or bad idea to delete a certain sentence.

When I was in elementary school, I was a shy little girl.  . . . 5 The writer is considering deleting the underlined sen-
tence. Should the writer do this?
The stories I made up always had the same plot: I was carried
160 off by a prince (David) on a flying horse to his castle where A. Yes, because it adds unnecessary technical details.
I became his wife and got to live in the lap of luxury. 5 B. Yes, because it makes the grown-up writer seem
Chapter 4
From there I would go into elaborate detail about the décor silly and childish.
Writing and of the castle, how many horses we owned, what colors C. No, because it adds funny details and helps to
Language
show that the narrator was a child at the time.
Test they were, and so on. It was a silly, childish fantasy, but it
Strategies D. No, because, without this sentence, the last
comforted me.
sentence in the paragraph would not make sense.

This question truly casts you in an editor’s role. You’re asked whether the paragraph would be better or worse if this sentence
were deleted. Not only that, you’re asked why your choice is the correct one.

You can eliminate choice B. The underlined sentence doesn’t make the grown-up writer seem “silly and childish”—it makes her
subject (her younger self ) seem so. The writer explicitly states this in the last sentence of the paragraph—she is having fun making
fun of her younger self.

Also eliminate choice A: This sentence does contain details, but they are not technical. How about choice D? Would the paragraph’s
last sentence fail to make sense if the underlined sentence were deleted? Read the first two sentences and the last one without
the middle (underlined) one. The last sentence still makes sense, so you can eliminate choice D.

You are left with choice C. Even if you disagree that the underlined sentence is funny, it definitely “helps to show that the narrator
was a child at the time.” The correct answer is choice C.

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EXPRESSION OF IDEAS QUESTIONS: REORDERING SENTENCES
Next, let’s try a question that asks you to reorder sentences in a paragraph.

[1] A few years ago, U.S. government experts predicted that 16 For the sake of cohesion, sentence 4 should
employment of technical writers would grow 1.5 percent be placed

from 2012 to 2022, a gain of about 7,400 jobs per year. A. where it is now.
[2] (This is faster than the average for all occupations on B. before sentence 1.
which the U.S. Department of Labor gathers statistics.) [3]
C. after sentence 1.
This causes a greater need for professionals with the talent
D. after sentence 2.
and skills to write instructional manuals that users can

easily understand and follow. 16 [4] The high-tech and

electronics industries continue to change and grow.

In this type of question, each sentence in a paragraph is numbered with a numeral in brackets. Your job is to decide whether a
specific sentence should stay where it is; move to a different spot in the paragraph; and if it should move, where it should go.

The best way to answer this question would be to read the paragraph out loud to yourself. During the SAT®, you won’t be able
to do that, but try it now if possible. You will probably notice that sentence 4 sounds odd at the end of the paragraph—it seems
“tacked on” somehow. So it needs to be moved, but where?

Try each option one at a time. You will discover that this sentence belongs right after sentence 2—before sentence 3. Sentence
3 says that “This causes a greater need . . . [for good technical writers].” What causes this need? The cause is the fact that “the
high-tech and electronics industries continue to change and grow.” If sentences 3 and 4 were to swap places, the paragraph would 161
be “most logical”—it would make better sense than it does now, for sure. The correct answer is choice D.
Chapter 4

Writing and
If a particular question seems overwhelming, circle it on Language
Test
your test booklet and go on to the next question. When
Strategies
you’re done with all of the easier ones, come back to any
questions you circled.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 EXPRESSION OF IDEAS QUESTIONS: COMBINING SENTENCES AND
USING TRANSITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES CORRECTLY
Here is a question that asks you to complete two tasks at once: combine two shorter sentences into one longer one and choose
the transitional word or phrase that makes the best sense in the new, longer sentence.

Most novel readers do not like it when story events seem 7 Which choice most effectively combines the two
artificially “rigged” by the author in order to teach a moralistic sentences at the underlined portion?

lesson. In this novel, Jane Austen rigs 7 events. Whenever A. events, but whenever Fanny is left out,
Fanny is left out, we can be sure that one or some of the
B. events so that whenever Fanny is left out,
other characters are engaged in something sinful. This is an
C. events, because, whenever Fanny is left out,
unrealistic (fairytale) element in what is otherwise a highly
D. events, and the cause is that whenever Fanny is
developed, realistic novel. left out,

Again, the best way to solve this editing problem is to imagine reading the paragraph out loud. If you try one answer choice at a
time, you will soon find the one that makes the best sense. The writer is saying that Jane Austen heavy-handedly rigs events in
her novel in order that such and such happens. The transitional words and phrases in the other answer choices (A: but; C: because;
D: and the cause is that) do not relay that same idea; only so that communicates this thought clearly. The correct answer is choice B.

GRAPHIC ORGANIZER QUESTIONS

Every Writing and Language Test contains one or more passages with graphic organizers such as tables, charts, and graphs. One
162 or more of the questions following such a passage deals with its organizers. This type of question asks you to compare infor-
mation given in the passage to similar information or data that the graphic organizer presents. If the two sets of information are
inconsistent, you will need to make editing changes to the passage.
Chapter 4

Writing and Here is an example:

Language
Test
Strategies A TECHNICAL WRITING CAREER
Quick Facts: Technical Writers
$65,500 per year
2012 Median Pay
$31.49 per hour

Entry-level Education Bachelor’s degree

Work Experience in a Related Occupation Less than 5 years

On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training

Number of Jobs, 2012 49,500

Job Outlook, 2012–22 15% (faster than average)

Employment Change, 2012–22 7,400

[Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Technical-writers.htm]

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Technical communicators, better known as “technical 17 Which choice most accurately and effectively represents
writers,” plan, write, and edit instruction manuals, print and the information in the chart?

online articles, and other documents. Requirements for this A. NO CHANGE

well-paid profession include 17 a bachelor’s degree and
B. a bachelor’s degree and less than ten years of
five to ten years of on-the-job training in a technical field. on-the-job work experience in a related
occupation

C. a master’s degree, less than five years of work

experience in a related occupation, and a short
period of on-the-job training

D. a bachelor’s degree, less than five years of work

experience in a related occupation, and a short
period of on-the-job training

To find the correct answer choice, you will need to pay close attention to details in the chart. In this case, carefully read the three
rows beginning with “Entry-level Education” and ending with “On-the-job Training.” Choice A is incorrect because the chart does
not specify “five to ten years of on-the-job training in a technical field.” Choice B is incorrect because the chart does not specify
“less than ten years of on-the-job work experience in a related occupation.” Choice C is incorrect because the chart lists a bachelor’s
degree, not a master’s, as a prerequisite for an entry-level technical writing job. The only answer choice that perfectly matches
the chart is choice D. The correct answer is choice D.

163
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Writing and
Language
Test
Strategies

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 EXERCISE: WRITING AND LANGUAGE TEST
18 Minutes—22 Questions

DIRECTIONS: Each of the following passages is accompanied by a set of questions. For some questions, you will consider
how the passage might be revised to improve the expression of ideas. For other questions, you will consider how the
passage might be edited to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage or a question may be
accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a table, chart, graph, or photograph) that you will consider as you make
revising and editing decisions.

Some questions will direct you to an underlined portion of a passage. Other questions will direct you to a location in a
passage or ask you to think about the passage as a whole.

After reading each passage, choose the answer to each question that most effectively improves the quality of writing in
the passage or that makes the passage conform to the conventions of Standard Written English. Many questions include a
“NO CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of the passage as it is.

Questions 1–11 are based on the following passage. 1

A. NO CHANGE
Jane Austen and Fanny Price
B. is
. . . In real life, one 1 was sometimes left out because of
C. will be
actual purposeful wrongdoing on the parts of those doing
D. may have been
the leaving out, but sometimes one is simply left out—and
164 2 realism is beside the point. 3 The second case is 2
much less satisfying to the left-out person, but it is also
Chapter 4 A. NO CHANGE
much more usual. Fairy tales such as “Cinderella” are
B. purpose
Writing and satisfying because, in them, it is clearly the nastiness of the
Language C. culpability
Test villains and villainesses that causes the heroes and heroines
Strategies D. satisfaction
to be excluded from pleasurable activities.

3 The writer is considering deleting the underlined sen-

tence. Should the writer do this?

A. Yes, because it does not provide a good transition

between the first and third sentences in the
paragraph.

B. Yes, because it fails to support the main argument

of the passage: that Mansfield Park presents a
fairytale conception of being left out.

C. No, because it identifies important distinctions

among three different “cases.”

D. No, because it provides a good transition between

the first and third sentences in the paragraph.

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[1] When I was in elementary school, I was a shy little girl 4 The writer is considering adding the phrase “magnificent

not unlike Fanny Price of Jane Austen’s 4 Mansfield Park. work of art” here. Should the writer do this?

[2] Sometimes when I was feeling left out, I would sit on a A. Yes, because it identifies the genre of Mansfield
bench at the very edge of the playground and put spit on my Park.

cheeks to simulate tears, in case David Gould, 5 a boy I B. Yes, because it sums up the writer’s true opinion of
the book.
knew, should pass by and take pity on me. 6 [3] I also had
C. No, because it is an unnecessary and possibly
a fairytale conception of being left out (as Fanny and Jane
confusing addition.
Austen have in this novel). [4] He never did, but it didn’t really
D. No, because it contradicts the writer’s previous,
7 matter. My imagination would take over from that point. more critical statement.
[5] The stories I made up always had the same plot: I was

carried off by a prince (David) on a flying horse to his castle 5 Which choice provides the most relevant detail?

where I became his wife and got to live in the lap of luxury.
A. NO CHANGE
[6] (From there I would go into elaborate detail about the
B. the shortest boy in my classroom
décor of the castle, how many horses we owned, 8 what
C. the handsomest boy in the school
colors they were and so on.
D. my sister’s best friend’s boyfriend

6 To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 3 should

be placed

A. where it is now.

B. after sentence 1.
165
C. after sentence 4.

D. after sentence 6. Chapter 4

Writing and
7 Which choice most effectively combines the two sentenc- Language
es at the underlined portion? Test
Strategies

A. matter, because my imagination

B. matter; for example, my imagination

C. matter; in other words, my imagination

D. matter—consequently, my imagination

A. NO CHANGE

B. what colors they are and so on.

C. what colors they will be, and so on.)

D. what colors they were, and so on.)

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 In the course of Mansfield Park, Fanny goes through one big 9
suffer-and-be-vindicated cycle (her 9 ultimate marriage to
A. NO CHANGE
Edmund after many, many years of being left out) and many
B. ill-advised
little suffer-and-be-comforted cycles:
C. initial
“Edmund . . . going quietly to another table
D. volatile
. . . brought a glass of Madeira to Fanny [who had
a headache as a result of being deprived of proper
10
exercise by the thoughtless disregard of others],
and obliged her to drink the greater part. She
A. NO CHANGE
wished to be able to decline it, but the tears which
a variety of feelings created, made it easier to B. yet,
swallow than to speak.” [Mansfield Park, page 513;
C. predictably,
from The Complete Novels of Jane Austen, Modern
Library edition] D. on the other hand,

The little gush of passionate, passive gratefulness that Fanny

11
feels when Edmund “obliges” her to drink the Madeira feels
A. NO CHANGE
to me similar to the sweet rush of vindicated personal pathos

that I felt at the moment in my David Gould fantasy when B. sinful, this

he would suddenly appear and sweep me up and away from C. sinful: this

my wrongfully left-out state into one of well-deserved bliss. D. sinful (this

This way of thinking is childish, self-pitying, and self-deluded;

166 10 accordingly, Jane Austen (who is usually far more

astute) lets Fanny get away with it.

Chapter 4
The author rigs things so that whenever Fanny is left out,
Writing and
Language we can be sure that one or some of the other characters
Test
Strategies
are engaged in something 11 sinful; this is an unrealistic

(fairytale) element in what is otherwise a highly developed,

realistic novel.

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 Questions 12–22 are based on the following passage and 12
supplementary material.
A. NO CHANGE

A Technical Writing Career B. ordinary

C. complex
Technical communicators, better known as “technical writers,”
D. varied
plan, write, and edit instruction manuals, print and online

articles, and other documents that transform 12 intense

13
technical information into simpler language that end users

can understand. A. NO CHANGE

B. determines end users’ needs.

A typical technical writer C. determines and decides end users’ needs.

• 13 determines end users’ needs and requirements. D. determines the needs of end users and people
who will be using the product.
• studies product samples and discusses them with
designers and developers. 14 Which choice provides the most relevant list of
details?
• outlines, writes, and edits documents that support a
variety of technical products. A. NO CHANGE

B. (books, magazines, newspapers, television news

• gathers and/or creates graphics that illustrate instructions shows)
and other technical documents.
C. (drawing, painting, sculpture, computer-gen-
erated graphics)
• writes scripts for online instructional videos.
D. (keyboards, monitors, hard drives, software, cloud
167
• decides which medium 14 (how-to manuals, “fre- computing)
Chapter 4
quently asked questions” pages, online videos) will most

effectively convey the information. Writing and

Language
Test
• gathers feedback on products’ usability from customers, Strategies
designers, and manufacturers.

• revises documents to fit product changes.

• works with customer service specialists to improve the

end-user experience through product design changes.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Technical writers must be able to fully comprehend complex 15 Which change most effectively ends this paragraph and
information. Their work colleagues may include computer is also consistent with information provided in the chart?

hardware engineers, scientists, computer support specialists, A. NO CHANGE

and software developers.
B. Prior knowledge about such colleagues’ fields
enables technical writers to understand and
15 How else can they be expected to communicate with translate “tech speak” into clear, useful instructions
people from such an array of professional backgrounds? for users.

C. It takes years of graduate study to enable a

technical writer to understand various work
colleagues’ fields—a master’s degree or Ph.D. in
technical writing is advisable.

D. DELETE the underlined sentence and do not

replace it.

Quick Facts: Technical Writers

$65,500 per year
2012 Median Pay
$31.49 per hour

168 Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s degree

Work Experience in a Related Occupation Less than 5 years

Chapter 4 On-the-job Training Short-term on-the-job training

Writing and Number of Jobs, 2012 49,500

Language
Test Job Outlook, 2012–22 15% (Faster than average)
Strategies
Employment Change, 2012–22 7,400

[Source: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Technical-writers.htm]

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16 [1] Why is the technical writing field growing so quickly? 16 For the sake of cohesion, sentence 1 should be placed

[2] A few years ago, U.S. government experts predicted

A. where it is now.
that employment of technical writers would grow 17 1.5
B. after sentence 2.
percent from 2012 to 2022, a gain of about 7,400 jobs per
C. after sentence 3.
year. [3] (This is faster than the average for all occupations on
D. after sentence 4.
which the U.S. Department of Labor gathers statistics.) [4] As

the high-tech and electronics industries continue to change 17 Which choice most accurately and effectively represents
and grow, they 18 reflect a greater need for professionals the information in the chart (on the previous page)?

with the talent and skills to write instructional manuals that

A. NO CHANGE
users can easily understand and follow.
B. 7.5 percent from 2012 to 2022, a gain of about
7,500 jobs per year.

C. 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, a gain of about

7,400 jobs per year.

D. 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, a gain of about

7,400 jobs total.

18

A. NO CHANGE

B. generate

C. effect

D. obligate
169
Chapter 4

Writing and
Language
Test
Strategies

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Job opportunities 19 abound. This is especially true 19 Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences
at the underlined portion?
for applicants with both technical skills and writing skills.

Increasingly, consumers rely on technologically sophisticated A. abound, especially for applicants with
products in the home as well as in the workplace. 20 In B. abound, especially is this the case for applicants
addition—for many people—ordinary daily life requires us with

to understand complex medical and scientific information. C. abound; especially positively impacted are
applicants with
All of these factors are combining to create many new
D. abound—and especially for those lucky applicants
opportunities for technical writers. 21 Remember now, that
who have acquired
as older workers retire, their jobs will become vacant. Yet,

competition among freelance technical writers will remain 20

22 lively.
A. NO CHANGE

B. And another thing: for many people,

C. I need to make one last point—for many people—

D. In contrast, for many people,

21

A. NO CHANGE

B. As older technical writers retire,

C. Baby Boomers are retiring these days, so

170 D. Smarter job seekers will recall that, as older
workers retire,
Chapter 4

Writing and 22
Language
Test A. NO CHANGE
Strategies
B. competitive

C. apparent

D. stagnant

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Answer Keys and Explanations
PASSAGE 1

1. B 4. C 6. B 8. D 10. B

2. C 5. C 7. A 9. A 11. A

3. D

1. The correct answer is B. Except for this verb, was, the 6. The correct answer is B. Sentence 3 makes the best sense
writer uses the present tense throughout the paragraph. when it follows sentence 1.
Therefore, to be consistent, the correct answer is choice B.
7. The correct answer is A. The linking word because makes
2. The correct answer is C. The writer is making a distinction sense in context: the writer is explaining why it did not
between times when a person is left out because other(s) matter that David Gould never noticed or pitied her when
have misbehaved and times when a person is left out, but she was a shy little girl.
no one else is at fault, or culpable. Since a noun is needed
8. The correct answer is D. Choice D correctly includes a
in the sentence here, culpability, choice C, is the correct
needed comma following the word were and includes a
answer.
missing close parenthesis mark.
3. The correct answer is D. The writer should not delete the
9. The correct answer is A. The writer is referring to an event
sentence because it provides a good transition between
that occurs near the end of the novel (“after many, many
the first and third sentences in the paragraph.
years of being left out,” Fanny finally marries Edmund). The
4. The correct answer is C. The writer should not add this correct choice is A, NO CHANGE: ultimate, meaning “final.”
phrase here because it is unnecessary and may confuse
10. The correct answer is B. The transitional word yet makes
readers into thinking Mansfield Park is a work of visual art,
such as a painting.
sense in context: the writer is explaining that, even though 171
Jane Austen is usually astute about her characters, in this
5. The correct answer is C. It makes sense that a girl would case, the author “lets Fanny get away with” childishness,
Chapter 4
cast the handsomest boy in the school in the role of a prince self-pity, and self-delusion.
who saves her from her unhappy state. Choices A, B, and Writing and
11. The correct answer is A. No change is needed because
D are incorrect because, while they are possible choices, Language
this phrase is correctly punctuated with a semicolon. Test
they are not as relevant as choice C.
Strategies

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 PASSAGE 2

12. C 15. B 17. D 19. A 21. B

13. B 16. C 18. B 20. A 22. A

14. A

12. The correct answer is C. The writer is referring to technical 18. The correct answer is B. The writer is referring to certain
ideas that are the opposite of “simple.” The correct choice changes in the U.S. economy that will produce, result in, or
is C: complex. generate more technical writing jobs. The correct choice
is B: generate.
13. The correct answer is B. Only choice B offers clear and
concise wording without redundancy. Choice A is incorrect 19. The correct answer is A. This is the simplest, clearest way
because end users’“needs and requirements”is redundant. to combine the two sentences. Choices B, C, and D are
Choice C eliminates the original redundancy, but then incorrect because each is either awkward or too wordy or
it creates a new one: “determines” and “decides” mean does not match the rest of the passage’s style and tone.
the same thing. Choice D is incorrect because it, too, is
20. The correct answer is A. No change is needed because
redundant: “end users” and “people who will be using the
the existing wording is the simplest, clearest way to make
product” mean the same thing.
this point. It matches the style and tone of the passage
14. The correct answer is A. No change is needed because while including necessary transitional language.
the writer is using the word medium to refer to a genre or
21. The correct answer is B. This phrase is appropriately specific
method of effectively conveying technical information.
and best matches the rest of the passage’s style and tone.
15. The correct answer is B. This sentence clarifies information
22. The correct answer is A. The writer’s point is that even
presented earlier in the paragraph.
though many older technical writers will be vacating their

172
16. The correct answer is C. Sentence 1 makes the most sense jobs as they retire, freelance technical writers will still face
when it follows sentence 3. competition as they vie for available jobs; thus, the com-
petition will be lively.
17. The correct answer is D. The last two lines of the chart say
Chapter 4
that the projected job outlook for technical writers during
Writing and
the ten years from 2012 to 2022 is 15 percent growth and
Language that, during those ten years, the technical writing field
Test will gain 7,400 jobs total. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect
Strategies
because the statistics they give do not match those shown
in the chart.

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 SUMMING IT UP
•  In the Writing and Language Test section of the SAT®, there are four passages and 44 multiple-choice questions (eleven ques-
tions about each passage). You will have 35 minutes to complete this section.

•  The multiple-choice questions in this section put you in an editor’s role. Each question consists of an “editing problem” with
four possible solutions.

•  Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as graphs, charts, tables, and photographs. You’ll need to
refer to these supplementary graphics to answer a question or two, but no math will be required in this section.

•  There are three main categories of multiple-choice questions:

1. Expression of Ideas questions, including questions on words in context; adding, deleting, or changing text; transi-
tional language; relevant details; combining sentences; eliminating awkward language and wordiness; reordering
sentences so that paragraphs make better sense; consistency of style and tone; cohesion and precision of language
2. Standard English Conventions questions covering grammar, usage, and punctuation
3. Graphic Organizer questions that ask you to compare information that is in the passage to similar information or
data that are presented in a chart, graph, table, or photograph

•  In addition to your Writing and Language Test score, the following subscores and cross-test scores will be provided:
ºº Command of Evidence: Questions that ask you to interpret and use evidence in the passages and informational
graphics, such as graphs, tables, and charts
ºº Expression of Ideas: Questions that focus on topic development, organization, and rhetorically effective use of
language
ºº Words in Context: Questions that address the meaning of a particular word or phrase in context
ºº Standard English Conventions: Questions that focus on sentence structure, usage, and punctuation
ºº
ºº
Analysis in History/Social Studies: Questions based on history/social studies–related passages
Analysis in Science: Questions based on science-related passages 173
Chapter 4
ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More? Writing and
Language
Test
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Access additional practice questions, valuable lessons, helpful tips, and expert strategies for the following Writing and Language
Test topics in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  Frequently Confused Words

•  Grammar Question Types
•  Organization Questions
•  Pacing in Writing
•  Parallelism
•  Pronouns
•  Punctuation
•  Style Questions
•  Verb Tenses

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Chapter 5:
English Language
Conventions
OVERVIEW
Sentence Formation
Verb Tense, Mood, and Voice
Conventions of Usage
Agreement
Frequently Confused Words
Conventions of Punctuation
Summing It Up

This chapter reviews standard English language conventions. While we’re not attempting to teach you all the rules of punctuation
and grammar, we do want you to review those rules that may be tested or that you may need to call on for your own writing.

Each of the three main domains covered in this chapter—sentence structure, conventions of usage, and conventions of punctu-
ation—is broken down into smaller sections. These instructional sections are followed by exercises with answers and explanations.
175
Be sure to read all the answer explanations, even for the questions you answered correctly. Review is an important part of your
SAT® exam preparation. Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SENTENCE FORMATION
Sentence Boundaries
Fragments
Basic Rule

Every sentence must have a complete subject and verb and express a full idea. A group of words that is missing one of these
elements is called a sentence fragment or an incomplete sentence.

There are three ways to correct incomplete sentences:

1. Add the fragment to the sentence that precedes it.

Incorrect: Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife. How they interact with their
ecosystems.

Correct: Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their
ecosystems.

Explanation: The fragment is added to the sentence that precedes it by adding the word and.

2. Add the fragment to the sentence that follows it.

Incorrect: By studying animal behaviors. Wildlife biologists seek to understand how animals interact with their
ecosystems.

Correct: By studying animal behaviors, wildlife biologists seek to understand how animals interact with their
176 ecosystems.

Explanation: The fragment is added to the sentence that follows it by inserting a comma.
Chapter 5
3. Add a subject and verb to the fragment.
English
Language Incorrect: Considerable time studying animals in their natural habitats.
Conventions

Correct: Wildlife biologists may spend considerable time studying animals in their natural habitats.

Explanation: A subject (wildlife biologists) and verb (may spend) are added to the fragment.

Run-ons

A run-on sentence occurs when a writer fails to use either end-stop punctuation to divide complete thoughts or suitable con-
junctions to join two ideas.

The following rules will help you avoid and fix run-on sentences:

1. Though the result can be short, choppy sentences, the most common way to correct a run-on sentence is to simply divide
the sentence using end-stop punctuation.

Incorrect: Zoologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions a master’s degree or Ph.D. is often needed
for advancement.

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 Correct: Zoologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. A master’s degree or Ph.D. is often needed
for advancement.

2. A more advanced technique is to create a compound sentence by joining independent clauses using a coordinating con-
junction (e.g., and, but, or so).

Incorrect: Zoologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions a master’s degree is often needed for
advancement.

Correct: Zoologists need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level position, but a master’s degree is often needed for
advancement. (Remember that a comma is required when you use a coordinating conjunction to join two inde-
pendent clauses.

3. Another option is to create a complex sentence by adding a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, or while),
making one of the independent clauses a dependent clause.

Incorrect: Zoologists need only a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions a master’s degree is often needed for
advancement.

Correct: Zoologists need only a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions although a master’s degree is often
needed for advancement. (In general, commas are not required when the dependent clause follows the
independent clause.)

Also Correct: Although a master’s degree is often needed for advancement, zoologists need only a bachelor’s
degree for entry-level positions. (Commas are required when the dependent clause precedes the independent
clause.)

4. Use a semicolon when ideas are very closely related in meaning and full end-stop punctuation seems too strong.

Incorrect: Zoologists and wildlife biologists study how animals and other wildlife interact with their ecosystems
these scientists work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors. 177
Correct: Zoologists and wildlife biologists study how animals and other wildlife interact with their ecosystems; Chapter 5
these scientists work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors.
English
Language
Conventions

Skill Builder: Fragments and Run-ons

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to correct fragments and eliminate run-ons.

1. Zoologists and wildlife biologists perform a variety of scientific tests and experiments for example, they take blood samples
from animals to assess their levels of nutrition, check animals for disease and parasites, and tag animals in order to track
them.

2. In order to track potential threats to wildlife. Wildlife biologists often use computer programs.

3. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work to expand our knowledge of wildlife species. Work closely with public officials to
develop wildlife management and conservation plans.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 4. Herpetologists study reptiles, such as snakes. And amphibians, such as frogs.

5. Some wildlife biologists develop conservation plans and make recommendations on conservation and management issues.
To policymakers and the general public.

6. Ecologists study ecosystems. And the relationships between organisms and the surrounding environments.

7. Evolutionary biologists study the origins of species. The changes in their inherited characteristics over generations.

8. Zoologists and wildlife biologists conduct experimental studies they also collect biological data for analysis.

Answers

In some cases, there are many possible correct answers. Here are some examples:

1. Zoologists and wildlife biologists perform a variety of scientific tests and experiments. For example, they take blood samples
from animals to assess their levels of nutrition, check animals for disease and parasites, and tag animals in order to track
them.

2. In order to track potential threats to wildlife, wildlife biologists often use computer programs.

178 3. Zoologists and wildlife biologists work to expand our knowledge of wildlife species and work closely with public officials to
develop wildlife management and conservation plans.

Chapter 5 4. Herpetologists study reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes and frogs.

English
5. Some wildlife biologists develop conservation plans and make recommendations on conservation and management issues
Language to policymakers and the general public.
Conventions
6. Ecologists study ecosystems and the relationships between organisms and the surrounding environments.

7. Evolutionary biologists study the origins of species and the changes in their inherited characteristics over generations.

8. Zoologists and wildlife biologists conduct experimental studies and collect biological data for analysis.

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Coordination and Subordination

Basic Rule

Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions are used to join together clauses and form compound and complex sentences.

Some common coordinating and subordinating conjunctions are:

Coordinating conjunctions Subordinating conjunctions

after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if,
even though, if, if only, rather than, since, that, though,
and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet
unless, until, when, where, whereas, wherever,
whether, which, while

Basic Rule of Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are used to join independent clauses to make compound sentences. In these sentences, each piece
of information carries the same weight.

Independent clauses: There was a Treaty of Paris signed in 1763. There was also one signed in 1783.

Joined together: There were Treaties of Paris signed in 1763 and 1783.

When two clauses are joined, if the second remains an independent clause, a comma must be used before the coordinating
conjunction.
179
Independent clauses: There was a Treaty of Paris signed in 1763. There was also one signed in 1783.
Chapter 5
Joined together: There was a Treaty of Paris signed in 1763, but there was another Treaty of Paris signed in 1783.
English
Language
Conventions
Basic Rule of Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to join independent and dependent clauses to make complex sentences. In these sentences,
the dependent clause establishes a place, a time, a reason, a condition, a concession, or a comparison for the independent clause.

Independent clauses: A tax on imported goods from another country is called a tariff. A tax on imported goods
from another country to protect a home industry is called a protective tariff.

Joined together: A tax on imported goods from another country is called a tariff, while a tax on imported goods
from another country to protect a home industry is called a protective tariff.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Here, the subordinate clause is at the end. You can also place a subordinate clause at the beginning of a sentence, as long as you
use a comma.

Independent clauses: A tax on imported goods from another country is called a tariff. A tax on imported goods
from another country to protect a home industry is called a protective tariff.

Joined together: While a tax on imported goods from another country is called a tariff, a tax on imported goods
from another country to protect a home industry is called a protective tariff.

Skill Builder: Subordination and Coordination

DIRECTIONS: Join the following sentences using subordinating or coordinating conjunctions.

1. A democracy is a form of government that is run for the people. It is also run by the people.

2. A primary source is an original record of an event. A secondary source is something that was written later.

3. The Industrial Revolution ushered in a time of unparalleled human progress. People often forget the damage that this
progress did, and continues to do, to the environment.

180 4. Elizabeth Cady Stanton became famous as an advocate of women’s rights. During the Civil War, she was also an ardent
abolitionist.

Chapter 5

English
Language Answers
Conventions

In some cases, there are many possible correct answers. Here are some examples:

1. A democracy is a form of government that is run for the people, and it is also run by the people.

2. Whereas a primary source is an original record of an event, a secondary source is something that was written later.

3. While the Industrial Revolution ushered in a time of unparalleled human progress, people often forget the damage that this
progress did, and continues to do, to the environment.

4. Elizabeth Cady Stanton became famous as an advocate of women’s rights, and, during the Civil War, she was also an ardent
abolitionist.

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Parallel Structure
Parallel structure is the repetition of a grammatical form within a sentence. Parallel structure is a hallmark of effective writing
and is often used to emphasize ideas and present compared items in an equal light. Coordinating conjunctions are often used
in parallel constructions.

Non-parallel structure: As a child, George Washington Carver enjoyed reading, learned about plants, and he
made art.

Parallel structure: As a child, George Washington Carver enjoyed reading, learning about plants, and making art.

Modifier Placement
A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that adds detail to a sentence. In order to avoid confusion, modifiers should be placed as
close as possible to the things they modify.

Examples of different modifiers are underlined in the sentences below.

Within the field of marine biology, employment is highly competitive. (The phrase “within the field of marine biology” modifies
the subject of the sentence, which is “employment.” The word “highly” modifies our understanding of the competitive nature of
finding employment. )

The abundant supply of marine scientists far exceeds the demands, and the number of federal and state government jobs is
limited. (“Abundant” modifies “supply.” “Marine” modifies “scientists.” “Limited” modifies our understanding of “jobs.”)

When the subject of a modifier is unclear or is not included in the sentence, it is considered a dangling modifier. 181
Incorrect: Not realizing that the job title of marine biologist rarely exists, “marine biology” is a term recognized by
Chapter 5
most people. (What is the first phrase modifying?)

Possible revision: Not realizing that the job title of marine biologist rarely exists, most people recognize the term English
Language
“marine biology.”
Conventions

Misplaced modifiers occur when a modifier is poorly placed and it doesn’t express the writer’s intent accurately.

Incorrect: The term “marine biologist” is used to almost describe all of the disciplines and jobs that deal with the
study of marine life, not just those that deal with the physical properties of the sea.

Possible revision: The term “marine biologist” is used to describe almost all of the disciplines and jobs that deal
with the study of marine life, not just those that deal with the physical properties of the sea.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Modifier Placement

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to eliminate problems with modifier placement.

1. Critical for getting a competitive edge in the job market, fishery science requires a strong background in advanced mathe-
matics and computer skills.

2. A fishery scientist studies population dynamics of fish and marine mammals after taking course work in the animal and
aquatic sciences.

3. Another increasingly important field within marine biology, more universities are starting to offer programs in fisheries or
wildlife management.

4. As well as their interactions, biological oceanographers study both the biological and physical aspects of the sea.

5. A student may take course work weighted heavily in physics, mathematics, and computer modeling in the field of physical
oceanography.

182 Answers

In some cases, there are many possible correct answers. Here are some examples:
Chapter 5
1. A strong background in advanced mathematics and computer skills is critical for getting a competitive edge in the fishery
English
Language
science job market.
Conventions
2. After taking course work in the animal and aquatic sciences, a fishery scientist studies fish and marine mammal population
dynamics.

3. More universities are starting to offer programs in fisheries or wildlife management, another increasingly important field
within marine biology.

4. Biological oceanographers study both the biological and physical aspects of the sea, as well as their interactions.

5. A student in the field of physical oceanography may take course work weighted heavily in physics, mathematics, and com-
puter modeling.

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VERB TENSE, MOOD, AND VOICE
Basic Rule

Use the same verb tense whenever possible within a sentence or paragraph. Do not shift from one tense to another unless there
is a valid reason.

Incorrect: The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 by King John of England and has been the first document of its
kind to limit the power of the British monarchy.

Correct: The Magna Carta was signed in 1215 by King John of England and was the first document of its kind to
limit the power of the British monarchy.

When to Use the Perfect Tenses

Basic Rule

Use present perfect for an action begun in the past and extended to the present.

Example: Scientists at NASA have seen an alarming increase in the accumulation of greenhouse gases.

Explanation: In this case, scientists at NASA saw would be incorrect. What they have seen (present perfect) began
in the past and extends to the present.

Basic Rule 183

Use past perfect for an action begun and completed in the past before some other past action.
Chapter 5

Example: Despite their preparations, Lewis and Clark had never encountered the kinds of challenges that awaited English
them before their expedition. Language
Conventions
Explanation: In this case, never encountered would be incorrect. The action had never encountered (past perfect) is
used because it is referring to events prior to their expedition.

Basic Rule

Use future perfect for an action begun at any time and completed in the future.

Example: When the American astronauts arrive, the Russian cosmonauts will have been on the International Space
Station for six months.

Explanation: In this case, although both actions occur in the future, the Russian cosmonauts will have been on the
space station before the American astronauts arrive. When there are two future actions, the action completed first
is expressed in the future perfect tense.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Tenses: Common Verbs
Refer to the following chart to familiarize yourself with some common verbs and their tenses.

Present Future
Infinitive Present Past Future Past Perfect
Perfect Perfect
will have
to ask ask asked will ask have asked had asked
asked
will have
to be am was will be have been had been
been
have will have
to become become became will become had become
become become
will have
to begin begin began will begin have begun had begun
begun
will have
to come come came will come have come had come
come
will have
to do do did will do have done had done
done
will have
to eat eat ate will eat have eaten had eaten
eaten
to feel feel felt will feel have felt had felt will have felt
will have
to find find found will find have found had found
found
184 to get get got will get have gotten had gotten
will have
gotten
Chapter 5 will have
to give give gave will give have given had given
given
English
Language will have
to go go went will go have gone had gone
Conventions gone
will have
to grow grow grew will grow have grown had grown
grown
will have
to have have had will have have had had had
had
will have
to hear hear heard will hear have heard had heard
heard
will have
to hide hide hid will hide have hidden had hidden
hidden
will have
to keep keep kept will keep have kept had kept
kept
will have
to know know knew will know have known had known
known
to leave leave left will leave have left had left will have left
will have
to like like liked will like have liked had liked
liked

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 Present Future
Infinitive Present Past Future Past Perfect
Perfect Perfect
will have
to look look looked will look have looked had looked
looked
will have
to make make made will make have made had made
made
will have
to meet meet met will meet have met had met
met
to put put put will put have put had put will have put
will have
to say say said will say have said had said
said
will have
to see see saw will see have seen had seen
seen
will have
to sleep sleep slept will sleep have slept had slept
slept
will have
to speak speak spoke will speak have spoken had spoken
spoken
have will have
to study study studied will study had studied
studied studied
will have
to take take took will take have taken had taken
taken
have will have
to think think thought will think had thought
thought thought
will have
185
to walk walk walked will walk have walked had walked
walked
Chapter 5
have will have
to want want wanted will want had wanted
wanted wanted English
Language
have will have Conventions
to work work worked will work had worked
worked worked
will have
to write write wrote will write have written had written
written

*Note: For consistency, all verbs are conjugated in the first person singular.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Verb Tense

DIRECTIONS: Circle the word with the correct verb tense for each sentence.

1. (was, has been) Founded in Jamestown, Virginia, the House of Burgesses ___ the first representative body founded in the
new world.

2. (have been, were) There ___ many great American explorers, but some scholars argue that none is as historically significant
as Lewis and Clark.

3. (had never been, never was) Before 1804, Meriwether Lewis ___ on an expedition of any significance, let alone led one.

4. (will have added, has added) By the time this article is published, the United States ___ 250,000 new jobs.

5. (was, has been) Civil Disobedience, or the refusal to obey a government law or laws, ___ one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s key
tactics during the Civil Rights Movement.

Answers

1. The correct answer is was. The past tense is used because the action occurred in the past.

2. The correct answer is have been. The present perfect tense is used because the sentence refers to action that began in the
past and extended to the present.

3. The correct answer is had never been. The past perfect tense is used because the sentence contains a past tense action
that occurred before another action.

186 4. The correct answer is will have added. The future perfect tense is used because the sentence refers to action begun at
any time and completed in the future.

5. The correct answer is was. The past tense is used because the action occurred in the past.
Chapter 5

English
Language
Mood
Conventions
Basic Rule

Mood, as it relates to verb forms, refers to the kind of message the writer intends to communicate.

The indicative mood is the most common mood and is used to state facts or opinions.

Example: Zora Neale Hurston’s novel Their Eyes Were Watching God was forgotten for many years but is now
considered a literary classic.

The imperative mood is used when a writer wants to give a directive or make a request. Though not stated, the subject of an
imperative sentence is you.

Example: Stop pretending that it doesn’t matter.

Example: George Washington peered across the Potomac as the frigid wind lashed his face. “Hurry!” he exclaimed.
(Peered is in the indicative. Hurry is in the imperative.)

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The subjunctive mood expresses a condition contrary to fact, a wish, a supposition, or an indirect command. Although it is going
out of use in English, the subjunctive can still be seen in the following forms:

•  To express a wish not likely to be fulfilled or impossible to be realized

Example: I wish it were possible for us to approve his transfer at this time. (It is not possible.)

•  In a subordinate clause after a verb that expresses a command, a request, or a suggestion

Example: It was recommended by the White House that the Office of Homeland Security be responsible for pre-
paring the statements.

•  To express a condition known or supposed to be contrary to fact

Example: If Ann were chosen to be our company’s president, women would earn more than their male
counterparts.

•  After as if or as though. In formal writing and speech, as if and as though are followed by the subjunctive, since they
introduce as supposition something not factual. In informal writing and speaking, the indicative is sometimes used.

Example: Before defecting to the British Army, Benedict Arnold talked as if he were a true American patriot.
(He was not.)

Avoid shifts in mood. Once you have decided on the mood that properly expresses
your message, use that mood throughout the sentence or the paragraph. A shift in
mood is confusing to the listener or reader; it indicates that the speaker or writer
himself has changed his way of looking at the conditions.

Incorrect: It is requested by the White House that a report of Congressional

proceedings be prepared and copies should be distributed to all citizens. (Be is
subjunctive; should be, indicative.) 187
Correct: It is requested by the White House that a report of the Congressional
proceedings be prepared and that copies be distributed to all citizens. Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions
Voice
Basic Rule

Voice tells us whether the subject of a sentence is the actor or is acted upon. In formal writing, active voice is preferred because
it is more immediate and places the reader closer to the action.

Active voice example: According to legend, George Washington chopped down the whole cherry tree.

Passive voice example: According to legend, the cherry tree was chopped down by George Washington.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Mood and Voice

DIRECTIONS: In the following sentences, choose the correct mood or voice.

1. (was, were) The team of Russian engineers ___ unable to prevent the nuclear reactor in Chernobyl from melting down.

2. (was, were) If climate change ___ not such a threat to life on this planet, the scientific community would not be making such
a big deal about carbon emissions.

3. (is, were) If inflation ___ to continue to rise, the effects on the economy would be disastrous.

4. (be, should be) The President asked that the Speaker of the House ___ present when the special announcement was made.

5. (passive or active voice) The stony coral polyps were placed in a cup made of calcium carbonate.

6. (passive or active voice) For over 40 years, Henry Clay played a central role on the national political stage.

Answers and Explanations

1. The correct answer is was. This sentence uses the indicative mood and requires the simple past tense.

2. The correct answer is were. The subjunctive is correct because the sentence is making a supposition.

3. The correct answer is were. The subjunctive is correct because the sentence is making a supposition.

4. The correct answer is be. The subjunctive is correct because the subordinate clause after the verb is making a request.

5. The correct answer is passive voice. This sentence is passive because the subject of the sentence is acted upon.

188 6. The correct answer is active voice. This sentence is active because the subject of the sentence is the actor.

Chapter 5

English
Language
CONVENTIONS OF USAGE
Conventions
Pronouns
Pronouns substitute for nouns.

Examples: George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Pope’s Creek, Virginia; he was the first American
president.

Did you know that Besty Ross and George Washington both went to the same church? It was called Christ Church,
and it was located in Philadelphia.

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The following pronoun chart may prove helpful:

Number Person Subjective Objective Possessive

Case Case Case
1st person I me mine

Singular 2nd person you you yours

3rd person he, she, it, who him, her, it, whom his, hers, whose

1st person we us ours

Plural 2nd person you you yours

3rd person they, who them, whom theirs, whose

Basic Rule

A pronoun uses the subjective case when it is the subject of the sentence or when it renames the subject as a subject complement.

Incorrect: That night, George Washington, Robert Morris, and him asked Betsy Ross to sew the first flag.

Correct: That night, George Washington, Robert Morris, and he asked Betsy Ross to sew the first flag. (He is part of
the subject of the sentence.)

Incorrect: George Ross is him.

189
Correct: George Ross is he. (He renames the subject.)

Basic Rule Chapter 5

If a pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, it is placed in the objective case. English
Language
Conventions
Incorrect: After the plot was discovered, they accused Benedict Arnold and he of treason.

Correct: After the plot was discovered, they accused Benedict Arnold and him of treason. (Him is the object of the
verb accused.)

Incorrect: Despite the fact that we turned in our marine biology paper late, “A” grades were given to Franklin and I.

Correct: Despite the fact that we turned in our marine biology paper late, “A” grades were given to Franklin and
me. (Me is the object of the verb given.)

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Pronoun Clarity

Avoid ambiguity and confusion by placing a pronoun as close as possible to its antecedent (the word it refers to) and by making
sure that the antecedent is clear.

Incorrect: At the height of his career, Frank Lloyd Wright told an architectural scholar that he thought his work was
improving. (Is Wright talking about his own work or the work of the scholar?)

Correct: At the height of his career, Frank Lloyd Wright told an architectural scholar that he thought his own work
was improving.

Incorrect: Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife Olgivanna founded a school for aspiring artists in Spring Green,
Wisconsin, where they could “learn by doing.” (Does they refer to the Wrights or the artists?)

Correct: Frank Lloyd Wright and his wife Olgivanna founded a school in Spring Green, Wisconsin, where aspiring
artists could “learn by doing.”

Possessive Determiners

When a pronoun expresses ownership, it is placed in the possessive case.

Possessive determiners (its, your, their), contractions (it’s, you’re, they’re), and adverbs
(there) are often confused. Remember that personal pronouns that express ownership
never require an apostrophe.

190 Incorrect: Frank Lloyd Wright believed that an architectural structure should be
in harmony with it’s environment.

Chapter 5 Correct: Frank Lloyd Wright believed that an architectural structure should be
in harmony with its environment.
English
Language
Conventions

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Skill Builder: Pronouns

DIRECTIONS: In the space provided, identify and explain the pronoun error contained in each statement.

1. The Battle of Yorktown was an important turning point in the American Revolution and the British defeat signaled
the end of it.

2. The American Bill of Rights was based on the English Bill of Rights; it protected the rights of the citizens.

3. While the Articles of Confederation is less famous than other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and
the Constitution, it’s historical significance cannot be overstated.

4. Federalists and Anti-Federalists felt differently about the division of power between national and state governments. They
preferred more power be given to the states. 


5. Thomas Paine was an American patriot who’s pamphlets Common Sense and The Crisis helped stir the American indepen-
dence movement.

Answers and Explanations 191

1. It is unclear whether the “it” at the end of the sentence refers to the American Revolution or the Battle of Yorktown.
Chapter 5
2. It is unclear whether the “it” that follows the semicolon refers to the American or English Bill or Rights or both.
English
3. “It’s” is a contraction; the correct word should be the possessive pronoun “its.” Language
Conventions
4. It is unclear whether “they” refers to the Federalists or the Anti-Federalists.

5. “Who’s” is a contraction; the correct word should be the possessive pronoun “whose.”

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 AGREEMENT
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun agrees with its antecedent in both person and number.

Example: The archaeologists examined the fossilized bone with great care to make sure they didn’t damage it.

Explanation: The pronoun they refers to archaeologists, its antecedent. The pronoun it refers to bone, its
antecedent.

Remember to use a singular pronoun when you refer to indefinite pronouns such as
everyone, everybody, each, every, anyone, anybody, nobody, none, no one, one, either,
and neither.

Examples:

Although Union High School’s male lacrosse players operate as a team, each
knows it’s his (not their) responsibility to arrive on time and in uniform.

Despite the fact that many of the women came from wealthy families,
everyone who attended the Seneca Falls conference on women’s rights risked
her (not their) life and reputation.

When the programmers were questioned, neither could be certain if it was

his or her (not their) mistake that caused the computer network to crash.

192
Subject-Verb Agreement
Chapter 5

English Basic Rule

Language
Conventions
A verb agrees in number with its subject. A singular subject takes a singular verb. A plural subject takes a plural verb.

Examples: Coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem.

S V

My teacher believes that coral reefs are an important part of the marine ecosystem.
S V S V

For the following sentence, choose the correct verb: (is, am, are)

Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. DuBois _____ all important historical figures.

Explanation: Remember that the verb must agree with the subject. Since the subject is plural—subjects joined
by and are plural—a plural verb is needed. The correct response therefore should be:

Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, and W.E.B. DuBois are all important historical figures.

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Sometimes the subject comes after the verb, but the rule still applies.

Choose the correct verb: (is, are)

While the lecture has lasted two hours already, there ____ still three more speakers.

Explanation: The correct choice is are since the subject speakers is plural and requires a plural verb.

There is one major exception to this rule. When the sentence is introduced by the
word “there” and the verb is followed by a compound (double) subject, the first part
of the subject dictates whether the verb should be singular or plural.

Example: There is one American astronaut in the shuttle and four Russian
astronauts in the space station.

When compound subjects are joined by either-or or neither-nor, the verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb.

Examples:

Neither the violinist nor the other musicians have had much experience performing for an audience.

Neither you nor I am willing to make the sacrifices required of a professional musician.

Explanation:

193
In the first example, musicians (plural) is closest to the verb; in the second example, I (singular) is closest
to the verb.

Sometimes a word or a group of words may come between the subject and the verb. The verb still must agree with the simple Chapter 5
subject, and the simple subject is never part of a prepositional phrase.
English
Example: Language
Conventions

Stephen King, the author of hundreds of best-selling novels, novellas, and short stories, is also a guitarist
and singer in a band.

The simple subject is Stephen King, a singular noun. The verb must be is.

Choose the correct verb: (was, were)

The causes of the deterioration of coral reefs ____ not known until recently.

Explanation:

The simple subject is causes; “of the deterioration of coral reefs” is a prepositional phrase. Since the
subject is plural, the plural verb were is required. So, the correct answer is were.

The third person singular of most verbs ends in “s.” First person: I, we speak;
second person: you speak; third person: he, she, it speaks. Examples:
He runs. She jogs. It jumps. The man sees. Mary laughs. The child walks.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Collective Nouns
Collective nouns present special problems. A collective noun names a group of people or things. Although usually singular in
form, it is treated as either singular or plural according to the sense of the sentence:

•  A collective is treated as singular when members of the group act, or are considered, as a unit:
Example: The citizens’ assembly is drafting a petition that would seek to protect local aquifers from chemical run-off
and hazardous waste.

•  A collective is treated as plural when the members act, or are considered, as multiple individuals:
Example: After one of the longest and most fabled droughts in baseball history, the Boston Red Sox have finally
overcome the “Curse of the Bambino” to win another World Series.

Common collective nouns include:

assembly, association, audience, board, cabinet, class, commission, committee, company, corporation, council,
counsel, couple, crowd, department, family, firm, group, jury, majority, minority, number, pair, press, public, staff,
United States

The following short words—though seldom listed as collective nouns—are governed by the same rules. They are singular or
plural according to the intended meaning of the sentence.

all, any, more, most, some, who, which

Skill Builder: Agreement

194 DIRECTIONS: Follow the principles of agreement and choose the correct word.

Chapter 5
1. (is, are) The President and Vice President of the United States of America ___ expected to attend tomorrow’s historic ceremony
English honoring Rosa Parks.
Language
Conventions 2. (have, has) Either the chair of the department or one of the professors ___ the necessary paperwork.

3. (was, were) In the time of the first settlers, there ___ no antibiotics to prevent outbreaks of disease.

4. (its, their) Because of ___ biodiversity, coral reefs are often called “the rainforests of the sea.”

5. (her, their) After a brief introduction, each of the doctors presented ___ findings at the medical conference.

6. (is, are) Many young people are surprised to find out that the music of Verdi’s operas ____ as vibrant and fun as anything on
the radio.

7. (his, their) As the conductor took the podium, the musicians finished tuning ___ instruments.

8. (know, knows) Neither Sherlock Holmes nor the detectives of Scotland Yard ___ who the perpetrator is.

9. (is, are) According to preliminary market reports, either Xiaomi or Huawei ___ the biggest smartphone provider in China.

10. (is, are) However, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats ___ satisfied with the language of the new nuclear weapons
treaty.

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Answers and Explanations

1. The correct answer is are. The plural subject President and Vice President requires the plural are.

2. The correct answer is has. The verb must agree with the subject closest to it, in this case the singular one.

3. The correct answer is were. The plural subject antibiotics requires the plural were.

4. The correct answer is their. The plural subject coral reefs requires the plural their.

5. The correct answer is her. The singular subject each requires the singular her.

6. The correct answer is is. The singular subject music requires the singular is.

7. The correct answer is their. The plural antecedent musicians requires the plural their.

8. The correct answer is know. In a neither-nor construction, the verb is governed by the closest subject, detectives.

9. The correct answer is is. The singular determiner either requires the singular verb is.

10. The correct answer is are. In a neither-nor construction, the verb is governed by the closest subject, Democrats.

Skill Builder: Agreement

DIRECTIONS: Revise the underlined words to eliminate agreement errors. If the underlined word is grammatically
correct, write C above it. If a change is necessary, indicate the change and give a grammatical reason for it. Do not make
unnecessary changes.

Joseph, one of my best friends, are considering becoming a medical doctor. He and I believe that medicine, compared to
1 2 195
other professions, are an exciting and fulfilling field. In order to help him decide, he asked each of his friends to give his or her
3
Chapter 5
opinion about why medicine would or would not be a fulfilling career choice. After that, he also asked his parents for their
English
opinions. It seems that his friends and his mother is in agreement, but his father do not agree. Language
Conventions
4 5

Jacob’s father feels strongly that the medical profession, unlike other professions, requires an excessive amount of study and is
6
too emotionally taxing. On the other hand, his friends and his mother agree that while the schooling is rigorous, the practice
7
itself would be very rewarding.

Jacob is still deciding what he wants to be, but he and I has learned that there is always many possible answers to a question.
8 9 10

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answers and Explanations

1. The correct answer is is. The subject, Joseph, is singular.

2. The correct answer is C. The subject, He and I, is plural.

3. The correct answer is is. The subject, medicine, is singular.

4. The correct answer is are. The subject, his friends and his mother, is plural.

5. The correct answer is does. The subject, father, is singular.

6. The correct answer is C. The subject, medical profession, is singular.

7. The correct answer is C. The subject, friends and mother, is plural.

8. The correct answer is C. The subject, Jacob, is singular.

9. The correct answer is have. The subject, he and I, is plural.

10. The correct answer is are. The subject, answers, is plural.

FREQUENTLY CONFUSED WORDS

The following pages review groups of words that are similar in sound and/or meaning and are generally found to be confusing
to students and adults alike. Misunderstanding what they mean or how they are used results in various usage problems. The
word groups have been broken down into manageable sections to help you learn them more easily. Do not try to master all the
information at once. Study one section at a time.

At the end of each section there is a practice exercise. See how well you do on the exercise by checking your answers against
196 the answers and explanations given. If you do well, go on to the next section. If you find that you have made a number of errors,
review the section. It is important that you master each section before moving on to the next one.

Chapter 5

English
Language Frequently Confused Words: Group 1
Conventions
a is used before words that start with a consonant sound

an is used before words that start with a vowel sound

Please give the baby a toy.

He is an only child. We put up a united front. (United begins with a consonant sound—y.)
We spent an hour together. (Hour begins with a vowel sound, since the h is silent.)

and is used to join words or ideas

We enjoy shopping and sightseeing.

She is a very serious student, and her grades are the best in the class.

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accept means to receive or to agree to something

except means to exclude or excluding

I’ll accept the gift from you.

Everyone except my uncle went home.
My uncle was excepted from the group of losers.

advice means counsel (noun), opinion

advise means to offer advice (verb)

Let me give you some free advice.

I’d advise you to see your doctor.

affect means to influence (verb)

effect means to cause or bring about (verb) or a result (noun)

The pollution can affect your health.

The landmark decision will effect a change in the law.
The effect of the storm could not be measured.

all ready means everybody or everything ready

already means previously

They were all ready to write when the test began.

197
They had already written the letter.

all together means everybody or everything together Chapter 5

English
altogether means completely Language
Conventions
The boys and girls stood all together in line.
His action was altogether strange for a person of his type.

desert (DEZZ-ert) means an arid area

desert (di-ZERT) means to abandon, or a reward or punishment (usually plural)

dessert (di-ZERT) means the final course of a meal

I have seen several movies set in the Sahara desert.

The soldier was warned not to desert his company.
We’re certain that execution is a just desert for his crime.
He received his just deserts.
We had strawberry shortcake for dessert.

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 in is used to indicate inclusion, location, or motion within limits

into is used for motion toward one place from another

The spoons are in the drawer.

We were walking in the room.
I put the spoons into the drawer.
She walked into the room.

it’s is the contraction of it is or it has

its is a possessive pronoun meaning belonging to it

It’s a very difficult assignment.

We tried to analyze its meaning.

lay means to put

lie means to recline

To lay:
(present) I lay
(past) I laid the gift on the table.
(present perfect) I have laid
To lie:

198

(present)
(past)
I lie
I lay on my blanket at the beach.
(present perfect) I have lain
Chapter 5

English
lets is third person singular present of let
Language
Conventions let’s is a contraction for let us

He lets me park my car in his garage.

Let’s go home early today.

loose means not fastened or restrained, or not tight-fitting

lose means to mislay, to be unable to keep, to be defeated

The dog got loose from the leash.

Try not to lose your umbrella.

passed is the past tense of to pass

past means just preceding or an earlier time

The week passed very quickly.

The past week was a very exciting one.

principal means chief or main (adjective), or a leader, or a sum of money (noun)

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principle means a fundamental truth or belief

His principal support comes from the real estate industry.

The principal of the school called a meeting of the faculty.
He earned 10 percent interest on the principal he invested last year.
As a matter of principle, he refused to register for the draft.

quiet means silent, still

quit means to give up, to discontinue

quite means very or exactly, to the greatest extent

My brother is very shy and quiet.

I quit the team last week.
His analysis is quite correct.

raise means to lift, to erect

raze means to tear down

rise means to get up, to move from a lower to a higher position, to increase in value

The neighbors helped him raise a new barn.

The demolition crew razed the old building.
The price of silver will rise again this month.

set means to place something down (mainly)

199
sit means to seat oneself (mainly) Chapter 5

To set: English
Language
(present) He sets
Conventions
(past) He set the lamp on the table.
(present perfect) He has set
To sit:
(present) He sits
(past) He sat on the chair.
(present perfect) He has sat

stationary means standing still

stationery means writing material

In ancient times, people thought that the earth was stationary.

We bought our school supplies at the stationery store.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 suppose means to assume or guess

supposed is the past tense and also past participle of suppose

supposed also means ought to or should (when followed by to)

I suppose you will be home early.

I supposed you would be home early.
I had supposed you would be there.
I am supposed to be in school tomorrow.

than is used to express comparison

then is used to express time or a result or consequence

Jim ate more than we could put on the large plate.

I knocked on the door, and then I entered.
If you go, then I will go, too.

their means belonging to them

there means in that place

they’re is the contraction for they are

We took their books home with us.

200
Your books are over there on the desk.
They’re coming over for dinner.

Chapter 5 though means although or as if

English thought is the past tense of to think, or an idea (noun)

Language
Conventions
through means in one side and out another, by way of, finished

Though he is my friend, I can’t recommend him for this job.

I thought you were serious!
We enjoyed running through the snow.

to means in the direction of (preposition); it is also used before a verb to indicate the infinitive

too means very, also

two is the numeral 2

We shall go to school.
It is too hot today.
We shall go, too.
I ate two sandwiches for lunch.

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use means to employ, put into service

used is the past tense and the past participle of use

I want to use your chair.

I used your chair.

used, meaning in the habit of or accustomed to, is followed by to

used is an adjective meaning not new

I am used to your comments.

I bought a used car.

weather refers to atmospheric conditions

whether introduces a choice; it should not be preceded by of or as to

I don’t like the weather in San Francisco.

He inquired whether we were going to the dance.

were is a past tense of be

we’re is a contraction of we are

where refers to place or location

They were there yesterday.

We’re in charge of the decorations. 201
Where are we meeting your brother?
Chapter 5
who’s is the contraction for who is (or who has)
English
Language
whose means of whom, implying ownership
Conventions

Who’s the next batter?

Whose notebook is on the desk?

your is a possessive, showing ownership

you’re is a contraction for you are

Please give him your notebook.

You’re very sweet.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. The patriot Samuel Adams was one of the (principal, principle) organizers of the Boston Tea Party.

2. Merchants in Boston refused to (accept, except) the taxes imposed upon them by the Tea Act of 1773.

3. Though the significance of the Tea Act of 1773 cannot be overrestimated, (weather, whether) or not the Tea Act of 1773 led
to the American Revolution is hard to say.

4. In late November of 1773, the ship the Dartmouth sailed (in, into) Boston Harbor.

5. Governor Hutchinson was determined to collect the taxes and (adviced, advised) the tea consignees not to back down.

6. More (than, then) 40 tons of tea were thrown into the water during the Boston Tea Party.

7. Tea smuggling was (all ready, already) a significant problem, especially in New York and Philadelphia.

8. The overall (affect, effect) of the Boston Tea Party was to bolster the revolutionary fervor that was sweeping New England.

9. The British Crown reacted swiftly and harshly in order to dispel the idea that they were (loosing, losing) control of the colonies.

10. (All together, Altogether) 342 chests of tea, weighing over 92,000 pounds, were dumped into the water.

Answers

1. principal

2. accept

202 3. whether

4. into

Chapter 5 5. advised

English 6. than
Language
7. already
Conventions
8. effect

9. losing

10. altogether

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Frequently Confused Words: Group 2
abbreviate means to shorten by omitting

abridge means to shorten by condensing

New York is abbreviated to NY.

In order to save time in the reading, the report was abridged.

ad is used informally, but in formal usage advertisement is correct; similarly: exam (examination), auto (automobile), phone
(telephone), gym (gymnasium)

advantage means a superior position

benefit means a favor conferred or earned (as a profit)

He had an advantage in experience over his opponent.

The rules were changed for his benefit.

aggravate means to make worse

annoy means to bother or to irritate

Your nasty comments aggravated a bad situation.

Your nasty comments annoyed him. (Not: Your nasty comments aggravated him.)

ain’t is an unacceptable contraction for am not, are not, or is not, although ain’t is sometimes heard in very informal speech

alibi is an explanation on the basis of being in another place 203

excuse is an explanation on any basis Chapter 5

The accused man’s alibi was that he was in another town when the robbery occurred. English
Language
Whenever he is late, he makes up a new excuse. Conventions

all ways means in every possible way

always means at all times

He was in all ways acceptable to the voters.

He was always ready to help.

almost means nearly, not quite

most refers to the greatest amount or number or to the largest part, a majority

We are almost finished writing the book.

Most of the credit should be given to his uncle.

alongside of means side by side with

alongside means parallel to the side

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 He stood alongside of her at the corner.
Park the car alongside the curb.

allot means to give or apportion

I will allot 3 hours for painting the table.

alot is a misspelling of a lot

He earned a lot of money. (Better: He earned a great deal of money.)

alright is now often employed in common usage to mean all right (In formal usage, all right is still preferred by most authorities.)

all right means satisfactory, very well, uninjured, or without doubt

I’m alright, thank you.

It was his responsibility, all right.

alternate, as a noun, means a substitute or second choice

alternate, as a verb, means to perform by turns

alternative means a choice between two things, only one of which may be accepted

She served as an alternate delegate to the convention.

The cook alternated green beans and cauliflower on the menu.
Is there an alternative to the proposition? (In less formal usage, alternative is not always limited to a choice between two.)

204 alumna means a female graduate (plural: alumnae; ae rhymes with key)

alumnus means a male graduate (plural: alumni; ni rhymes with high)

Chapter 5
She is an alumna of Mrs. Brown’s School for Young Women.
English
Language He is an alumnus of City College.
Conventions
among is used to discuss more than two items

between is used to discuss two items only

The work was divided among the four brothers.

She divided the pie between Joe and Marie.

amount is used to refer to a quantity not individually countable

number is used to refer to items that can be counted individually

A tremendous amount of work had piled up on my desk.

We ate a great number of cookies at the party.

annual means yearly

biannual means twice a year (also semiannual)

biennial means once in two years or every two years

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 Are you going to the annual holiday party?
I received biannual car insurance statements in April and in October.
He gets a new car biennially.

anxious means worried

eager means keenly desirous

We were anxious about our first airplane flight.

I am eager to see you again.

anyways is an incorrect form for anyway

anywheres is an incorrect form for anywhere

I didn’t want to go anyway.

I couldn’t locate her anywhere.

aren’t I is used informally, but in formal usage am I not is correct

Am I not entitled to an explanation?

as is not always as clear as because, for, or since (also see like)

She wants to cry because she is very sad.

as, used as a conjunction, is followed by a verb

like, used as a preposition, is not followed by a verb 205

Do as I do, not as I say.
Chapter 5
Try not to behave like a child.
English
as … as is used in an affirmative statement Language
Conventions
so … as is used in a negative statement

She is as talented as any other actress in the show.

He is not so reliable as his older brother.

as good as is used for comparisons, not to mean practically

This bicycle is as good as the other one.

They practically promised us a place in the hall. (Not: They as good as promised us a place in the hall.)

astonish means to strike with sudden wonder

surprise means to catch unaware

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 The extreme violence of the hurricane astonished everybody.
A heat wave in April would surprise us.

at should be avoided when it does not contribute to the meaning of an idea

Where do you live at? may be heard in informal usage, but Where do you live? is the correct form.
The group will arrive about noon. (not at about noon)

awfully is sometimes heard in informal usage. In formal usage, very is correct.

This pie is very good. (not awfully good)

a while is used after a preposition (noun)

awhile is used in other cases (adverb)

I coached the team for a while.

I coached the team awhile.

backward and backwards both may be used as adverbs

We tried to skate backward. (Or: We tried to skate backwards.)

bad is used after verbs that refer to the senses, such as look, feel (adjective)

badly means greatly, in a bad manner (adverb)

He felt bad that he could not attend the meeting.

206 The young man needs a part-time job very badly.

been is the past participle of to be, used after helping verbs have, has, or had
Chapter 5
being is the -ing form of to be, usually used after helping verbs is, am, are, was, and were
English
Language
I have been living here for six years.
Conventions
He was being a troublemaker, so we told him to stay away from us.

being as and being that should not be used in standard English. Because and since are preferable.

Since it was dark, we turned on the lights.

Because he is my friend, I give him a gift.

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Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. The (abbreviated, abridged) jobs report omitted jobs in the arts in order to make the report more manageable.

2. Detectives often ask suspects if they have an (alibi, excuse) for where they were on the night of a given crime.

3. Animal trainers must (allot, a lot) a significant amount of their work time to building a relationship with their animals.

4. The famous dog trainer Felix Ho is an (alumna, alumnus) of La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.

5. Animal care and service workers often divide their time (among, between) training, feeding, grooming, and exercising their
animals.

6. Learning how to be an effective animal trainer requires a tremendous (amount, number) of work.

7. Animals form very real bonds with their trainers; likewise, trainers are often (anxious, eager) to see their animals when they
have been away.

8. While horse trainers rarely have formal schooling in their field, they can’t get their training just (anywhere, anywheres).

9. Becoming a good animal trainer requires experience that can be (awfully, very) difficult to attain.

10. Many animal trainers feel (bad, badly) when they have to leave their animals for long periods of time.

1 1. (Because, Being that) zookeepers and marine mammal trainers require formal education, they tend to make more money
than other animal care professionals.

Answers
207
1. abbreviated

2. alibi Chapter 5

3. allot English
Language
4. alumnus Conventions

5. among

6. amount

7. eager

8. anywhere

9. very


10. bad

11. Because

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Frequently Confused Words: Group 3
beside means at the side of

besides means in addition to

In our tennis game, he played beside me at the net.

We entertained Jim, Sue, and Louise, besides the members of the chorus.

better means recovering

well means completely recovered

better is used with the verb had to show desirability

He is better now than he was a week ago.

In a few more weeks, he will be well.
He had better (not he better) follow instructions or pay the penalty.

between you and I is the incorrect form, since the object of the preposition between should be the objective case me, not the
subjective case I

Between you and me, he has not been very helpful this week.

both means two considered together

each means one of two or more

208 Both of the applicants qualified for the position.

Each applicant was given a good reference.
Chapter 5
bring means to carry toward the speaker
English
Language
take means to carry away from the speaker
Conventions

Bring the coat to me.

Take money for carfare when you leave.

bunch is used informally to describe a group of people, but in formal usage group is preferred

When he returned to his office, he learned that a group of students was waiting for him.

burst is used in present and past tenses to mean to explode (or to break)

bust and busted are incorrect forms of burst

I do hope the balloon will not burst.

He cried when the balloon burst. (not busted)

but that is sometimes heard in informal usage, but in formal usage that is correct

He never doubted that she would visit him.

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can means able

may implies permission or possibility

I can eat both desserts.

May I eat both desserts?
It may snow tonight.

cannot seem is sometimes used informally, but in formal usage seems unable is correct

My elderly uncle seems unable to remember his own phone number.

complected should not be used for complexioned

At the beach, the fair-complexioned boy stayed under an umbrella.

consistently means in harmony

constantly means regularly, steadily

If you give me advice, you should act consistently with that advice.
I constantly warned him about leaving the door unlocked.

continual means happening again and again at short intervals

continuous means without interruption

The teacher gave the class continual warnings.

Noah experienced continuous rain for forty days. 209
could of is an incorrect form of could have, which can be contracted to could’ve in speech or informal writing
Chapter 5
I wish that I could’ve gone. (Better: I wish that I could have gone.)
English
Language
couple refers to two; several or a few refers to more than two
Conventions

Alex and Frieda are the most graceful couple on the dance floor.
A few of my cousins—Mary, Margie, Alice, and Barbara—will be at the reunion tonight.

data is the Latin plural of datum, meaning information (data is preferred with plural verbs and pronouns, but is now acceptable
in the singular)

These data were very significant to the study. (Or: This data was very significant to the study.)

did is the past tense of do

done is the past participle of do

I did whatever was required to complete the job.

I have done what you requested.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 different than is often used informally, but in formal usage different from is correct

Jack is different from his brother.

disinterested means impartial

uninterested means not interested

The judge must be a disinterested party in a trial.

I’m an uninterested bystander, so I find the proceedings boring.

doesn’t is a contraction of does not (third person singular)

don’t is a contraction of do not and is not a substitute for doesn’t

She doesn’t go to school.

They don’t go to school.

doubt whether is often heard in informal usage, but doubt that is the correct form

I doubt that I will be home this evening.

due to is sometimes used informally at the beginning of a sentence, but in formal usage because of, on account of, or some similar
expression is preferred

Because of (not due to) the rain, the game was postponed. (But: The postponement was due to the rain.)

each other refers to two persons

210 one another refers to more than two persons

Jane and Jessica have known each other for many years.
Chapter 5
Several of the girls have known one another for many years.
English
Language either … or is used to refer to choices
Conventions
neither … nor is the negative form

Either Lou or Jim will drive you home.

Neither Alice nor Carol will be home tonight.

else than is sometimes heard in informal usage, but in formal usage other than is correct

Shakespeare was rarely regarded by students as anything other than the writer of plays.

enthuse or enthused should be avoided; use enthusiastic

We were enthusiastic when given the chance to travel abroad.

equally as good is an incorrect form; equally good or just as good is correct

This bicycle is just as good as that one.

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etc. is the abbreviation for the Latin term et cetera, meaning and so forth, and other things. In general, it is better to be specific
and not use etc.

I think that oranges, peaches, cherries, etc., are healthful. (Etc. is not preceded by and)

everyone, written as one word, is a pronoun

every one, written as two words, is used to refer to each individual

Everyone present voted for the proposal.

Every one of the voters accepted the proposal.

every bit is incorrect usage for just as

You are just as (not every bit as) clever as she is.

ever so often means frequently or repeatedly

every so often means occasionally or now and again

He sees his brother ever so often, practically every day.

Since tickets are so expensive, we only attend the theater every so often.

expect is sometimes used incorrectly to mean assume or presume

I assume (not expect) that he won the race.

211
Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. (Beside, Besides) needing a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, animal science, biology, or a related field, marine mammal
trainers often need to have SCUBA certification.

2. Between you and (me, I), training lions does not sound like fun!

3. After a rigorous application process, (both, each) of the trainers were hired.

4. A dog trainer might begin with a simple task, such as training a dog to (bring, take) a rubber ball back to him.

5. Young students often ask zookeepers, “(Can, May) I help you feed the animals?”

6. While job opportunities in kennels, grooming shops, and pet stores are increasing, many advanced animal care professionals,
such as zookeepers and marine mammal trainers, (cannot seem, seem unable) to find work.

7. In jobs surveys, the percentage of nonfarm animal caretakers (consistently, constantly) outnumbers the number of actual
animal trainers.

8. Here are a (couple, few) examples of what an animal care specialist might do: give food and water to animals; clean equip-
ment and the living spaces of animals; monitor animals and record details of their diet, physical condition, and behavior;
and examine animals for signs of illness or injury.

9. Even though they sound the same, the job of a pet groomer is very (different from, different than) the job of a horse groom.

10. (Because of, Due to) employment growth and high job turnover, job opportunities in the animal care and services field will
continue to grow.

1 1. The starting salary for animal care and service workers is (equally as good, just as good) as the starting salary for nonfarm

212 animal caretakers.

Chapter 5
Answers
English
Language 1. Besides
Conventions
2. me

3. both

4. bring

5. May

6. seem unable

7. constantly

8. few

9. different from

10. Because of

11. just as good

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Frequently Confused Words: Group 4
fewer is used to refer to items that can be counted

less is used to refer to something viewed as a mass, not as a series of individual items

I made fewer repairs on the new car than on the old one.
After the scandal, the company enjoyed less prestige than it had the previous year.

finalized is used to mean concluded or completed, usually in informal usage; in formal usage, completed is preferred

Labor and management completed arrangements for a settlement.

flaunt means to make a display of

flout means to show contempt, scorn

He flaunted his new wealth in an ostentatious manner.

She flouted the policeman’s authority.

former means the first of two

latter means the second of two

The former half of the story was in prose.

The latter half of the story was in poetry.

good is an adjective; good is often used informally as an adverb, but the correct word is well
213
She is a good singer.
She sings well. Chapter 5

graduated is followed by the preposition from when it indicates completion of a course of study English
Language
graduated also means divided into categories or marked intervals Conventions

He graduated from high school last year. (Or: He was graduated from high school last year.)
A graduated test tube is one that has markings on it to indicate divisions.

guess is sometimes used informally to mean think or suppose, but it is incorrect in formal use

I think (not guess) I’ll go home now.

habit means an individual tendency to repeat a thing

custom means group habit

He had a habit of breaking glasses before each recital.

The custom of the country was to betroth girls at an early age.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 had ought is an incorrect form for ought or should

hadn’t ought is an incorrect form for should not or ought not

The men ought (not had ought) to go to the game now.

He ought not (not hadn’t ought) to have spoken.
He should not (not hadn’t ought) have spoken.

hanged is used in reference to a person

hung is used in reference to a thing

The prisoner was hanged in the town square.

The drapes were hung unevenly.

have got is incorrect usage; got should be omitted

I have an umbrella.

healthful is used to express whatever gives health

healthy is used to express whatever has health

He follows a healthful diet.

He is a healthy person.

hisself is a misspelling of himself

214 Let him do it himself.

humans is used informally to refer to human beings, but in formal usage human beings is correct
Chapter 5
He says that love is a basic need of all human beings. (But used as an adjective: He says that love is a basic human need.)
English
Language
if introduces a condition
Conventions

whether introduces a choice

I shall go to Greece if I win the prize.

He asked me whether I intended to go to Greece.

if it was implies that something might have been true in the past

if it were implies doubt or indicates something that is contrary to fact

If your book was there last night, it is there now.

If it were summer now, we would all go swimming.

imply means to suggest or hint at (the speaker implies)

infer means to deduce or conclude (the listener infers)

Are you implying that I have disobeyed orders?

From your carefree tone, what else are we to infer?

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in back of means behind

in the back of (or at the back of) means in the rear of

The shovel is in back of (behind) the barn.

John is sitting in the back of the theater.

in regards to is an incorrect form for in regard to

He called me in regard to your letter.

instance where is sometimes used informally, but the correct term is instance in which

Can you tell me of one instance in which such a terrible thing occurred?

irregardless in an incorrect form for regardless

I’ll be your friend regardless of what people say, even if the people are accurate.

is when and is where are sometimes used informally, but in formal usage occurs when and is a place where are correct

The best scene occurs when the audience least expects it.
My favorite vacation spot is a place where there are no telephones.

kind of and sort of are informal expressions that should be rephrased in formal writing—for instance, somewhat or rather are
preferable

I am rather sorry he retired.

215
He was somewhat late for the meeting.

kid is used informally to mean child (noun) or to make fun of (verb) but is incorrect in formal usage
Chapter 5
My cousin is a very sweet child.
They always laugh when you make fun of me. English
Language
learn means to acquire knowledge Conventions

teach means to give knowledge

We can learn many things just by observing carefully.

He is one actor who likes to teach his craft to others.

least means the smallest in degree or lowest rank

less means the smaller or lower of two

This is the least desirable of all the apartments we have seen.

This apartment is less spacious than the one we saw yesterday.

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 leave means to go away from (a verb is NOT used with leave)

let means to permit (a verb IS used with let)

Leave this house at once.

Let me remain in peace in my own house.

lend is a verb meaning to give to

loan is a noun denoting what is given

borrow means to take from

The bank was willing to lend him $500.

He was granted a loan of $500.
I’d like to borrow your electric drill for an hour.

liable means responsible according to the law

likely suggests probable behavior

If he falls down the stairs, we may be liable for damages.

A cat, if annoyed, is likely to scratch.

libel is a written and published statement injurious to a person’s character

slander is a spoken statement of the same sort

216 The unsubstantiated negative comments about me in your book constitute libel.
When you say these vicious things about me, you are committing slander.
Chapter 5
like is a preposition used to introduce a phrase
English
Language
as if is used to introduce a clause (a subject and a verb)
Conventions

as is a conjunction used to introduce a clause

like if is an incorrect form for like, as, or as if

It seems like a sunny day.

It seems as if it is going to be a sunny day.
He acted as he was expected to act.

many refers to a number

much refers to a quantity or amount

How many inches of rain fell last night?

Much rain fell last night.

may of is an incorrect form for may have

might of is an incorrect form for might have

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 NOTE: Contractions of these terms are unacceptable in formal usage.

He may have been there, but I didn’t see him.

I might have gone to the party if I hadn’t been ill.

Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. As of 2012, the median annual wage for nonfarm animal caretakers is (less, fewer) than $20,000.

2. During the interrogation, the lawyer (flaunted, flouted) his authority as he questioned the accused thief.

3. In addition to being patient with animals, animal caretakers must also work (good, well) with people!

4. She is one of 2,200 people to (graduate, graduate from) the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ certification program.

5. While in captivity, many animals develop nervous (customs, habits), such as pacing and over-grooming.

6. While it is usually not required, animal caretakers in shelters (ought, had ought) to attend training programs through the
Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association.

7. Keepers in zoos plan diets, monitor eating patterns, and clean enclosures in order to maintain (healthful, healthy) animals.

8. Often, the difference between the needs of animals and (human beings, humans) is not as great as you think.

9. (Irregardless, Regardless) of one’s education, the number one trait an animal trainer must have is a love for animals.

10. While it does happen, it is (rather, sort of ) rare for a groom to be hired who does not have significant prior experience with
horses.
217
1 1. Animal trainers take good care of their animals because when animals are neglected, they are more (liable, likely) to become Chapter 5
aggressive and dangerous.
English
Language
Conventions
Answers

1. less

2. flaunted

3. well

4. graduate from

5. habits

6. ought

7. healthy

8. human beings

9. Regardless

10. rather

11. likely

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Frequently Confused Words: Group 5
maybe means perhaps, possibly (adverb)

may be shows possibility (verb)

Maybe he will meet us later.

He may be here later.

mighty means powerful or great; it should not be used in formal writing to mean very

He was very (not mighty) sleepy.

media is the Latin plural of medium; it refers to a means of mass communication or artistic expression and is used with a plural verb

Most media that report the news realize their responsibility to the public.
That artist’s favorite medium is watercolor.

must of is an incorrect form for must have

I must have been sleeping when you called. (A contraction of this term is unacceptable in formal usage.)

myself is used as an intensifier if the subject of the verb is I

myself instead of I or me is not correct

Since I know myself better, let me try it my way.

My daughter and I (not myself) will play.

218 They gave my son and me (not myself) some food.

nice is used informally to mean pleasing, good, fine, but a more exact, less overused word is preferred
Chapter 5
This is sunny (or good or fine) weather (not nice weather).
English He is a good (or kind) person.
Language
Conventions nowheres is incorrect usage for nowhere

The dog was nowhere to be found.

off of is sometimes used informally, but off is correct in formal usage

Joe was taken off the team.

okay (O.K.) is used informally but is to be avoided in formal writing

Informal: His work is okay.

Formal: His work is acceptable (or good).

on account of is an incorrect form of because

We could not meet you because we did not receive your message in time.

oral means spoken

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verbal means expressed in words, either spoken or written

Instead of writing a note, she gave him an oral message.

Shorthand must usually be transcribed into verbal form.

outdoor is an adjective

outdoors is an adverb

We spent the summer at an outdoor music camp.

We played string quartets outdoors.

owing to is used informally, but in formal usage because is preferred

Because of a change of management, his company canceled the takeover attempt.

people comprise a united or collective group of individuals

persons are individuals who are separate and unrelated

The people of our city will vote next week.

Only ten persons remained in the theater after the first act.

per is a Latin term used mainly in business: per diem (by the day), per hour (by the hour). In formal writing, according to or by the
is preferred

As per your instructions... (Better: According to your instructions...)

plan on is used informally, but in formal usage plan to is correct

Do you plan to go (not plan on going) to the lecture?

219
plenty means abundance (noun) Chapter 5

plenty is incorrect as an adverb or adjective English

Language
There is plenty of room in that compact car. Conventions

That compact car is very large (not plenty large).

prefer that than is the incorrect form for prefer that to

I prefer that to anything else you might suggest.

put in is incorrect for to spend, make, or devote

Every good student should spend (not put in) several hours a day doing homework.
Be sure to make (not put in) an appearance at the meeting.

quit is sometimes used informally to mean stop, but in formal usage stop is preferred

Please stop your complaining.

quite is used to mean very in informal usage, but in formal usage very is preferred

Your comment was very (not quite) intelligent.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 quite a few is used to mean many in informal usage, but in formal usage many is preferred

My car has many (not quite a few) dents.

read where is heard in informal usage, but in formal usage read that is correct

I read that the troops were being reviewed today.

real is sometimes used informally instead of really or very, but in formal usage really is correct

He’s a very (not real) good ballplayer.

He plays really (not real) well with the band.

reason is because is used informally in speech, but in formal usage the reason is that is correct

The reason she calls is that (not because) she is lonely. (Or: She calls because she is lonely.)

refer back/report back: since re means back or again, the word back is redundant and should be omitted

Please refer to your notes.

Please report to the supervisor.

repeat again is redundant; again should be omitted

Please repeat the instructions.

respectfully means with respect and decency

respectively means as relating to each, in the order given

220 The students listened respectfully to the principal.

Jane and Lena are the daughters respectively of Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Jones.

Chapter 5 run is used informally to mean conduct, manage, but in formal usage conduct or a similar word is preferred

English He wants to conduct (not run) the operation on a profitable basis.

Language
Conventions
said is sometimes used in business or law to mean the or this; in formal usage, the or this is correct

said is also used incorrectly to mean told someone

When the (not said) coat was returned, it was badly torn.
The professor told us (not said) to study for the examination.

same as is an incorrect form for in the same way as or just as

The owner’s son was treated in the same way as any other worker.

says is present tense of say

said is past tense of say

He says what he means.

He said what he meant. (Goes or went should not be used instead of says or said.)

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Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. If you are interested in the social and organizational side of businesses, the field of organizational psychology (may be,
maybe) the field for you.

2. As the economy continues to grow and more businesses are created, organizational psychology is becoming a (mighty, very)
important field.

3. (Because of, On account of ) their collaborative work with social workers and healthcare professionals, demand for psychol-
ogists is expected to increase in tandem with the healthcare industry overall.

4. (Nowhere, Nowheres) is the demand for psychologists growing more than in the field of organization psychology.

5. Because of the importance of talking with patients, clinical psychologists are expected to have good (oral, verbal) commu-
nication skills.

6. Psychologists typically work in offices, so if you prefer working (outdoor, outdoors), this might not be the job for you.

7. Over the next decade, the job market for psychologists will continue to grow in large part (because of, owing to)
increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies.

8. Most (people, persons) don’t realize that there is a difference between a Ph.D. in psychology (a research degree) and a Psy.D.
(a clinical degree).

9. While a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions, most aspiring psychologists (plan on getting, plan to get) a Ph.D. or
a Psy.D.

10. In addition to formal schooling, most clinical psychologists (put in, spend) hundreds of unpaid hours as interns in their fields
of specialization.

1 1. The reason most aspiring psychologists get Ph.D.’s and Psy.D.’s is (because, that) there are more jobs available for psychologists
221
with terminal degrees.
Chapter 5

English
Answers Language
Conventions

1. may be

2. very

3. Because of

4. Nowhere

5. oral

6. outdoors

7. because of

8. people

9. plan to get

10. spend

11. that

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Frequently Confused Words: Group 6
saw is the past tense of see

seen is the past participle of see

We saw a play yesterday.

I have never seen a Broadway show.

seem is used in informal speech and writing in the expressions I couldn’t seem to and I don’t seem to but in formal usage:

We can’t find the address. (Not: We can’t seem to find the address.)

seldom ever is used informally, but in formal usage ever is redundant and should be omitted, or if should be inserted

I seldom swim in January.

I seldom if ever swim in January.

shall is used with I and we in formal usage; informally, I will (would) may be used

will is used with you, he, she, it, they

When an emphatic statement is intended, the rule is reversed

I shall be there today.
We shall pay the rent tomorrow.
I certainly will be there.

222 They shall not pass.

shape is incorrect when used to mean state or condition

Chapter 5
The refugees were in serious condition (not shape) when they arrived here.
English
Language should of is an incorrect form for should have, which can be contracted to should’ve in speech or informal writing
Conventions
You should’ve returned that sweater. (Better: You should have returned that sweater.)

sink down is sometimes heard in informal usage, but down is redundant and should be omitted

You can sink into the mud if you are not careful.

some time means a segment of time

sometime means at an indefinite time in the future

sometimes means occasionally

I’ll need some time to make a decision.

Let’s meet sometime next week.
Sometimes I have an urge to watch a late movie on television.

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stayed means remained

stood means took or remained in an upright position or erect

He stayed in bed for three days.

The scouts stood at attention while the flag was lowered.

still more yet is redundant; yet should be omitted

There is still more to be said.

sure is used informally to mean surely or certainly, but in formal usage surely or certainly is preferred

She certainly (not sure) is pretty!

We will surely be in trouble unless we get home soon.

testimony means information given orally

evidence means information given orally or in writing; an object that is presented as proof

He gave testimony to the grand jury.

He presented written evidence to the judge.

than any is used informally in a comparison, but in formal usage than any other is preferred

He is smarter than any other boy in the class.

the both is used informally, but in formal usage the should be omitted

I intend to treat both of you to lunch. 223

their, in informal usage, often appears in the construction, “Anyone can lose their card,” but because anyone takes a singular
Chapter 5
personal pronoun, his or her is the correct form
English
theirselves is an incorrect form for themselves Language
Conventions
They are able to care for themselves while their parents are at work.

them is the objective case of they; it is not used instead of those (the plural of that) before a noun

Give me those (not them) books!

try and is sometimes used informally instead of try to, but in formal usage try to is correct

My acting teacher is going to try to attend the opening of my play.

unbeknownst to is unacceptable for without the knowledge of

The young couple decided to get married without the knowledge of (not unbeknownst to) their parents.

upwards of is an incorrect form for more than

There are more than (not upwards of) 60,000 people at the football game.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 valuable means of great worth

valued means held in high regard

invaluable means priceless

This is a valuable manuscript.

You are a valued friend.
A good name is an invaluable possession.

wait on is sometimes used informally, but in formal usage wait for is correct

We waited for (not on) him for over an hour.

which is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to people; it refers to things

who is used to refer to people

that is used to refer to people or things

He decided to wear his orange striped tie, which had been a gift from his daughter.
I am looking for the girl who made the call.
He finally returned the books that he had borrowed.

while is unacceptable for and, but, whereas, or though

The library is situated on the south side, whereas (not while) the laboratory is on the north side.

224 Though (not while) I disagree with you, I shall not interfere with your right to express your opinion.

who is, who am is used with these constructions:

Chapter 5
It is I who am the most experienced.
English
It is he who is...
Language
Conventions It is he or I who am...
It is I or he who is...
It is he and I who are...

who, whom To determine whether to use who or whom (without grammar rules), use he, him:

(Who, Whom) do you think should represent our company?

Step 1: Change the who—whom part of the sentence to its natural order:
Do you think (who, whom) should represent our company?
Step 2: Substitute he for who, and him for whom:
Do you think (he, him) should represent our company?
Step 3: Since he would be used in this case, the correct form is:
Who do you think should represent our company?

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whoever, whomever (see who, whom above)

Give the chair to whoever wants it (subject of verb wants).

Speak to whomever you see (object of preposition to).

win is used when you win a game

beat is used when you beat another player; beat is incorrect usage for swindle

We won the contest.

We beat (not won) the other team.
The hustler swindled the gambler out of twenty dollars.

without is incorrect usage for unless

You will not receive the tickets unless (not without) you pay for them in advance.

worst kind and worst way are incorrect usages for terms such as very badly or extremely

The school is greatly in need of more teachers (not needs teachers in the worst way).

would of is an incorrect form for would have, which can be contracted to would’ve in informal usage

He would’ve treated you to the movies. (Better: He would have treated you to the movies.)

would have is not used instead of had in an if clause

If I had (not would have) gone, I would have helped him.

225
Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Usage

DIRECTIONS: Circle the correct word to complete the sentence while adhering to formal American English conventions.

1. In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s story, “A Scandal in Bohemia,” Sherlock Holmes (can’t believe, can’t seem to believe) that he’s
been outsmarted by the beautiful and alluring Irene Adler.

2. Forest conservation workers are (seldom, seldom ever) required to have education beyond a basic bachelor’s degree.

3. According to his fictional biography, Sherlock Holmes’s friend, John H. Watson, returns to England in serious (condition,
shape) after being wounded in the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

4. (Some time, Sometime) in the near future, the U.S. Forest Service may be forced to undertake its own fire suppression duties,
which will result in higher levels of employment.

5. At the end of all Sherlock Holmes stories, Holmes presents (evidence, testimony) that shows how a crime was committed
and whom it was committed by.

6. According to some scholars, Sherlock Holmes is more recognizable (than any, than any other) fictional detective in the world.

7. The complexity of the Tube, Britain’s underground railway system, makes it possible for anyone to lose (his or her, their) way.

8. In the event that they get lost, forest service workers need to be able to take care of (theirselves, themselves) in the wild.

9. If formal schooling is unavailable, aspiring forest and conservation services workers should (try and, try to) gain experience
working in forestry-related fields.

10. As of 2012, there were (more than, upwards of ) 10,000 jobs in the forest and conservation services field.

226 Answers
Chapter 5 1. can’t believe

English 2. seldom
Language
Conventions 3. condition

4. Some time

5. evidence

6. than any other

7. his or her

8. themselves

9. try to

10. more than

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Conventional Expressions
A conventional expression is a phrase or clause that has become a characteristic way of expressing a certain idea. Ironically,
despite these expressions being conventional, they are often misused.

Here is a list of commonly misused conventional expressions and their correct usages.

It’s a doggy-dog world It’s a dog-eat-dog world

For all intensive purposes For all intents and purposes

I’m suppose to go running ...supposed to…

statue of limitations statute of limitations

I could care less I couldn’t care less

Fall by the waste side Fall by the wayside

Irregardless Regardless

Escape goat Scapegoat

I guess we’ll make due ...make do...

Peak my interest Pique my interest

The criminal got away scott free ...scot free...

I’m waiting with baited breath ...bated breath...

Without further adieu Without further ado

The boy had free reign ...free rein...

Hunger pains Hunger pangs 227

I should of called ...should have...
Chapter 5
Don’t step foot on this carpet ...set foot...

Nipped in the butt Nipped in the bud English

Language
The waiter was at his beckon call ...beck and call... Conventions

The lawyer made a mute point ...moot point...

Case and point Case in point

The cops were starting to hone in ...home in...

One in the same One and the same

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Logical Comparison
Basic Rule

In order for a comparison to make sense, it must be logical and complete.

In an incomplete comparison, what is being compared is unclear.

Incomplete: According to some scholars of U.S. history, the Magna Carta is more important because it was the first
document to limit the powers of the King of England.

Complete: According to some scholars of U.S. history, the Magna Carta is more important than the Declaration of
Independence because it was the first document to limit the powers of the King of England.

Incomplete: At 864,000 miles across, the Sun is more than 100 times the size.

Complete: At 864,000 miles across, the Sun is more than 100 times the size of Earth.

For a comparison to be logical, you must be comparing the same things.

Illogical: Despite popular opinion, many scholars believe that the political achievements of Thomas Jefferson were
much more significant to American history than George Washington. (Thomas Jefferson’s achievements are being
compared to the person George Washington.)

Logical: Despite popular opinion, many scholars believe that the political achievements of Thomas Jefferson were
much more significant to American history than the achievements of George Washington.

228 Illogical: The distance from the Sun to the planet Neptune is 30 times greater than the Sun and Earth. (This distance
from the Sun to Neptune is being compared to the Sun and Earth, not the distance between them.)

Chapter 5 Logical: The distance from the Sun to the planet Neptune is 30 times greater than the distance from the Sun to
Earth.
English
Language
Conventions
Skill Builder: Logical Comparisons

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following comparisons to make sure they are logical.

1. According to scientists, the brain mass of a dolphin is actually slightly greater than a human.

2. Although they are on the same hemisphere, the average rainfall in South America differs greatly from North America.

3. In the 2015 World Happiness Report, the people of Switzerland ranked happier than America.

4. The tallest mountain in the United States is still 9,000 feet shorter than Nepal.

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Answers

1. According to scientists, the brain mass of a dolphin is actually slightly greater than the brain mass of a human.

2. Although they are on the same hemisphere, the average rainfall in South America differs greatly from the average rainfall
in North America.

3. In the 2015 World Happiness Report, the people of Switzerland ranked happier than the people of America.

4. The tallest mountain in the United States is still 9,000 feet shorter than the tallest mountain in Nepal.

CONVENTIONS OF PUNCTUATION

End-of-Sentence Punctuation
There are three types of punctuation used to end a sentence: the period, the question mark, and the exclamation mark.

1. A period is used at the end of a sentence that makes a statement.

Examples:

Toni Morrison’s first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970.

In 1620, the Pilgrims in Plymouth signed the Mayflower Compact.

2. A question mark is used after a direct question. A period is used after an indirect question.

Examples:

Direct Question—Were The Federalist Papers written by James Madison, John Jay, or Alexander Hamilton?
229
Indirect Question—Profession Mahin wanted to know if you knew who wrote The Federalist Papers.

3. An exclamation mark is used after an expression that shows strong emotion or issues a command. It may follow a word, a Chapter 5
phrase, or a sentence.
English
Examples: Language
Conventions

Koko the gorilla knows more than 1,000 sign-language signs and can communicate with humans.
Amazing!

One of the most famous quotes in American history is Patrick Henry’s, “Give me liberty or give me
death!”

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Within-Sentence Punctuation
The Colon

Basic Rule

The colon is used to precede a list of three or more items or a long quotation.

Examples:

Christopher Columbus led three ships to the New World: La Nina, La Pinta, and La Santa Maria.

In the United States, there are three branches of government: the Executive, the Legislative, and the
Judicial.

Avoid using the colon after a verb. It can interrupt the natural flow of language.

Incorrect: The Louisiana Purchase included territory that would become:

Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and
Missouri.

Correct: The Louisiana Purchase included territory that would become many of
today’s states: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
Louisiana, and Missouri.

230 The Semicolon

Basic Rule
Chapter 5
A semicolon may be used to separate two complete ideas (independent clauses) in a sentence when the two ideas have a close
English
Language relationship and are not connected with a coordinating conjunction.
Conventions
Example: “Inalienable rights” are basic human rights that many believe cannot and should not be given up or taken
away; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are some of those rights.

The semicolon is often used between independent clauses connected by conjunctive adverbs such as consequently, therefore,
also, furthermore, for example, however, nevertheless, still, yet, moreover, and otherwise.

Example: In 1867, critics thought William H. Seward foolish for buying the largely unexplored territory of Alaska
for the astronomical price of $7 million; however, history has proven that it was an inspired purchase.

Do not use the semicolon between an independent clause and a phrase or

subordinate clause.

Incorrect: While eating ice cream for dessert; Clarence and Undine
discussed their next business venture.

Correct: While eating ice cream for dessert, Clarence and Undine discussed
their next business venture.

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Skill Builder: Punctuation

DIRECTIONS: Decide whether the colons and semicolons are correctly placed in the following sentences or whether another
mark of punctuation would be better. Write the correct punctuation in the space provided.

1. He is an excellent student and a fine person; as a result, he has many friends.

2. Because he is such an industrious student; he has many friends.

3. We tried our best to purchase the books; but we were unsuccessful.

4. The students were required to pass the following exit tests: English, science, math, and social studies.

5. The rebuilt vacuum cleaner was in excellent condition; saving us a good deal of expense since we didn’t have to purchase
a new one.

6. Marie has a very soft voice; however, it is clear and distinct.

7. Don’t open the door; the floor is still wet. 231

Chapter 5
8. Don’t open the door; because the floor is still wet.
English
Language
Conventions
9. To the campers from the city, every noise in the night sounded like a bear: a huge, ferocious, meat-eating bear.

10. We worked for three days painting the house; nevertheless, we still needed more time to complete the job.

11. The telephone rang several times, as a result; his sleep was interrupted.

12. Peter was chosen recently to be vice president of the business; and will take over his duties in a few days.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answers

1. Correct.

2. Substitute a comma for the semicolon.

3. Substitute a comma for the semicolon.

4. Correct.

5. Substitute a comma for the semicolon.

6. Correct.

7. Correct.

8. Delete the semicolon.

9. Substitute a comma for the colon.

10. Correct.

11. The telephone rang several times; as a result, his sleep was interrupted. (Note the two punctuation changes. The semicolon
is placed in front of the conjunctive adverb and the comma after it.)

12. Delete the semicolon; no punctuation is necessary in its place.

The Em-Dash

Basic Rule

Em-dashes are used to set off parenthetical material that you want to emphasize.

232 Example: Benjamin Franklin’s many intellectual pursuits—from printmaking to politics—exemplify his eclectic
personality.
Chapter 5
Em-dashes can also be used when you are renaming a nearby noun. Typically, you would use a comma to set this clause off, but
English since it includes commas already, you use an em-dash.
Language
Conventions
Example: Benjamin Franklin—a printer, writer, inventor, and statesman—was the son of a soap maker.

An em-dash also indicates a list, a restatement, an amplification, or a dramatic shift in tone or thought.

Example: Eager to write for his brother’s newspaper, young Benjamin began submitting letters to the editor under
the pseudonym, Silence Dogood—they were a hit!

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Skill Builder: Punctuation

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to eliminate end-of-sentence and within-sentence punctuation errors.

1. Architects design houses, office buildings, and other structures!

2. On any given day, architects might perform the following tasks; prepare structural specifications; meet with clients to de-
termine objectives and structural requirements; direct workers to prepare drawings and documents.

3. Architects are responsible for designing the places where we live: work: play: learn: shop: and eat?

4. Architects—design both indoor and outdoor—spaces on public and private projects.

5. Architects often provide various predesign services: from environmental impact studies to cost analyses: depending on a
project’s needs.

6. For actual blueprints, traditional paper-and-pencil drafting has been replaced by computer-aided design and drafting (CADD):
however, hand-drawing skills are still important during the conceptual stages of a project.

7. Did you know that BIM stands for business information modeling.

8. Architects often collaborate with workers in related fields; civil engineers, urban planners, interior designers, and landscape
architects.

9. In addition to years of schooling, being a good architect requires a mix of artistic talent and mathematical ability: it’s not
easy!

10. The path to becoming an architect requires a college education: a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program is
typical.

Answers
233
1. Architects design houses, office buildings, and other structures. Chapter 5

2. On any given day, architects might perform the following tasks: prepare structural specifications, meet with clients to de- English
termine objectives and structural requirements, and direct workers to prepare drawings and documents. Language
Conventions
3. Architects are responsible for designing the places where we live, work, play, learn, shop, and eat.

4. Architects design both indoor and outdoor spaces on public and private projects.

5. Architects often provide various predesign services—from environmental impact studies to cost analyses—depending on
a project’s needs.

6. For actual blueprints, traditional paper-and-pencil drafting has been replaced by computer-aided design and drafting (CADD);
however, hand-drawing skills are still important during the conceptual stages of a project.

7. Did you know that BIM stands for business information modeling?

8. Architects often collaborate with workers in related fields: civil engineers, urban planners, interior designers, and landscape
architects.

9. In addition to years of schooling, being a good architect requires a mix of artistic talent and mathematical ability—it’s not
easy!

10. The path to becoming an architect requires a college education; a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree program is
typical.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 The Apostrophe

The apostrophe is usually either misused or omitted because of the writer’s failure to proofread his paper or because he is not
certain about its use. The apostrophe is used in the following situations:

•  To indicate the possessive case of nouns: If the noun does not end in s—whether singular or plural—add an ’s; if the noun ends
in s simply add the ’. Some writers like to add ’s to all nouns, even those that already end in s.

Examples:

The impact of Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl” on the cultural landscape of the United States cannot be overstated.

A car’s headlights are typically wired in parallel so that if one burns out the other will keep functioning.

The women’s club sponsored many charity events.

Charles Mingus’ (or Mingus’s) skill as a jazz musician is widely recognized.

Do not use apostrophes with possessive pronouns such pronouns as yours, hers, ours, theirs,
and whose, which indicate possession already.

•  To indicate a contraction—the omission of one or more letters: Place the apostrophe exactly where the missing letters occur.

Examples:
234
can’t = cannot

Chapter 5
it’s = it is
English
Language we’re = we are
Conventions
•  To indicate plurals of letters, abbreviations, and numbers: Usually, the apostrophe is used to form the plurals of lowercase letters
(a’s, b’s, c’s, and so on) and numbers (3’s, 6’s). With capital letters, abbreviations without periods (PhD, RN), and even with
numbers when no confusion results, you have a choice. In either case, the writer should be consistent in his or her style.

Examples:

Tiffani signed her texts with x’s and o’s.

The class learned their multiplication tables for 2’s and 4’s.

BUT:

Jocelyn recited her ABCs for her parents.

The room was filled with those who had earned their PhDs.

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Skill Builder: Apostrophe Use

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to correct any apostrophe errors.

1. Poet William Wordsworths most famous work is The Prelude, which was published in 1850.

2. Its how Wordsworth uses the language of the “common man” that strikes most readers.

3. While most of his poems are considered classics, The Prelude stands as one of the crowning achievements of British Roman-
ticism.

4. Wordsworths poem The Prelude was published by his wife Mary three months after his death.

5. Sonnet 18s theme revolves around the idea of expressing ones self through language.

6. What proportion of humans exposure to plastic ingredients and environmental pollutants occurs through seafood?

7. The use of student’s personal information for anything other than educational purposes is a violation of privacy.

Answers
1. Poet William Wordsworth’s most famous work is The Prelude, which was published in 1850.

2. It’s how Wordsworth uses the language of the “common man” that strikes most readers.

3. While most of his poems are considered classics, The Prelude stands as one of the crowning achievements of British Roman-
ticism.

4. Wordsworth’s poem The Prelude was published by his wife Mary three months after his death.

5. Sonnet 18’s theme revolves around the idea of expressing one’s self through language.

6. Do you know what proportion of humans’ exposure to plastic ingredients and environmental pollutants occurs through
235
seafood?
Chapter 5
7. The use of students’ personal information for anything other than educational purposes is a violation of privacy.
English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Apostrophe Use

DIRECTIONS: Circle the word with the correct spelling in the following sentences.

1. According to (statistics, statistic’s), 55 percent of the nursing workforce holds a (bachelors, bachelor’s) degree or higher.

2. Over the past decade, the average age of (nurses, nurse’s) has increased by almost two years for (RNs, RN’s) and 1.75 years
for (LPNs, LPN’s).

3. According to the Board of Registered (Nurse’s, Nurses’) list of (regulations, regulation’s), registered (nurses, nurse’s) must have
a high school diploma, appropriate pre-licensure schooling, and required certification.

4. Despite teaching similar (skills, skill’s), one nursing (program, program’s) (requirements, requirement’s) can be very different
from another (programs, program’s) (requirements, requirement’s).

5. Many future (RNs, RN’s) attend the following types of pre-licensure degree (programs, program’s): Associate Degree in Nursing
(ADN); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Entry-Level Master’s Program in Nursing (ELM).

6. Based on recent (studies, studies’), an (RNs, RN’s) salary is about $50,000 a year.

Answers

1. statistics; bachelor’s

2. nurses; RNs; LPNs

3. Nurses’; regulations; nurses

236 4. skills; program’s; requirements; program’s; requirements

5. RNs; programs

Chapter 5 6. studies; RN’s

English
Language
Conventions
Items in a Series
Basic Rule

Use a comma between items in a series when three or more items are present. Items can be expressed as words, phrases, or clauses.

Example: The following wildlife biologists study animals based on where they live: limnologists, marine biologists,
and terrestrial biologists.

When the items themselves contain commas, use a semicolon to separate them.

Example: Some kinds of biologists study specific species of animals. For example, cetologists study marine mammals,
such as whales and dolphins; entomologists study insects, such as beetles and butterflies; and ichthyologists study
wild fish, such as sharks and lungfish.

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Skill Builder: Items in a Series

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to make sure the items in a series are punctuated correctly.

1. A typical architectural program includes courses on such topics as architectural history, building design, computer-aided
design, and math.

2. Architects must possess certain qualities: analytical skills, in order to understand the content of designs, communication skills,
in order to communicate with clients, creativity, in order to develop attractive and functional structures, and organizational
skills, in order to keep track of big projects.

3. In order to be hired as an architect, you typically need to: complete a professional degree in architecture: gain relevant
experience through a paid internship: and pass the Architect Registration Exam.

4. Because of growing concerns about the environment, today’s architects need to understand sustainable design, which
emphasizes the efficient use of resources, such as energy and water conservation, waste and pollution reduction, and envi-
ronmentally friendly specifications and materials.

5. In addition to structural plans architects often provide drawings of the air-conditioning heating and ventilating systems
electrical systems communications systems plumbing and possibly site and landscape plans.

Answers

1. No corrections are needed. The sentence reads fine as follows: A typical architectural program includes courses on such topics
as architectural history, building design, computer-aided design, and math.

2. Architects must possess certain qualities: analytical skills, in order to understand the content of designs; communication skills,
in order to communicate with clients; creativity, in order to develop attractive and functional structures; and organizational 237
skills, in order to keep track of big projects.

3. In order to be hired as an architect, you typically need to complete a professional degree in architecture, gain relevant ex- Chapter 5
perience through a paid internship, and pass the Architect Registration Exam.
English
4. Because of growing concerns about the environment, today’s architects need to understand sustainable design, which Language
emphasizes the efficient use of such resources as energy and water; waste and pollution reduction; and environmentally Conventions
friendly specifications and materials.

5. In addition to structural plans, architects often provide drawings of the air-conditioning, heating, and ventilating systems;
electrical systems; communications systems; plumbing; and possibly site and landscape plans.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Nonrestrictive and Parenthetical Elements
Basic Rule

Nonrestrictive and parenthetical elements provide extra information that is not essential to the meaning or grammatical cor-
rectness of a sentence. A nonrestrictive or parenthetical element can be removed from a sentence without making the sentence
grammatically incorrect and without interfering with the rest of the sentence’s meaning.

Parenthetical elements are identified by commas, parentheses, or em-dashes. While each of these punctuation marks serves a
similar purpose, the difference between them is one of emphasis.

Commas indicate a slight interruption.

Example: Toni Morrison, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993, is a Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.

Parentheses are seen as “quieter” than commas and are reserved for asides that are less important and more tangential than
those indicated by commas. They also allow the inclusion of material that doesn’t have a specific grammatical connection to the
rest of the sentence.

Example: Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved (1987) explores the themes of love and the supernatural.

Example: While at Princeton, Toni Morrison (the writer) established a special creative workshop for writers and
performances called the Princeton Atelier.

If parentheses are used for “quiet” asides, dashes are used when you want to call attention to something. Dashes interrupt the
flow of your sentence, thereby calling attention to the information they contain.

238 Example: Toni Morrison—winner of both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes in Literature—is considered one of the
greatest writers of her generation.

Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

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Skill Builder: Nonrestrictive and Parenthetical Elements

DIRECTIONS: Select a comma, parentheses, or em-dash to set off the underlined portion of each sentence.

1. Samuel Clemens 1835–1910 was born in Florida‚ Missouri, to John and Jane Clemens.

2. Mark Twain whose given name was Samuel Clemens was the sixth of seven children.

3. In 1861, Sam’s dreams of becoming a steamboat pilot ended abruptly the Civil War started.

4. Sam’s commitment to the Confederate cause was short-lived he quit the army after just two weeks.

5. Twain’s “big break” came with the publication of his short story‚ “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” 1865, which was picked
up by papers across the country.

6. After the success of his story, “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,” Clemens was hired by the Sacramento Union to visit and
report on the Sandwich Islands now Hawaii.

7. Clemens’ writings for the Sacramento Union were so popular that upon his return he was asked to undertake a lecture tour
across the United States.

8. Like all good writers‚ Mark Twain Samuel Clemens spent his life observing and writing about life as he saw it, with all of its
joys and horrors.

Answers

1. Samuel Clemens (1835–1910) was born in Florida‚ Missouri, to John and Jane Clemens.

2. Mark Twain, whose given name was Samuel Clemens, was the sixth of seven children. (Em-dashes might also be acceptable
here if the writer wished to emphasize the information.) 239
3. In 1861, Sam’s dreams of becoming a steamboat pilot ended abruptly—the Civil War started.
Chapter 5
4. Sam’s commitment to the Confederate cause was short-lived—he quit the army after just two weeks.
English
5. Twain’s “big break” came with the publication of his short story‚ “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog” (1865), which was picked Language
up by papers across the country. Conventions

6. After the success of his story, “Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog,” Clemens was hired by the Sacramento Union to visit and
report on the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii).

7. Clemens’ writings for the Sacramento Union were so popular that, upon his return, he was asked to undertake a lecture tour
across the United States.

8. Like all good writers‚ Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) spent his life observing and writing about life as he saw it, with all of its
joys and horrors.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 The Comma
Basic Rule

In previous sections, we covered the way that commas are used to separate the following:

•  Independent clauses that are connected by a coordinating conjunction

•  Items in a series

•  Nonrestrictive elements

In addition to these uses, commas have several other purposes:

•  To set off introductory clauses and phrases.

Example: The year after winning her Nobel Prize, Toni Morrison published the novel Jazz.

•  To set off nouns that are being addressed directly.

Example: Toni Morrison, the Nobel Prize committee commends you on your achievements and thanks you for your
contribution to world literature.

•  To separate the different parts of dates, addresses, and geographical names.

Example: Toni Morrison was born on February 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio, to Ramah and George Wofford.

•  To introduce a titles and quotations.

240 Example: Toni Morrison began her lecture, “The Future of Time: Literature and Diminished Expectations,” with the
line, “Time, it seems, has no future.”

Chapter 5 •  To separate contrasted elements or to indicate a distinct pause or shift.

English Examples: To her handlers, Koko the gorilla seemed thoughtful, almost human.
Language
Conventions
You’re one of the senator’s close friends, aren’t you?

•  To separate coordinate adjectives that precede the noun they describe. Coordinate adjectives are of equal importance and
related meaning.

Examples: Toni Morrison is rumored to be a fun, entertaining speaker.

Note how the word and can be substituted for the comma. If you cannot
substitute and without changing the meaning, the adjectives are not
coordinate, and no comma is needed.

Example: Toni Morrison is a well-respected American writer.

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Unnecessary Punctuation
Unnecessary punctuation can break a sentence into confusing and illogical fragments.

Here are some common mistakes to look out for.

•  Don’t use a comma to connect independent clauses. This is called a comma splice.

Incorrect: Toni Morrison grew up in an integrated neighborhood, she did not become fully aware of racial divisions
until she was in her teens.

Possible revision: Toni Morrison grew up in an integrated neighborhood and did not become fully aware of racial
divisions until she was in her teens.

•  Don’t use a comma between compound elements that are not independent clauses.

Incorrect: In 1998, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover starred in a film adaptation of Morrison’s novel Beloved.

Possible revision: In 1998, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover starred in a film adaptation of Morrison’s novel Beloved.

•  Do not use an apostrophe when making a noun plural.

Incorrect: In 2006, the New York Times Book Review named Beloved the best American novel published in the last
25 year’s.

Possible revision: In 2006, the New York Times Book Review named Beloved the best American novel published in
the last 25 years.

241
While any punctuation mark can be misused, overused commas tend to
be a common problem. Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Skill Builder: Commas and Unnecessary Punctuation

DIRECTIONS: Revise the following sentences to correct errors, with special attention to unnecessary, misused, and missing
punctuation marks. In some cases, there are multiple ways to fix these errors. Consider the answers a partial list of possible
revisions.

1. The job of an art director is a creative one he or she is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines newspapers
product packaging, and movie and television productions.

2. An art director’s job includes creating the overall design of a project; and directing others who develop artwork and layouts.

3. People interested in becoming art director’s often work as graphic designer’s, illustrator’s, copy editor’s, or photographer’s,
or in some other types of art and design occupations.

4. Some art directors work for advertising and public relations firms and others work in print media and entertainment.

5. In order to become an art director you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in an art or design subject, and previous
work experience.

242 6. Art direction is a management position, that oversees the work of other designers and artists.

Chapter 5
7. An art director might choose the overall style or tone, desired for a project, and communicate this vision to the artists he or
English
she manages.
Language
Conventions

8. In the movie industry an art director might collaborate with a director; in order to determine the look and style of a movie.

9. As of 2012: art directors held about 74,800 jobs.

10. Even though the majority of art directors are self-employed they often work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

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Answers

1. The job of an art director is a creative one; he or she is responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers,
product packaging, and movie and television productions.

2. An art director’s job includes creating the overall design of a project and directing others who develop artwork and layouts.

3. People interested in becoming art directors often work as graphic designers, illustrators, copy editors, or photographers or
in some other types of art and design occupations.

4. Some art directors work for advertising and public relations firms, and others work in print media and entertainment.

5. In order to become an art director, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in an art or design subject and previous
work experience.

6. Art direction is a management position that oversees the work of other designers and artists.

7. An art director might choose the overall style or tone desired for a project and communicate this vision to the artists he or
she manages.

8. In the movie industry, an art director might collaborate with a director in order to determine the look and style of a movie.

9. As of 2012, art directors held about 74,800 jobs.

10. Even though the majority of art directors are self-employed, they often work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.

243
Chapter 5

English
Language
Conventions

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SUMMING IT UP
•  The SAT® Writing and Language Test is designed to test your mastery of Standard English conventions. On the test, you will
read multiple passages that may cover careers, science, history, or the humanities. The questions will require you to read the
passages and select the answers that improve the writing in the passage. The correct answer will be the one that best
follows Standard English conventions.

•  The Standard English conventions reviewed in this lesson are keys to good writing. When you utilize proper sentence
structure, grammar, and punctuation, your writing is stronger, clearer, and more focused. That is why the use of standard
English conventions is important for both college writing and any writing you will do in your future career.

ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More?

Access more practice questions, lessons, helpful tips, and expert strategies for the following English language conventions
topics in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  Comparisons
•  Modifiers
•  Noun Agreement
•  Parallelism
•  Pronoun Case
•  Pronouns

244 •  Punctuation
•  Sentence Improvements
Chapter 5 •  Subject-Verb Agreement

English •  Verb Tenses

Language
Conventions
•  What Makes a Sentence?

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

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part v: essay writing
strategies for the sat ®

Chapter 6: The SAT® Essay

 Chapter 6:
The SAT® Essay

OVERVIEW
A Closer Look at the Essay Question
Pacing Your Writing
Prewriting
Writing the Introduction
Developing Your Ideas
Writing the Conclusion
The Scoring Rubric for the SAT® Essay
Exercise: Practicing Your Essay Skills
Additional Essay Writing Practice
Summing It Up

The Essay section of the SAT® exam is 50 minutes long. In this time, you need to read the essay prompt and plan and write your 247
essay. It doesn’t need to be—and isn’t supposed to be—a final, polished version. The high school and college English teachers
who will score your essay are trained to view the essays as first drafts. They will be assessing your essay and hundreds of others Chapter 6
against a rubric that guides them to look at the essays holistically. They are reading for an overall general impression of your
reading, writing, and analyzing skills. Later in this chapter, you will analyze a rubric that is similar to the one the scorers will use. The SAT®
Essay

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ESSAY QUESTION
You will be given one essay prompt and asked to write an analytical essay in response. You won’t have a choice of questions to
answer. This is good because it saves you time, as you don’t have to decide which one to choose. The essay section is made up of
a prompt that directs you to read and analyze a high-quality source text. In this text, the author makes an argument or examines
a current debate, idea, or trend.

Once you have closely read and analyzed the source text, you can begin your planning. You don’t need any specific subject-area
knowledge to write your essay. The purpose of the essay is to demonstrate for the scorers that you can then analyze it in writing
using your own critical reasoning and evidence drawn from the source text.

PACING YOUR WRITING

You want to use everything you’ve been taught in English class about the writing process—but sped up to fit within 50 minutes.
Pacing yourself is important so that you are able to get your ideas down on paper in a complete, coherent, and unified essay. As
you practice writing essays in this chapter and in the practice tests in this book, work out a pacing schedule for yourself. Begin by
trying out the following timetable and see how it works for you. If necessary, adjust it as you practice, but be sure to give yourself
enough time to finish a complete draft.

•  Prewriting: 10 to 15 minutes
•  Writing the introduction: 4 to 5 minutes
•  Writing the body of the essay: 15 to 20 minutes
•  Writing the conclusion: 3 to 4 minutes
•  Revising: 3 to 5 minutes
•  Proofing: 3 to 5 minutes
248
Chapter 6 NOTE: Remember that the readers do not take off points for specific errors in grammar,
usage, and mechanics, but they will take note of a pattern of errors. These can contribute
The SAT® to a lower score. Check the rubric (later in this chapter).
Essay

PREWRITING
Before you begin to write your analysis, read the prompt and the source text. Pay attention to the text author’s key claims.
Underline the author’s key claims. Then circle or highlight evidence the author uses to support those claims. Finally, take notes
on important stylistic features or persuasive techniques the author uses in the source text.

You want to spend about 10 to 15 minutes on prewriting, as this will give you time to carefully read the prompt and then read
and analyze the source text. Your goals in this planning stage are to:

•  Identify and underline the author’s key claims

•  Find and then circle or highlight specific evidence the author uses to support his or her key claims
•  Take notes on ways the author has used logic, reasoning, rhetoric (persuasive language techniques), and evidence to
convince readers that his or her key claims are valid

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Familiarizing Yourself with the Prompt and the Passage
The Essay prompt will not change much at all, no matter when and where you are taking the SAT®. This is great news because it
means you can become very familiar and comfortable with the prompt before you take the test. The source text (passage) that
accompanies the prompt will be new to you; however, it will share important qualities with other passages you will read and
analyze as you prepare to write the SAT® Essay.

All passages:

•  Come from high-quality, previously published sources

•  Contain arguments written for a broad audience
•  Examine ideas, opinions, views, debates, or trends
•  Discuss topics in the arts; the sciences; or civic, cultural, or political life
•  Are interesting, relevant, and accessible to college-bound students at your grade level
•  Tend NOT to consist of simple pro/con debates on issues
•  Strive to convey nuanced views on complex subjects
•  Use evidence, logical reasoning, and/or stylistic and persuasive elements
•  Are similarly complex: all are challenging—but not too difficult—for readers at your grade level
•  Do NOT require test-takers to possess prior knowledge of specific topics

The prompt that introduces the passage will be identical or very similar to this:

As you read the passage below, consider how [the author] uses the following:

•  Evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims

•  Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence

249
•  Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas Chapter 6
expressed
The SAT®
Essay
After the passage, the prompt will continue as follows:

Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience
that [the author’s claim is true or valid]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the
features listed above [see bullet points above] (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic
and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant aspects
of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather
explain how [he/she] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.

It is vital that you read, reread, and thoroughly understand everything the prompt asks you to do. Pay particular attention to the
bullet points that tell you exactly what to look for in the passage. Also note that the prompt gives you the option of mentioning
other “features of your own choice.” Finally, let’s take a close look at the last sentence in the prompt (we have capitalized and
underlined the word not):

Your essay should NOT explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather explain how [he/
she] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 In other words, your task is not to present your own arguments—the passage author has already done that. Your task is to analyze
the author’s argument: “explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience.”

The people who develop the SAT® believe that if you complete this essay-writing task, your work will exhibit three types of skills:

1. Close reading skills

2. Analyzing skills
3. Writing skills

Organizing Your Essay

Decide how many paragraphs you need to write to develop your analysis of the passage. Remember that length is not a valid
substitute for strength. Your answer booklet provides a certain number of pages for your essay. You can’t write more than the
lines provided, but you can write less. It is more important to do a good job of analyzing the passage than it is to fill up all the
lines. However, an essay of five sentences won’t earn you a high score.

A safe number of paragraphs is five. Use the first paragraph for the introduction and the last one for the conclusion. That gives
you three paragraphs to develop your ideas. That doesn’t mean that you can’t write a fourth or even fifth paragraph in the body
of your essay to develop your ideas. It’s more important to have a tightly written and well-developed shorter essay than a longer,
rambling, repetitious one that you didn’t have time to revise or proofread. There is a limit to what you can write in 50 minutes.
Use the opportunity that you have for practice in this book to work on your pacing and see how much you can plan and write
well in 50 minutes.

WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

250 Now it’s time to write. You’ve analyzed the prompt and the passage in your prewriting step and identified the author’s key claims,
use of evidence and reasoning, and stylistic or persuasive language features. Now begin writing your introduction.

Chapter 6
In your introduction, it is important to introduce the source text to your reader. State the author’s name and the title of the passage.
The SAT
® Then give a brief summary of the author’s key claim. Two to four sentences should accomplish these tasks.
Essay
As you practice writing essays in this book, and as you write the real one on test day, keep the following five ideas in mind:

1. In writing your introduction, keep the key words and phrases of the prompt in mind.
2. Avoid being cute, funny, ironic, satiric, overly emotional, or too dramatic. Set the tone or attitude in your first sentence.
You want to be sincere, clear, and straightforward.
3. Don’t bother repeating the key claims from the source text word for word. A paraphrase in your own words is far
better than just copying the words of the source text.
4. In your first paragraph, in addition to introducing the passage’s author, title, topic, and the author’s key claim about
the topic, make it clear to your readers that you are about to analyze the passage and explain how the author accom-
plishes his or her persuasive purpose. This can be accomplished in a clear topic sentence.
5. Each sentence should advance your topic and be interesting to your reader.

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Skill Builder: Topic Sentence

DIRECTIONS: Which of the following is the best topic sentence?

1. I agree with the author that the use of motorized boats and watercraft should be limited in freshwater streams and lakes.

2. The author believes that the use of motorized boats and other watercraft should be limited in freshwater ecosystems in
order to decrease pollution.

3. In this essay, I will examine the author’s argument in favor of limiting the use of motorized boats and watercraft in freshwater
streams and lakes.

4. The author introduces her argument with startling statistics on the negative effects of motorized watercraft on freshwater
ecosystems; she then builds on those statistics with careful reasoning to reach the logical conclusion that we should limit
the use of motorized watercraft in freshwater ecosystems.

Answer and Explanation

Of the four sentences presented, choice 4 is the best answer since it states the topic clearly, limits the scope of the essay, and
presents the key points of the analysis. Sentence 4 also implies that the essay writer will expand on these key points in the body
of the essay.

ALERT: Remember that you are writing an analysis of the passage author’s work. You are NOT writing a persuasive
essay on the author’s topic.

Recognizing Effective Introductions

An effective introduction often refers to the subject of the essay, explains the value of the topic, or attracts the attention of the 251
reader by giving a pertinent illustration. Ineffective beginnings often contain unrelated material, ramble, and lack clarity.
Chapter 6

Skill Builder: Effective Introductions The SAT®

Essay

DIRECTIONS: Examine the following excerpts from five introductory paragraphs and decide whether each is effective
or ineffective. Be able to defend your decision.

1. The pollution of freshwater streams and lakes has become a pretty big problem in the United States. Part of the problem is
due to the unrestricted use of motorized boats and other stuff. I mostly agree with the author that something needs to be
done about it, but I don’t know that you should tell people where they can drive their boats.
2. Freshwater lakes and streams are popular recreational destinations for many Americans. These bodies of water are also
the principal ecosystems of many different animals and plants. In her essay, “Bringing Fresh Back to Freshwater Lakes and
Streams,” activist River Pura makes the claim that the unrestricted use of motorized watercraft is to blame for polluting these
ecosystems.
3. River Pura makes a very persuasive argument to persuade her audience that motorized boats should be restricted in fresh-
water streams and lakes. She persuades her audience with some facts and emotional appeals.
4. The author makes an argument to persuade her audience about what she is thought about. It’s pollution.
5. Pollution in freshwater ecosystems has been growing over the past decade. Author River Pura, in her essay titled “Bringing
Fresh Back to Freshwater Streams and Lakes,” claims that motorized watercraft are the primary source of that pollution.
While Pura presents her readers with startling statistical information, her argument is anticlimactic and builds to no logical
conclusion.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answers and Explanations
1. Ineffective. This paragraph is focused on the topic of the source text, not on the author’s writing. Although the prompt spe-
cifically says not to present opinions on the topic, the writer states that he or she “mostly agrees” with the passage author.
Also, the writer uses vague, informal expressions: “pretty big” and “mostly agree.”
2. Effective. This paragraph effectively introduces the author, the passage title, and the topic. The paragraph also identifies the
author’s key claim and begins to analyze the author’s work.
3. Ineffective. While this paragraph identifies the author’s key claim, nonspecific phrases like “some facts” and “emotional appeal”
weaken the paragraph. Also, the writer uses three different forms of the word persuade, which sounds repetitious.
4. Ineffective. The paragraph does not introduce the author, the passage title, or the author’s key claim. It does not explain that
the writer is going to analyze the passage. The writing is poorly constructed and misuses verb tense.
5. Effective. This paragraph clearly introduces the source text, highlights the author’s key claim, and explains how the passage
author fails to build an effective argument.

DEVELOPING YOUR IDEAS

The heart of your essay is the development, or middle paragraphs. In these paragraphs, you must use explanations, details, and
examples from the source text to support the main ideas in your essay. All the sentences in the development paragraphs must
explain and support your analysis of the source text and must not digress.

In the limited time you have on the Essay section of the SAT®, you can take only 15 to 20 minutes to write the body of your essay. In
this time, you need to support your analysis of the author’s work with careful reasoning, and back up your analysis with evidence
from the source text. Your writing must be coherent, logical, unified, and organized.

Avoid the following three pitfalls in the development of your essay:

252 1. Using sentences that are irrelevant and contain extraneous material
2. Using sentences that do not follow a logical sequence of thought but seem to jump from one idea to another
Chapter 6 3. Using sentences that do not relate to the topic sentence or do not flow from the preceding sentence

The SAT®
Essay Using Transitions
The successful writer uses transitional words and phrases to connect thoughts and provide a logical sequence of ideas. Become
familiar with the following list of transitions and use them in your practice essays. They will help make your writing smoother:

therefore for example nevertheless

first of all in any case but

then consequently still

moreover for instance yet

second on the other hand also

indeed of course in addition

however finally furthermore

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Skill Builder: Using Transitions

DIRECTIONS: In the following three samples, the transition is missing. Supply a transitional word or phrase that will allow
the second sentence to follow smoothly or logically from the first.

1. Freshwater ecosystems hold only 0.01% of Earth’s water supply. Over half of the people on Earth live near freshwater
ecosystems.
2. Human activity comprises the primary threat to freshwater ecosystems. Damming lakes, extracting water, and filling shallow
wetlands all lead to the destruction of these ecosystems.
3. Constructing dams and levees can lead to a significant loss of habitat for land animals and plant species. The restricted
water flow changes natural water temperatures and impacts marine life.

Answers and Explanations

1. The sentences require a transition that indicates contrast, such as yet, but, however, still, although and either . . . or.
Although freshwater ecosystems hold only 0.01% of Earth’s water supply, over half of the people on Earth live near these
ecosystems.
2. These sentences require a transition that indicates an example is to follow.
Human activity comprises the primary threat to freshwater ecosystems; for example, damming lakes, extracting water, and
filling shallow wetlands all lead to the destruction of these ecosystems.
3. These sentences require a transition that indicates additional information is to follow.
The construction of dams and levees can lead to a significant loss of habitat for land animals and plant species. Furthermore,
the restricted water flow changes natural water temperatures and impacts marine life.

Writing Effectively 253

There are three important elements that will be considered in scoring an SAT® essay: Chapter 6

1. Reading The SAT®

Essay
2. Analysis
3. Writing

Essays are scored according to how well they meet these three basic criteria. To improve an essay you are writing, ask yourself
these questions:

Reading
•  Does my essay demonstrate a thorough understanding of the source text?
•  Does my essay identify the author’s key claims?
•  Does my essay explain how the author uses evidence to support his or her key claims?
•  Does my essay effectively use evidence from the source text?

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Analysis
•  Does my essay offer an in-depth evaluation of the author’s use of evidence in building and supporting an argument?
•  Does my essay offer an in-depth evaluation of the author’s use of stylistic or persuasive language features to build and
support his or her argument?
•  Does my essay use supporting evidence from the passage that is relevant and focused on my task (analyzing the
passage)?

Writing
•  Does my essay include a precise central claim that is supported with body paragraphs?
•  Does my essay include an effective introduction and a strong conclusion?
•  Does my essay incorporate a variety of sentence structures? Is each of my sentences clearly written? Does each sentence
flow well?
•  Is my essay virtually error-free in spelling, grammar, usage, and mechanics?

WRITING THE CONCLUSION

Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, once gave some very good advice for writers. He said, “When you come to the
end, stop!”

When you come to the end of your ideas, stop writing the development—and begin writing your conclusion. You can’t just end your
essay with your last development paragraph. You need to draw your comments together in a strong, clear concluding paragraph.

254 A good concluding paragraph for your essay should assure your scorers that you have successfully read, understood, and analyzed
the source text. You should be able to do this in three to six sentences written in 3 to 4 minutes. The following are three possible
ways to end your essay:
Chapter 6
1. Through a restatement of your most important or most central idea
The SAT® 2. Through a summary of the material covered in the essay
Essay
3. Through a clear statement about the effectiveness of the passage author’s work

Keep in mind that a good conclusion is an integral part of your essay. It may be a review or a restatement, or it may leave your
readers with an intriguing question to think about (one that is closely related to your essay, of course). In any case, your conclusion
must be strong, clear, and effective.

What Not to Say in Your Conclusion

Just as there are good techniques, there are also some very ineffective methods that essay writers may be tempted to use in
drawing a composition to a close. Try to avoid falling into the following three traps:

1. Apologizing for your inability to more thoroughly analyze the passage in the allotted time
2. Complaining that the source text did not interest you or that you don’t think it was fair to be asked to write an analysis
of the source text without giving your own opinions on the topic
3. Introducing material that you will not develop, rambling on about nonpertinent matters, using material that is trite
or unrelated, or making a sarcastic joke that indicates your disdain for the topic you just spent 50 minutes writing
about

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Recognizing Effective Conclusions

Remember that an effective concluding paragraph may restate or summarize main idea(s) in your essay, draw a logical conclusion,
or offer a strong opinion about the effectiveness of the author’s work. An ineffective final paragraph introduces new material in a
scanty fashion, apologizes for the ineffectiveness of your essay, or is illogical or unclear. Use the following skill-builder exercises
to test yourself.

Skill Builder: Effective Conclusions

DIRECTIONS: Why are the following sentences ineffective in a concluding paragraph?

1. I wish I had more time to write a better, more in-depth analysis, but I find that in the allotted time this is all that I could do.
2. Although I have not mentioned this before, my family enjoys boating on freshwater lakes. We often pick up litter from the
water in the hopes of decreasing pollution.
3. This passage was incredibly difficult to understand, and I felt like the author droned on and on about nothing.

DIRECTIONS: Examine the following five excerpts from concluding paragraphs and decide whether each is effective or
ineffective.

4. That’s all I have to say about the topic. I know I’m not an expert, but at least this is an actual analysis of the work. I also used
a lot of supporting details from the source text. So, I think you should give me at least a 3.
5. While River Pura is a passionate spokesperson for freshwater ecosystems, her argument for limiting the use of motorized
watercraft lacks cohesion. Furthermore, a careful examination of the issue shows that motorized watercraft are not the
main cause of pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Had Pura taken the time to structure her impassioned pleas around valid
statistical evidence, her argument would be stronger. 255
6. I forgot to mention earlier that the author uses a variety of descriptive words and phrases to appeal to the emotions of
readers. She also uses figurative language and makes some illusions to other articles the reader may have read. Chapter 6
7. Protecting the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems is a topic of importance for all of those who depend upon these
The SAT®
ecosystems for survival. River Pura makes a solid case for the restriction of motorized watercraft in freshwater areas. Pura Essay
begins her argument with startling facts and statistics designed to capture the reader’s attention. She then moves into a
well-reasoned discourse that effectively negates any counter-claims opponents might make.
8. In conclusion, the author makes a pretty good case for protecting freshwater ecosystems. However, most people I know
aren’t going to stop boating because an environmentalist says they should.

Answers and Explanations

1. Ineffective. Don’t apologize for doing a poor job. (Maybe your essay is better than you think. And if it is bad, why would you
want to call attention to its weaknesses?) Also, don’t blame the fact that you did a poor job on the time limit.
2. Ineffective. Don’t include asides like this anywhere in your essay—but especially not in your conclusion. You’re supposed to
be concluding your analysis, not cramming in extra details that are only loosely related to the topic.
3. Ineffective. Do not complain about the task in the conclusion. Your essay should maintain a formal tone throughout.
4. Ineffective. Do not speak directly to or “butter up” the scorers in your concluding paragraph. Maintain a formal tone.
5. Effective. This paragraph sums up the key points of the analysis and states the essay writer’s opinion of the passage author’s
persuasive writing.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 6. Ineffective. Do not introduce new ideas into a concluding paragraph. If you have more information to add that would improve
or add depth to your analysis, consider adding another body paragraph. Also, the essay writer has misused the word illusion:
he or she should have used allusion.
7. Effective. This paragraph effectively summarizes the key points of the analysis.
8. Ineffective. This paragraph gives only a vague summary of the analysis and offers an opinion that is irrelevant to the essay-
writing task.

THE SCORING RUBRIC FOR THE SAT® ESSAY

The SAT® Essay will be scored based on a 4-point rubric. Points will be awarded in three areas: reading, analysis, and writing. Each
essay will be scored by two graders who will give a score of 1 to 4 in each of the three areas. Scores in each area will be reported
separately from the other two. For example, a test-taker might earn a score of 3/4/3. This means that the test-taker scored 3 out
of 4 points in both reading and writing and 4 out of 4 points in analysis.

All the scorers read the essays against the same rubric developed by the College Board, which administers the SAT®. This rubric
guides the scorers in considering overall impression, development, organization, diction, sentence structure, grammar, usage,
and mechanics. The rubric also directs scorers in evaluating essay writers’ comprehension of the source text, use of relevant evi-
dence from the passage, and their analysis of the passage author’s argument. The scoring guidelines are similar to the following:

Essay Scoring 4 (Advanced)

•  Reading: shows a comprehensive understanding of the source text, including the author’s key claims, use of details and
evidence, and the relationship between the two
•  Analysis: offers an “insightful” and in-depth evaluation of the author’s use of evidence and stylistic or persuasive features
in building an argument; uses relevant supporting details that address the task
256 •  Writing: includes all of the features of a strong essay, including a precise central claim, body paragraphs, and a strong
conclusion; incorporates a variety of sentence structures; is virtually free of all convention errors

Chapter 6
Essay Scoring 3 (Proficient)
The SAT®
Essay •  Reading: shows an appropriate understanding of the source text, including the author’s key claims and use of details
in developing an argument
•  Analysis: offers an effective evaluation of the author’s use of evidence and stylistic or persuasive features in building an
argument; uses appropriate supporting details and evidence that are relevant and focused on the task
•  Writing: includes all of the features of an effective essay, including a precise central claim, body paragraphs, and a strong
conclusion; incorporates a variety of sentence structures and is relatively free of common grammatical errors

Essay Scoring 2 (Partial)

•  Reading: shows some understanding of the source text, including the author’s key claims; uses limited textual evidence;
incorporates unimportant details
•  Analysis: offers a limited evaluation of the author’s use of evidence and stylistic or persuasive features in building an
argument; supporting details are lacking and/or irrelevant to task
•  Writing: does not provide a precise central claim, nor an effective introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion;
incorporates little variety of sentence structures and contains numerous errors in grammar and conventions

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Essay Scoring 1 (Inadequate)
•  Reading: demonstrates little or no understanding of the source text or the author’s use of key claims
•  Analysis: offers no clear evaluation of the author’s use of evidence and stylistic or persuasive features in building an
argument; supporting details and evidence are nonexistent or irrelevant to task
•  Writing: lacks any form of cohesion or structure; incorporates little variety in sentence structure and includes significant
errors in convention that make it difficult to read

Read the rubric several times. As you practice writing essays for the SAT®, keep this rubric in mind. As you write each essay, try to
focus on one or two qualities of good writing that the rubric measures. After you have finished writing your essay, come back to
the rubric and see how your essay measures up.

Use the following table to help you. Give yourself anywhere from 1 to 4 points for each quality of good writing.

PRACTICE TEST SCORING TABLE

Reading: __________
Analysis: __________
Writing: __________
Final Score: __________ / __________ / __________

EXERCISE: PRACTICING YOUR ESSAY SKILLS

Use the following prompt to practice writing an effective essay. Carefully read the prompt and write a response. Make use of the
effective writing techniques discussed in this chapter. Use the scoring rubric to evaluate your work. Then read and evaluate the
three sample responses.
257
As you read the passage below, consider how the writer uses the following:
Chapter 6
•  Evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims
The SAT®
Essay
•  Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence

•  Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice, emotional appeal, intellectual appeal, or
ethical appeal, to add power to the ideas expressed

Henry Clay (1777–1852) served several terms in Congress and was Secretary of State in 1825. In the following speech, given in 1818, he
argues that the United States should support South America in gaining independence from Spain.

The Emancipation of South America

1 Spain has undoubtedly given us abundant and just cause for war. But it is not every cause of war that should lead to
war. . . . If we are to have war with Spain, I have, however, no hesitation in saying that no mode of bringing it about
could be less fortunate than that of seizing, at this time, upon her adjoining province. There was a time, under certain
circumstances, when we might have occupied East Florida with safety; had we then taken it, our posture in the
negotiation with Spain would have been totally different from what it is.

2 But we have permitted that time, not with my consent, to pass by unimproved. If we were now to seize upon Florida after
a great change in those circumstances, and after declaring our intention to acquiesce in the procrastination desired by
Spain, in what light should we be viewed by foreign powers—particularly Great Britain? We have already been accused

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 of inordinate ambition, and of seeking to aggrandize ourselves by an extension, on all sides, of our limits. Should we not,
by such an act of violence, give color to the accusation? No, Mr. Chairman; if we are to be involved in a war with Spain, let
us have the credit of disinterestedness. Let us put her yet more in the wrong. Let us command the respect which is never
withheld from those who act a noble and generous part. I hope to communicate to the committee the conviction which I
so strongly feel, that the adoption of the amendment which I intend to propose would not hazard, in the slightest degree,
the peace of the country… .

3 In contemplating the great struggle in which Spanish America is now engaged, our attention is fixed first by the
immensity and character of the country which Spain seeks again to subjugate. Stretching on the Pacific Ocean from about
the fortieth degree of north latitude to about the fifty-fifth degree of south latitude, and extending from the mouth of the
Rio del Norte (exclusive of East Florida), around the Gulf of Mexico and along the South Atlantic to near Cape Horn, it is
nearly five thousand miles in length, and in some places nearly three thousand in breadth… .

4 Throughout all the extent of that great portion of the world which I have attempted thus hastily to describe, the spirit
of revolt against the dominion of Spain has manifested itself. The Revolution has been attended with various degrees of
success in the several parts of Spanish America. In some it has been already crowned, as I shall endeavor to show, with
complete success, and in all I am persuaded that independence has struck such deep root, that the power of Spain can
never eradicate it. What are the causes of this great movement?

5 Three hundred years ago, upon the ruins of the thrones of Montezuma and the Incas of Peru, Spain erected the most
stupendous system of colonial despotism that the world has ever seen—the most vigorous, the most exclusive. The great
principle and object of this system have been to render one of the largest portions of the world exclusively subservient, in
all its faculties, to the interests of an inconsiderable spot in Europe….

6 Thus upon the ground of strict right, upon the footing of a mere legal question, governed by forensic rules, the Colonies,
being absolved by the acts of the parent country from the duty of subjection to it, had an indisputable right to set up for
themselves. But I take a broader and a bolder position. I maintain that an oppressed people are authorized, whenever
they can, to rise and break their fetters. This was the great principle of the English Revolution. It was the great principle of
our own… .
258 7 In the establishment of the independence of Spanish America, the United States have the deepest interest. I have no
hesitation in asserting my firm belief that there is no question in the foreign policy of this country, which has ever arisen,
Chapter 6 or which I can conceive as ever occurring, in the decision of which we have had or can have so much at stake. This interest
concerns our politics, our commerce, our navigation… .
The SAT®
Essay 8 I would invoke the spirits of our departed fathers. Was it for yourselves only that you nobly fought? No, no! It was the
chains that were forging for your posterity that made you fly to arms, and, scattering the elements of these chains to the
winds, you transmitted to us the rich inheritance of liberty.

Write an essay in which you explain how Henry Clay builds an argument to persuade his audience that
the United States should support South America in its efforts to secure freedom from Spain. In your essay,
analyze how Clay uses one or more of the features previously listed (or features of your own choice) to
strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most
relevant aspects of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with Clay’s claims, but rather explain how he builds
an argument to persuade his audience.

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Use the following scoring guide to help you evaluate Sample Essay 1. Then, read our analysis of the essay, as well as suggestions
for improvement.

Score Point Reading Analysis Writing

The essay shows The essay offers an The essay includes all of the
a comprehensive “insightful” and in-depth features of a strong essay,
understanding of the evaluation of the author’s including a precise central
source text, including the use of evidence and stylistic claim, body paragraphs,
author’s key claims, use or persuasive features in and a strong conclusion.
4
of details and evidence, building an argument. There is a variety of
(Advanced)
and the relationship Supporting details and sentence structures used in
between the two. evidence are relevant and the essay, and it is virtually
focus on those details that free of all convention errors.
address the task.

The essay shows an The essay offers an The essay includes all
appropriate understanding “effective” evaluation of the of the features of an
of the source text, author’s use of evidence effective essay, including
including the author’s key and stylistic or persuasive a precise central claim,
claims and use of details in features in building an body paragraphs, and a
3
developing an argument. argument. Supporting strong conclusion. There
(Proficient)
details and evidence are is a variety of sentence
appropriate and focus structures used in the essay,
on those details that and it is free of significant
address the task. convention errors.
259
The essay shows some The essay offers limited The essay does not provide
understanding of the evaluation of the author’s a precise central claim, Chapter 6
source text, including use of evidence and nor does it provide an
The SAT®
the author’s key claims, stylistic or persuasive effective introduction, Essay
but uses limited textual features in building an body paragraphs, and
2
evidence and/or argument. Supporting conclusion. There is
(Partial)
unimportant details. details and evidence are little variety of sentence
lacking and/or are not structure used in the essay,
relevant to the task. and there are numerous
errors in grammar
and conventions.

The essay demonstrates The essay offers no clear The essay lacks any form
little or no understanding evaluation of the author’s of cohesion or structure.
of the source text or the use of evidence and There is little variety
author’s use of key claims. stylistic or persuasive of sentence structures,
features in building an and significant errors
1
argument. Supporting in convention make it
(Inadequate)
details and evidence are difficult to read.
nonexistent or irrelevant
to the task.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Sample Essay 1

In his speech to Congress, Henry Clay emphasizes the importance of supporting South America in their revolt against Spain. Clay
begins his argument by talking about the significance of the state of Florida, which isn’t actually a state yet. Clay urges Congress
not to invade Florida (which apparently has been captured by Spain) because it would make the U.S. look bad. Clay’s goal is for
Spain to be “in the wrong” and for the U.S. to “command the respect which is never withheld from those who act a noble and
generous part.”

Clay goes on to remind his listeners that the majority of South America is already involved in a Revolution against Spain. This
is a key point of persuasion. Finally, Clay makes the comparison between the Revolution in South America and the Revolution
against Great Britain. He even goes so far as to “invoke the spirits of our departed fathers” and uses other images like “fly to arms”
and “the rich inheritance of liberty.” While Clay’s argument is okay, it’s long-winded and focuses too much on emotional appeal.

Analysis of Sample Essay 1

This response scored a 2/2/2.

•  Reading—2: The writer demonstrates some comprehension of the source text. In the first paragraph, the writer conveys
the basic central claim—the importance of supporting South America in their revolt against Spain. The writer also shows
a partial understanding of Clay’s position on Florida—Clay’s goal is for Spain to be “in the wrong”—but does not effectively
tie it to the central claim. In the following paragraph, the writer correctly identifies Clay’s comparison of the South
American Revolution to the U.S. Revolution. However, there is little demonstration of the relationship between the
central claim and the supporting details. Overall, the writer shows a partial understanding of the source text.
•  Analysis—2: The response offers a limited analysis of the source text, showing only partial understanding of the task.
The writer mentions the significance of the state of Florida but then does not elaborate on this significance or explain
how Florida’s significance contributes to Clay’s argument. In the second paragraph, the writer makes note of a key point
260 of persuasion; however, there is no further discussion of why South America’s revolution against Spain is a key point of
persuasion. Furthermore, the writer does not develop the effect of Clay’s comparison of the South American Revolution
to the U.S. Revolution. While the writer includes the use of emotional appeal in the analysis, there is no explanation of
Chapter 6
it. Overall, this response is only a partially successful analysis.
The SAT® •  Writing—2: This response reflects limited cohesion and some skill in the use of language. There is no precise central
Essay claim, nor is there an effective introduction and conclusion. Phrases like isn’t actually a state yet and which apparently
has been captured by Spain use an informal, almost flippant tone. Calling the source text long-winded is subjective and
inappropriate for a formal analysis. Overall, this response represents a partially developed essay.

Suggestions for Improvement

1. The response needs a clearly developed introduction that establishes the topic and presents a precise central claim.
While the first paragraph makes a start, a precise central claim should briefly summarize the key points that the writer
will make in his or her analysis.
2. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that summarizes the key point of the paragraph. For instance,
the writer could begin the second paragraph with the sentence: Clay begins his argument with reason rather than
rhetoric, logically appealing to those who are hesitant to engage in open warfare.
3. The use of evidence from the source text should directly support key aspects of the essay writer’s analysis. Look at this
sentence from paragraph 2 of Sample Essay 1: He even goes so far as to “invoke the spirits of our departed fathers”
and uses other images like “fly to arms” and “the rich inheritance of liberty.” The quotations here do not support the
writer’s analysis of the source text. A better use of quotations might be:

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 Clay uses emotionally powerful language as a persuasive tool in making the correlation between the U.S. quest for
independence from Great Britain and South America’s quest for independence from Spain. He wants to inspire the
same passionate support for South America’s struggle that most of his listeners feel about their own country’s revo-
lution, so he uses emotional phrases like “invoke the spirits of our departed fathers,” “fly to arms,” and “rich inheritance of
liberty.”
4. The response should include a strong conclusion that restates the thesis, recaps the most important parts of the
analysis, or leaves the reader with a final thought. The conclusion should provide a sense of closure on the topic.
5. All SAT® essays should maintain a formal and objective tone. The writer should limit the use of contractions and refrain
from using derogatory adjectives like long-winded to describe the source text.

Sample Essay 2

In Henry Clay’s 1818 address to Congress, he is building an argument to persuade his listeners to support South America in their
revolution against Spain. He builds his argument in three different ways. Clay demonstrates an understanding of his audience,
underscores the action that they need to take, and closes with an emotional appeal for liberty by referencing the Revolutionary War.

Clay begins building his argument by demonstrating an understanding of his audience. He demonstrates an understanding of his
audience when he assures them at the outset of his speech that he is not calling for open warfare against Spain. This is significant
because many members of Congress still remembered the bloodshed from the Revolutionary War. Clay reassures his audience
and seeks to get them on his side by stating “it is not every cause of war that should lead to war.” Once Congresses minds are put
at ease, Clay can move onto talking about his central claim.

After Clay reassures his listeners, he then attempts to underscore the amount of involvement they would have to take in the
conflict. He is seeking to minimize the nature of the conflict in order to win support for it. Clay says that, “The Revolution has
been attended with various degrees of success in the several parts of Spanish America. In some it has been already crowned, as
I shall endeavor to show, with complete success.  . . .”

Finally, Clay seeks to draw a parallel for his listeners between the revolution they had recently won and the revolution being fought
261
in South America. This is his emotional appeal. Clay is telling his listeners, “Remember your fight for independence? Remember
how greatly you desired freedom? This is the same thing.” By getting his listeners to remember how passionately they desired Chapter 6
freedom from Great Britain, he is hoping to sway their emotions in favor of supporting South America against Spain.
The SAT®
Essay
Henry Clay uses logic, minimizing, and emotional appeal to build an argument. He shows that he understands his audience and
seeks to give them what they need so that they will agree with him.

Analysis of Sample Essay 2

This essay scored a 3/3/3.

•  Reading—3: This response demonstrates effective understanding of the source text with appropriate use of evidence
through the analysis. In the second paragraph, the author discusses Clay’s understanding of his audience and what the
audience most fears. Although the source text does not refer explicitly to this fear, the writer picks up on it from a careful
reading of the passage. In the next paragraph, the writer cites and discusses a claim Clay makes that supporting South
America requires a minimal response. Finally, the last body paragraph paraphrases Clay’s emotional call to remember
the principles that guided the American Revolution. The writer shows an effective understanding of both the central
idea and important details.
•  Analysis—3: The writer shows an effective understanding of the task by identifying three ways Clay builds his argument
(Clay demonstrates an understanding of his audience, underscores the action that they need to take, and closes with an
emotional appeal . . .) and then elaborating on each point in the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph carefully eval-
uates how pieces of evidence from the source text, the author’s use of reasoning, or stylistic or persuasive features are

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 used to develop an argument. For example, in the final body paragraph the writer claims that Clay is getting his listeners
to remember how passionately they desired freedom from Great Britain and explains that this is to sway their emotions in
favor of supporting South America against Spain. The response could have made stronger use of evidence from the text,
offering a direct quote rather than a paraphrase. However, this response shows an effective analysis of the source text
using relevant support.
•  Writing—3: This essay includes most of the features of an effective essay, including a precise central claim and body
paragraphs. The introduction and conclusion lack development, although the introduction presents the central claim
and the conclusion restates it. There is appropriate variety of sentence structure, and the few errors of convention and
grammar do not detract from the overall reading of the response. Overall, this analysis is proficient.

Suggestions for Improvements

1. The author should work to develop a stronger introduction and conclusion. For example, the introduction could
explain the significance of the topic, and the conclusion might provide a final thought or statement.
2. Paragraph 3 could further discuss Clay’s reasons for minimizing the support needed in South America. While the
writer effectively points out Clay’s use of minimization, the importance of this technique to Clay’s argument is not
fully clear.
3. In paragraph 4, the writer paraphrases Clay’s emotional appeal. When discussing an author’s use of emotional language
to persuade listeners to share his point of view or take a certain action, direct quotes from the source text are best.

Sample Essay 3

In 1818, South America was rising in revolt against Spain. Congressman Henry Clay believed that it was in America’s best interest
to support their neighbors to the south. In his speech to the 1818 Congress, Clay builds an argument tailor-made for his audience,
outlining action steps Congress should take while at the same time appealing to their passionate belief in democracy. Through

262
a combination of careful rhetoric, logic, and emotional appeal, Clay hopes to convince Congress to adopt an amendment that
would put the U.S. at war with Spain.

Chapter 6 Clay begins his argument with careful rhetoric designed specifically for his audience. Clay understands that some may be thinking
of the bloodshed of the American Revolution and have no desire to engage in another war. “It is not every cause of war that
The SAT® should lead to war …” Clay maintains. However, Clay goes on to suggest to his audience that, had they acted prior to this moment
Essay in time, war might have been avoided. In essence, Clay is telling his audience that he does not condone war; however, Congress
has brought about the necessity to engage in war by previous inaction. Clay tells his audience, “There was a time . . . ”when . . .
our posture in the negotiation with Spain would have been totally different . . . ” Yet, Clay maintains, that time has passed. Now
is the time for more heavy-handed action.

Clay furthers the appeal of his argument by insisting that the action steps he proposes would not lead the country into another
violent conflict. Rather, Clay maintains “ . . . ” the adoption of the amendment which I intend to propose would not hazard, in the
slightest degree, the peace of the country.  . . . ” He uses logic to reason that, because of the size of South America, and because of
the success that some South American people have already had in their fight against Spain, the revolution in some areas is already
“a complete success.” Therefore, Clay is demonstrating to his audience that supporting his amendment poses no risk to them.

Finally, Clay uses an emotional appeal to ultimately convince Congress to pass the amendment. Clay draws a parallel between
the ideals of freedom and democracy that underscored the fight for American independence and the ideals of freedom and
democracy that are bolstering the fight in South America. His emotional appeal is summed up in the last paragraph of the speech:
“I would invoke the spirits of our departed fathers. Was it for yourselves only that you nobly fought? No, no! It was the chains that
were forging for your posterity that made you fly to arms . . . ””

Speaking to Congress of the imminent threat of Spain, Henry Clay seeks to persuade his listeners to pass an amendment that
would essentially put the fledgling nation at war with another European nation. With careful rhetoric, logic, and emotional appeals,
Clay seeks to convince his listeners that freedom is something for which one should always be willing to fight.

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 Analysis of Sample Essay 3

This essay scored a 4/4/4.

•  Reading—4: This response demonstrates thorough understanding of the source text with skillful use of paraphrases
and direct quotations. The writer briefly summarizes the main idea of Clay’s argument (Clay believed that it was in America’s
best interest to support their neighbors to the south) and presents many details from the text, including Clay’s reflection
that Congress had an opportunity to negotiate with Spain but missed it, to demonstrate why Clay’s argument is signif-
icant. There are few long direct quotations from the source text. Instead, the author accurately and precisely paraphrases
the key points of the speech.
•  Analysis—4: The writer demonstrates an insightful understanding of the task by identifying three ways Clay builds his
argument (Through a combination of careful rhetoric, logic, and emotional appeal . . .) and then elaborating on each point
in the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph carefully evaluates how pieces of evidence from the source text, the
author’s use of reasoning, or stylistic or persuasive features are used to develop an argument. For example, in the final
body paragraph the writer claims that Clay “draws a parallel between the ideals of freedom and democracy that under-
scored the fight for American independence and the ideals of freedom and democracy that are bolstering the fight in
South America.” The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of both the source text and its effect on the
audience.
•  Writing—4: This essay is cohesive and shows an effective command of language, including a precise central claim and
body paragraphs. The introduction and conclusion are well developed. There is ample variety of sentence structures
and no errors of convention and grammar that detract from the overall reading of the response. Overall, this analysis
shows advanced writing proficiency.

ADDITIONAL ESSAY WRITING PRACTICE

For more practice, carefully read the following prompt and source text. Then write an analysis of the passage. Score your analytical
response using the rubric provided. 263
As you read the passage below, consider how the writer uses the following: Chapter 6

•  Evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims The SAT®

Essay
•  Reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence

•  Stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice, emotional appeal, intellectual appeal, and ethical
appeal, to add power to the ideas expressed

Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world.
The park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s
Ridley sea turtle and a haven for 380 bird species. It also has a rich history, including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.

The Importance of the 1554 Shipwrecks

1 In April, 1554, three Spanish naos (a type of cargo and passenger ship similar to Columbus’s Santa Maria) went aground
on Padre Island following a storm that had blown them across the Gulf of Mexico from the coast of Cuba. At the time this
was the greatest disaster to ever befall the Spanish fleet in the New World. Tons of treasure bound for Spain was lost in
addition to the lives of approximately three hundred passengers and crew who died from hunger, thirst, and attacks by
natives as they attempted to walk back to the port of Vera Cruz.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 2 But the story of the 1554 shipwreck does not end there, nor does it end with the conclusion of the salvage operations that
took place later that year. As with any important historical event, its effects resonate through the centuries and can still be
felt today—if one looks for them.

3 First of all, the wrecks were the first documented occurrence of Europeans on the island and one of the first occurrences
of Europeans in what was to become Texas. The salvage operation was the first documented instance of Europeans
intentionally coming to the island and staying for an extended period.

4 Second, the three ships that wrecked (the Santa Maria de Yciar, the Espiritu Santo, and the San Esteban) are the oldest
shipwrecks ever found in North America (excluding the Caribbean and Latin America).

5 Third, when the remains of the ships were discovered in 1967, a private company called Platoro, Ltd. began excavating
them. This set off a long legal battle over ownership of the remains, as Texas had no laws governing antiquities at the
time. In the long run, the state won its case and the remains were turned over to the National Park Service, which has
transferred curation of the artifacts to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, where they may now be viewed.

6 Historian and Marine Archeologist Dr. Donald Keith, President of the Ships of Discovery at the Corpus Christi Museum of
Science and History, notes that:

7 “The 1554 shipwrecks are important for a lot of reasons. The ‘mining’ of them by Platoro caused the state of Texas to realize
that shipwrecks and archaeological sites in general are important, and the property of the people and the state. They are
cultural resources that have to be cared for. Some of the earliest experiments in the conservation of artifacts from the
sea were done on the objects and hull remains that were recovered from the sites that Platoro and the State worked.  . . .
The Platoro conflict did lead to the establishment of the Texas Antiquities Committee, which led to the Texas Historical
Commission, which led to the discovery and excavation of La Belle [the ship of the French explorer La Salle, found on the
Texas coast within the past few years] among other accomplishments.”

8 This third and last effect on our present society is undoubtedly the most important, because it resulted in new Texas laws
to protect archeological resources. These laws follow the federal Antiquities Act in spirit, which gives federal agencies
custody of relics found within their jurisdictions so that they may be properly protected and studied. Thus, instead of
264 ending up in private collections where they become curiosities for a fortunate few, the knowledge derived from the
artifacts goes to the public in the form of publications and exhibits in museums and on websites.

Chapter 6 9 Bits and pieces of the 1554 wrecks and many other historical events still wash up on the island or can be found emerging
from the sands. If you discover something, please remember that the right thing to do is leave it where it is and report it
The SAT® to us, so that we may conduct a proper archeological dig and learn more about the rich history of the island and share our
Essay
findings (and yours) with the world.

Write an essay in which you explain how the writer builds an argument to persuade his or her audience
of the importance of the 1554 shipwrecks. In your essay, analyze how the author uses one or more of the
features listed previously (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness
of his/her argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant aspects of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with the writer’s claims, but rather explain how the
writer builds an argument to persuade his or her audience.

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Score Point Reading Analysis Writing

The essay shows The essay offers an The essay includes all
a comprehensive “insightful” and in-depth of the features of a
understanding of the evaluation of the author’s strong essay, including
source text, including the use of evidence and stylistic a precise central claim,
author’s key claims, use of or persuasive features in body paragraphs, and a
4 details and evidence, and building an argument. strong conclusion. There
(Advanced) the relationship between Supporting details and is a variety of sentence
the two. evidence are relevant and structures used in the
focus on those details that essay, and it is virtually
address the task. free of all convention
errors.

The essay shows an The essay offers an The essay includes all
appropriate understanding “effective” evaluation of the of the features of an
of the source text, including author’s use of evidence effective essay, including
the author’s key claims and and stylistic or persuasive a precise central claim,
use of details in developing features in building an body paragraphs, and a
3 an argument. argument. Supporting strong conclusion. There
(Proficient) details and evidence are is a variety of sentence
appropriate and focus structures used in the essay,
on those details that and it is free of significant
address the task. convention errors.

The essay shows some The essay offers limited The essay does not provide 265
understanding of the evaluation of the author’s a precise central claim,
source text, including use of evidence and stylistic nor does it provide an Chapter 6
the author’s key claims, or persuasive features in effective introduction,
but uses limited textual building an argument. body paragraphs, and The SAT®
2 evidence and/or Supporting details and conclusion. There is
Essay
(Partial) unimportant details. evidence are lacking and/or little variety of sentence
are not relevant to the task. structure used in the essay,
and there are numerous
errors in grammar
and conventions.

The essay demonstrates The essay offers no clear The essay lacks any form of
little or no understanding evaluation of the author’s cohesion or structure. There
of the source text or the use of evidence and stylistic is little variety of sentence
author’s use of key claims. or persuasive features in structures, and significant
1 building an argument. errors in convention make
(Inadequate) Supporting details and it difficult to read.
evidence are nonexistent or
irrelevant to the task.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SUMMING IT UP
•  Remember that your essay should not explain whether you agree with the author’s claims, but, rather, it should explain how
the author builds an argument to persuade his or her audience.

•  SAT® essays are scored based on how well they meet the following three criteria:
1. Reading—Does the essay demonstrate a thorough understanding of the source text, identify the author’s key claims
and explain how he or she uses evidence to support them, and use evidence from the source text effectively?

2. Analysis—Does the essay offer in-depth evaluations of the author’s use of evidence and stylistic or persuasive lan-
guage features to build and support his or her argument? Does the essay include relevant supporting evidence from
the passage to aid in its analysis?

3. Writing—Does the essay include an effective introduction, a precise central claim supported by body paragraphs,
and a strong conclusion? Does the essay include a variety of clearly written sentences that flow well together? Is the
essay mostly error-free in grammar, usage, and mechanics?

•  Practice pacing yourself so that you are able to get your ideas down on paper in a complete, coherent, and unified essay.
•  Prewriting should take 10 to 15 minutes. Use this time to:
ºº Identify and underline the author’s key claims

ºº Find and then circle or highlight specific evidence the author uses to support his or her key claims

ºº Take notes on ways the author has used logic, reasoning, and rhetoric (persuasive language techniques), and evidence
to convince readers that his or her key claims are valid

•  Writing the introduction should take 4 to 5 minutes. Keep these five ideas in mind:
1. Keep the key words and phrases of the prompt in mind.
266 2. Be sincere, clear, and straightforward. Avoid being cute, funny, ironic, satiric, overly emotional, or too dramatic.
3. Paraphrase key claims from the source text.
Chapter 6 4. Write a clear topic sentence that introduces the passage’s author, title, topic and the author’s key claim about the topic,
and makes it clear to your readers that you are about to analyze the passage and explain how the author accomplishes
The SAT®
his or her persuasive purpose.
Essay
5. Write sentences that advance the topic and interest the reader.

•  Writing the body of the essay should take 15 to 20 minutes. Support your analysis of the author’s work with careful
reasoning, and back up your analysis with evidence from the source text. Your writing must be coherent, logical, unified,
and organized.

•  Writing the conclusion should take 3 to 4 minutes. A good concluding paragraph should assure your scorers that you have
successfully read, understood, and analyzed the source text. There are three possible ways to end your essay:

1. Through a restatement of your most important or most central idea

2. Through a summary of the material covered in the essay

3. Through a clear statement about the effectiveness of the passage author’s work

•  Revising (3 to 5 minutes) and proofing (3 to 5 minutes) are important steps in the writing process. Be sure to leave yourself
enough time to polish your essay, even though it is considered a first draft by the test graders.

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ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More?

Access more practice questions, valuable lessons, helpful tips, and expert strategies for the following essay writing topics in
Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  Avoiding Common Errors

•  Effective Style in Essays
•  Essay Scoring
•  Essay Writing Method
•  Organize and Develop Ideas
•  Putting It All Together

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

267
Chapter 6

The SAT®
Essay

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

part vi: math strategies
 for the sat ®

Chapter 7:  Multiple-Choice Math

Chapter 8:  Grid-In Strategies
Chapter 9:  Numbers and Operations
Chapter 10:  Basic Algebra
Chapter 11:  Geometry
Chapter 12:  Functions and Intermediate Algebra
Chapter 13:  Data Analysis
 Chapter 7:
Multiple-Choice Math

OVERVIEW
Why Multiple-Choice Math Is Easier
Question Format
Solving Multiple-Choice Math Questions
Know When to Use Your Calculator
Learn the Most Important Multiple-Choice
Math Tips
Exercises: Multiple-Choice Math
Summing It Up

WHY MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH IS EASIER 271

How can one kind of math possibly be easier than another? SAT® multiple-choice math is easier than the math tests you take Chapter 7
in class because the answers are right there in front of you. As you know from taking other standardized tests, multiple-choice
questions always give you the answer. You just have to figure out which answer is the correct one. So even if you aren’t sure and Multiple-
have to guess, you can use estimating to narrow your choices and improve your odds. Choice Math

The questions in each multiple-choice math section are arranged from easiest to most difficult. The questions don’t stick to one
content area. They jump around from algebra to geometry to advanced math to data analysis to statistics and back to algebra
in no particular pattern.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 QUESTION FORMAT
On the SAT® Math test, each set of multiple-choice math questions starts with directions and a reference section that look like this:

DIRECTIONS: For Questions 1–30, solve each problem, select the best answer from the choices provided, and fill in the
corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For Questions 31–38, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid on
the answer sheet. The directions before Question 31 will provide information on how to enter your answers in the grid.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

•  The use of a calculator is permitted (In the Math Test—No Calculator section, this will say: “The use of a calculator is not
permitted.)

•  All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
•  Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
•  All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
•  Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which is f(x) is a real number.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a2 + b2 = c2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based

272 Solid:
r h
Pyramid:

w
h
l r h
Chapter 7 V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
Multiple- 4 1
w
Choice Math V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
3 3 V = lwh
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

The information in the reference section should all be familiar to you from your schoolwork. Know that it’s there in case you need
it. But remember: the formulas themselves aren’t the answers to any problems. You have to know when to use them and how
to apply them.

Some multiple-choice questions ask to solve a given equation or system of equations, while others are presented in the form of
word problems. Some include graphs, charts, or tables that you will be asked to interpret. All of the questions have four answer
choices. These choices are arranged in order when the answers are numbers, usually from smallest to largest, but occasionally
from largest to smallest.

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SOLVING MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH QUESTIONS
These five steps will help you solve multiple-choice math questions:

1. Read the question carefully and determine what’s being asked.

2. Decide which math principles apply and use them to solve the problem.

3. Look for your answer among the choices. If it’s there, mark it and go on.

4. If the answer you found is not there, recheck the question and your calculations.

5. If you still can’t solve the problem, eliminate obviously wrong answers and take your best guess.

Now let’s try out these steps on a couple of SAT®-type multiple-choice math questions.

Example:

Q
15°

x°
P S R
PQ = PS

273
In the figure above, x =
Chapter 7
A. 15°
Multiple-
B. 30° Choice Math

C. 60°

D. 75°

Solution:

1. The problem asks you to find the measure of one angle of right triangle PQR.

2. Two math principles apply: (1) the sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180, and (2)
45-45-90 right triangles have certain special properties. Since PQ = PS, PQS is a 45-45-90 right triangle.
Therefore, angle PQS = 45° and angle PQR = 45 + 15 = 60°. Therefore, angle x = 180 − 90 − 60 = 30°.

3. Look to see if 30° is among the answer choices. You’ll see that it’s choice B. No further steps are needed.
The correct answer is choice B.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Example:

If x and y are negative numbers, which of the following is negative?

A. xy

B. (xy)2

C. (x − y)2

D. x + y

Solution:

1. The problem asks you to pick an answer choice that is a negative number.

2. The principles that apply are those governing operations with signed numbers. Since x and y are negative, choice
A must be positive. As for choices B and C, as long as x and y are not equal to each other, both expressions must
be positive. (If they’re equal, the expression equals zero, and any number other than zero squared gives a positive
result.) Choice D, however, is negative since it represents the sum of two negative numbers.

3. Looking among the answer choices, you can see that the correct answer is choice D. If you have trouble working
with letters, try substituting easy numbers for x and y in each choice.

KNOW WHEN TO USE YOUR CALCULATOR

274 Calculators are allowed in the SAT® Math Test—Calculator section, but you won’t need a calculator to solve any SAT® math ques-
tions. Calculators can be helpful in solving most of the problems, whether you use the calculator for simplifying expressions or
graphing equations. But remember that your calculator is not some sort of magic brain. If you don’t understand the questions in
Chapter 7
the first place, the calculator won’t give you a solution.
Multiple-
Choice Math Most calculators that you would use in class are allowed. It is best to use whichever calculator you are already comfortable using
instead of trying to learn how to use a new one.

The most important thing to remember is to set up your work on paper first, and then plug the information into the calculator.
For example, if you have a question that deals with an equation, set up the equation on your scratch paper. Then make your
number substitutions on the calculator. This way, you always have something to refer to without having to think, “Oh, nuts, how
did I set that up?” as the seconds tick by.

When you use your calculator, check the display each time you enter numbers to make sure you entered them correctly. Make
sure to hit the Clear key after each finished operation; otherwise, it could get ugly.

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LEARN THE MOST IMPORTANT MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH TIPS
You’ve probably heard some of these tips before, but some will be new to you. Whatever the case, read them, learn them, and
remember them. They will help you.

ALERT: Don’t automatically reach for your calculator. If it can’t help you solve the problem, you’ll just waste time fiddling
with it. Save the calculator for what it does best, especially simplifying numeric expressions.

The Question Number Tells You How Hard the Question Is

Just as in most of the other SAT® sections, the questions go from easy to hard as you work toward the end. The first third of the
questions is easy, the middle third is average but harder, and the final third gets more and more difficult. Take a look at these
three examples. Don’t solve them yet (you’ll be doing that in a couple of minutes); just get an idea of how the level of difficulty
changes from Question 1 to Question 12 to Question 25.

a+5
1. If = m, and m = 9, what is the value of a?
6
A. 24

B. 49

C. 59

D. 84

12. Line a intersects the x-axis at (3, 0) and the y-axis at (0, –2). Line b passes through the origin and is parallel to line a. Which
of the following is an equation of line b?
275
3
A. y= x
2
Chapter 7
2
B. y= x
3 Multiple-
Choice Math
3
C. y=− x
2
2
D. y=− x
3

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 25. Yasmine owns a coffee shop and orders both coffee and tea from a wholesale supplier. The supplier will send no more than
600 kg in a shipment. Coffee beans come in packages that weigh 18.5 kg, and tea leaves come in packages that weigh 10 kg.
Yasmine wants to buy at least twice as many packages of coffee as packages of tea. If c stands for the number of packages
of coffee, and t stands for the number of packages of tea, which of the following systems of inequalities best represents
Yasmine’s order? Both c and t are nonnegative integers.

A. 18.5c + 10t ≤ 600

c ≥ 2t

B. 18.5c + 10t ≤ 600

2c ≥ t

C. 37c + 10t ≤ 600

c ≥ 2t
D. 37c + 10t ≤ 600
2c ≥ t

Look for shortcuts. SAT® math problems test your math reasoning, not your ability to make
endless calculations. If you find yourself calculating too much, you’ve probably missed a
shortcut that would have made your work easier.

Can you see the difference? You can probably do Question 1 very quickly. For Question 12, you might have to think for a bit.
Question 25 may cause you to wince a little and then get started on some heavy-duty thinking.

276 Easy Questions Have Easy Answers—Difficult Questions Don’t

The easy questions are straightforward and don’t have any hidden tricks. The obvious answer is almost always the correct answer.
Chapter 7 So for Question 1, the answer is indeed choice B.

Multiple-
When you hit the difficult stuff, you have to think harder. The information is not straightforward, and the answers aren’t obvious.
Choice Math
You can bet that your first-choice, easy answer will be wrong. If you don’t believe it, let’s take another look at Question 25.

Example:

25. Yasmine owns a coffee shop and orders both coffee and tea from a wholesale supplier. The supplier will send no more than
600 kg in a shipment. Coffee beans come in packages that weigh 18.5 kg, and tea leaves come in packages that weigh 10 kg.
Yasmine wants to buy at least twice as many packages of coffee as packages of tea. If c stands for the number of packages
of coffee, and t stands for the number of packages of tea, which of the following systems of inequalities best represents
Yasmine’s order? Both c and t are nonnegative integers.

A. 18.5c + 10t ≤ 600

c ≥ 2t
B. 18.5c + 10t ≤ 600
2c ≥ t
C. 37c + 10t ≤ 600
c ≥ 2t
D. 37c + 10t ≤ 600
2c ≥ t

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Solution:

This question is difficult mostly because it takes a little longer to think through the problem and set up the inequal-
ities laid out in the question stem. Let’s tackle this step by step.

We will use the variables c for coffee beans and t for tea. The total weight, in kg, of coffee beans and tea that the
wholesale supplier sends can be expressed as the weight of each package multiplied by the number of each type of
package, which is 18.5c for coffee beans and 10t for tea leaves. Since the supplier will not send shipments that weigh
more than 600 kg, it follows that 18.5c + 10t ≤ 600 expresses the first part of the problem.

Since Yasmine wants to buy at least twice as many packages of coffee beans as packages of tea leaves, the number of
packages of coffee beans should be greater than or equal to two times the number of packages of tea leaves. This
can be expressed by c ≥ 2t.

Thus, the correct answer is choice A.

Why are the other answers wrong? Choice B is incorrect because it misrepresents the relationship between the
numbers of each package that Yasmine wants to buy. Choice C is incorrect because the first inequality of the system
incorrectly doubles the weight per package of coffee beans. The weight of each package of coffee beans is 18.5 kg,
not 37 kg. Choice D is incorrect because it doubles the weight per package of coffee beans and transposes the rela-
tionship between the numbers of packages.

ALERT: Beware of the obvious. Don’t be fooled by what look like obvious answers to difficult questions. The answers to
difficult questions require some digging. They never jump out at you.

Be Certain to Answer the Question Being Asked

Suppose that you were asked to solve the following problem:
277
Chapter 7
Example:
Multiple-
Choice Math
If 5x + 11 = 31, what is the value of x + 4?

A. 4

B. 6

C. 8

D. 10

Solution:

The first step is to solve the equation 5x + 11 = 31.

5 x + 11 = 31 Subtract 11 from both sides.

5 x = 20 Divide both siides by 5.
x=4

Remember that the problem does not ask for the value of x, it asks for the value of x + 4, so the answer is actually 8.
Make certain that the answer you select is the answer to the question that is being asked. The correct answer is
choice C.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 When Guessing at Hard Questions, You Can Toss Out Easy Answers
Now that you know the difficult questions won’t have easy or obvious answers, use a guessing strategy. (Use all the help you can
get!) When you have less than a clue about a difficult question, scan the answer choices and eliminate the ones that seem easy
or obvious, such as any that just restate the information in the question. Then take your best guess.

Questions of Average Difficulty Won’t Have Trick Answers

Let’s look again at Question 12:

12. Line a intersects the x-axis at (3, 0) and the y-axis at (0, –2). Line b passes through the origin and is parallel to
line a. Which of the following is an equation of line b?

3
A. y= x
2
2
B. y= x
3
3
C. y=− x
2
2
D. y=− x
3

This is a bit more difficult than Question 1, but it’s still pretty straightforward. Since we know points on line a, we can calculate
the slope of this line:
y 2 − y1 −2 − 0 2
= =
x 2 − x1 0 − 3 3
278
2
Since line b is parallel to line a, the two have the same slope, that is, . The problem tells us that line b passes through the origin,
Chapter 7 3 2
which means that it intercepts the y-axis at 0. Thus, line b can be expressed by the equation y = x . The correct answer is choice B.
Multiple- 3
Choice Math

It’s Smart to Work Backward

Every standard multiple-choice math problem includes four answer choices. One of them has to be correct; the other three are
wrong. This means that it’s always possible to solve a problem by testing each of the answer choices. Just plug each choice into
the problem and sooner or later you’ll find the one that works! Testing answer choices can often be a much easier and surer way
of solving a problem than attempting a lengthy calculation.

When Working Backward, Always Start from the Middle

When working on multiple-choice math questions, remember that all of the numeric answer choices are presented in order—
either smallest to largest, or vice versa. As a result, it’s always best to begin with a middle option, choice B or choice C. This way,
if you start with choice C and it’s too large, you’ll only have to concentrate on the smaller choices. There, you’ve just knocked off
at least two choices in a heartbeat! Now let’s give it a test run!

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Example:

8 9
If y = , what is the value of y?
9 4

A. 32
81

1
B.
2

C. 2

81
D.
32

Solution:

8 16 9
Start with choice C, because it will be easier to compute with than choice B: (2) = < .
9 9 4
Since choice C is too small, the only possible answer is choice D.
8  81 9
You can check that  = .
9  32  4

The correct answer is choice D.

Now try this testing business with a more difficult question:

Example:

In the xy-plane, the line determined by the points (8, c) and (c, 18) passes through the origin. Which of the following
279
could be the value of c?
Chapter 7
A. 10
Multiple-
B. 11 Choice Math

C. 12

D. 13

Solution:

Start with choice C, because it may be easier to compute with than choice B. The line through (8, 12) and (12, 18)
18 − 12 3
is y = x + b. This equation simplifies to y = x , which is a line through the origin.
12 − 8 2
3
Plug (8, 12) or (12, 18) into y = x , and both sides will be equal.
2

3 3
12 = (8 ) or 18 = (12)
2 2
12 = 12 18 = 18

The other values of c will not result in an equivalent equation. The correct answer is choice C.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 It’s Easier to Work with Numbers Than with Letters
Because numbers are more meaningful than letters, try plugging them into equations and formulas in place of variables. This
technique can make problems much easier to solve. Here are some examples:

Example:

If x − 4 is 2 greater than y, then x + 5 is how much greater than y?

A. 3

B. 7

C. 9

D. 11

Solution:

Choose any value for x. Let’s say you decide to make x = 4. All right, 4 − 4 = 0, and 0 is 2 greater than y. So y = −2.
If x = 4, then x + 5 = 4 + 5 = 9, and so x + 5 is 11 more than y. The correct answer is choice D.

Example:

The cost of renting office space in a building is $2.50 per square foot per month. Which of the following represents
the total cost c, in dollars, to rent p square feet of office space each year in the building?

280 A. c = 2.50(12p)

B. c = 2.50p + 12
Chapter 7
2.50 p
C. c =
Multiple- 12
Choice Math
12 p
D. c=
2.50

Solution:

Let p = 100, then the rent for one month is $250 and the rent for one year is $3,000. The only equation that will
provide that answer is c = 2.50(12p). The correct answer is choice A.

If a question asks for an odd integer or an even integer, go ahead and pick any odd or even integer you like.

Leave a paper trail! If you need to set up an equation, jot it down in your
test booklet. That way, if you come back to recheck your work, you’ll know
what you were originally thinking.

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Solving for Variables with Restricted Values
When solving problems involving variables, you must pay careful attention to any restrictions on the possible values of the
variables

Consider the following question:

Example:

If x ≥ 2, which of the following is a solution to the equation x(x − 3)(x + 4)(x + 2)(3x − 5) = 0?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 4

D. 5

Solution:

This equation has five solutions, but the problem is looking only for a solution that is at least 2. Set each of the factors
equal to 0 and solve for x. The only answer that is greater than or equal to 2 is 3. The correct answer is choice B.

Now, consider this slightly different version of the same problem.

Example:

If x < –2, which of the following is a solution to the equation x(x − 3)(x + 4)(x + 2)(3x − 5) = 0?
281
A. –3 Chapter 7

B. –4 Multiple-
Choice Math
C. –5

D. There is more than one solution.

Solution:

The solutions to the equation can be found by setting each of the factors equal to zero. So x = 0, x – 3 = 0, x + 4 = 0,
x + 2 = 0, and 3x – 5 = 0.

5
These lead to the solutions x = 0, 3, –4, –2, and respectively.
3
Of these five solutions only –4, choice B, is less than –2. The correct answer is choice B.

The test booklet is yours, so feel free to use it for your scratchwork.
Also, go ahead and mark up any diagrams with length or angle infor-
mation; it helps. But don’t waste time trying to redraw diagrams; it’s
just not worth it.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 5

Solving Equations in the Three-Statement Format

3

You may find a three-statement format in certain questions in the multiple-choice math section. The best way to answer this
kind of question is by process of elimination, tackling one statement at a time and marking it as true or false. Here is an example:

Example:

p° q° m
r° s°

t° v° n
w° x°

Note: Figure not drawn to scale.

In the figure above, lines k and m intersect at a point, and lines k and n intersect at a different point. If v + s = p + q,
which of the following statements must be true?

I. r=w

II. t=s

III. q=x

282 A. I only

B. II only
Chapter 7
C. I and II only
Multiple-
Choice Math D. I, II, and III

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Solution:

Because v + s = p + q, we know that p + q = 180. Because they both make a straight line, lines m and n must be par-
allel. Since m and n are parallel, then statements I and II, must be true. While statement III might be true, it is only true
if line k is perpendicular to lines m and n, and that does not have to be true.
The correct answer is choice C.

For multiple-choice math questions, circle what’s being asked so that

you don’t pick a wrong answer by mistake. That way, for example, you
won’t pick an answer that gives perimeter when the question asks for
an area.

Solving Equations Involving Square Roots or Algebraic Fractions

The procedure for solving equations involving square roots or algebraic fractions occasionally results in what are known as
extraneous solutions. An extraneous solution is a number that is correctly obtained from the equation-solving process but doesn’t
actually solve the equation, be sure to check your answer.

Example:

Solve for x: x + 4 + 15 = 10

A. −29

B. −21
283
C. 21

D. There are no solutions. Chapter 7

Solution: Multiple-
Choice Math

First, solve the equation.

x + 4 + 15 = 10 Subtract 15 from both sides.

x + 4 = −5 Squaare both sides.

( )
2
= ( −5)
2
x+4
x + 4 = 25
x = 21
It appears that the solution is choice C. However, if you check the solution x = 21 in the original equation, you will see
that it doesn’t solve it.

x + 4 + 15 = 10 ?
21+ 4 + 15 = 10 ?
25 + 15 = 10 ?
5 + 15 ≠ 10.

The correct answer is choice D.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Solving Geometry Problems of Measure
When you are asked to find the measure of a side or angle of a figure, using the measure of an angle or a side of another shape
can help you find the measure you need.

Example:

In the figure, what is the length of NP?

N
A. 8

B. 9 20

C. 12
M 9 7
D. 15
P O

Solution:

This figure is really two right triangles, NMO and NMP. Since NM is a side of both triangles, once you find its length,
you can find the length of NP. The Pythagorean theorem is what you need:

NM2 + MO2 = NO2

NM2 + (16)2 = (20)2

284 Note that 16 and 20 are multiples of 4 and 5, respectively, so you now know that this is a 3-4-5 right triangle, which
means that NM = 12.
Chapter 7
Since you just found out that triangle NMP has sides of 9 and 12, it’s also a 3-4-5 right triangle, so NP must be 15.
Multiple-
Choice Math The correct answer is choice D.

Draw a diagram if none is supplied. Drawing a diagram is a great way to

organize information. Mark it up with the information you’re given, and
you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for.

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Solving Right Triangles Using the Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is usually needed to solve problems involving a right triangle for which you are given the lengths
of some of the sides. The Pythagorean theorem enables you to compute the length of the third side of a right triangle if you
know the lengths of the other two sides. It is one of the most useful and common SAT® geometry facts. Consider the problem
below.

Example:

Line segment PQ is tangent to the circle with center O at point T. If T is the midpoint of PQ, OQ = 13, and the radius
of the circle is 5, what is the length of PQ?

A. 10 P

B. 12
T
C. 24
O
D. 26 Q

Solution:

This is a tricky question since, at the moment, it doesn’t appear to involve any triangles at all. However, you are told
that the radius of the circle is 5, and if you draw in radius OT , you will create triangle OTQ. Use the fact that a tangent
line to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact to deduce that ∠OTQ is a right angle.

P
285
T
Chapter 7

O Multiple-
Q Choice Math

The diagram now depicts right triangle OTQ, and OT = 5 and OQ = 13. Now, use the Pythagorean theorem to
determine that TQ = 12, as shown here:

OT 2 + TQ 2 = OQ 2
52 + TQ 2 = 132
25 + TQ 2 = 169
TQ 2 = 144
TQ = 12

Finally, since T is the midpoint of line segment PQ, the entire length of the line segment is 12 + 12 = 24.
The correct answer is choice C.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Eliminate Answers That Can’t Possibly Be Right
Knowing whether your calculations should produce a number that’s larger or smaller than the quantity you started with can point
you toward the right answer. It’s also an effective way of eliminating wrong answers. Here’s an example:

Example:

Daryl can set up the display for the science fair in 20 minutes. It takes Francisco 30 minutes to set it up. How long will
it take the two boys to complete the setup if they work together?

A. 8 minutes

B. 12 minutes

C. 20 minutes

D. 30 minutes

Solution:

Immediately you can see that choices C and D are impossible because the two boys working together will have to
complete the job in less time than either one of them working alone.

Daryl Francisco
Actual time spentt x x
Time needed to do entire job alone 20 30

286 x
+
20 30
x
=1

Chapter 7
Multiply by 60 to clear fractions:
Multiple-
Choice Math 3 x + 2 x = 60
5 x = 60
x = 12

The correct answer is choice B.

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Your Eye Is a Good Estimator
Figures in the standard multiple-choice math section are always drawn to scale unless you see the warning “Note: Figure not
drawn to scale.” That means you can sometimes solve a problem just by looking at the picture and estimating the answer. Here’s
how this works:

Example:

4
(f, x)

–2 0 2 4 6

–2
(g, x)

–4

f ( x ) = ( x − 3) − 3
2

g ( x ) = −2 ( x − 3) + 3
2 287
Graphs of the functions f and g are shown in the xy-plane above. For which of the following values of x does Chapter 7
f(x) + g(x) = 0?
Multiple-
Choice Math
A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

Solution:

The sum of the function values is 0 when the function values for f and g are opposites. That appears to be true at
x = 3. The correct answer is choice C.

If Some Questions Always Give You Trouble, Save Them for Last
You know which little demons haunt your math skills. If you find questions that you know will give you nightmares, save them for
last. They will take up a lot of your time, especially if you’re panicking, and you can use that time to do more of the easier questions.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 EXERCISES: MULTIPLE-CHOICE MATH
Exercise 1
18 Minutes—15 Questions

For Questions 1–15, solve each problem, choose the best answer from the choices provided, and put a circle around the
correct answer. You may use any available space for scratch work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

•  The use of a calculator is permitted.

•  All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
•  Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
•  All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
•  Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x) is a real number.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a + b2 = c2
2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

288
Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based
Solid: Pyramid:
r h
w
h
l r h
Chapter 7 V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
Multiple- w
4 1
Choice Math V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
3 3 V = lwh
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

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1. In a linear function f(x) with a graph that has a slope of SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
–2.5, if f(5) = 8, what is the value of f(1)?

A. –2

B. 3

C. 13

D. 18

2. Which of the following expressions is equal to 0 for some

value of p?

A. |p – 2| − 2

B. |2 − p| + 2

C. |p + 2| + 2

D. |p – 2| + 2

3. If f(x) = –3x + 4, what is f(–4x)?

A. –12x – 4

B. 12x + 4

C. 12x – 4

D. 12x2 – 20x

4. y
x
=4 289
5 ( x − 1) = y
Chapter 7
If (x, y) is the solution to the system of equations above,
Multiple-
what is the value of x?
Choice Math
A. –20

B. –5

C. 5

D. 20

5. Which of the following is equivalent to the expression

5(3x – 2)(2x + 1)?

A. 15x

B. 30x2 – 10

C. 30x2 – 5x –10

D. 25x2 – 5

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 6. Kathleen is preparing to run her first road race. She be- SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
gins training by doing intervals of running and walking.
The longest interval of running increases by a constant
amount each week. The first week she runs for intervals
of up to 2 minutes at a time. By the ninth week, she runs
for intervals of up to 40 minutes at a time. Which of the
following best describes how the time Kathleen spends
running changes between her first and ninth weeks?

A. Kathleen increases the time of her longest run by

5 minutes each week.

B. Kathleen increases the time of her longest run by

4.75 minutes each week.

C. Kathleen increases the time of her longest run by

4.5 minutes each week.

D. Kathleen increases the time of her longest run by

4.25 minutes each week.

x+y 5
7. If = , which of the following must also be true?
y 9

x 4
A. =−
y 9

x 14
B. =
y 9

290 C.
x−y
y
=−
4
9

D. x − 2y 13
Chapter 7 =−
y 9
Multiple-
Choice Math 8. Which of the following shows the solution set to the
equation x − 1 = x − 7 ?

A. {5, 10}

B. {1}

C. {5}

D. {10}

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9. A circle whose center is at the origin passes through the SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
point whose coordinates are (1, 1). What is the area of this
circle?

A. π
B. 2π

C. 2p
D. 2 2p

10. In triangle ABC, AB = BC, and AC is extended to D. If

angle BCD measures 100°, find the number of degrees in
angle B.

A C D
A. 20

B. 40

C. 50

D. 80

11. Which of the following represents a line that is perpen-

dicular to the line with equation y = 4 – 2x? 291
A. y = 2x + 5 Chapter 7
B. y = –2x + 3
Multiple-
C. y – 2x = 1 Choice Math

D. 2y – x = 6

12. x = 3y
( x − 3) + ( y − 1)2 = 10
2

How many ordered pairs satisfy the system of equations

above?

A. 0

B. 1

C. 2

D. infinitely many

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 13. If
z+6
= 5 , what is the value of z?
SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
z −5

19
A.
6

35
B.
6

C. 25
4

D. 31
4
14. If the expression (4 + 3i)(2 – 7i) is rewritten in the form
a + bi, where a and b are real numbers, what is the value
of a? (Note: i = −1 )

A. 29

B. 8

C. –13

D. –22
e
15. x 2 − 6dx =
2
In the quadratic equation above, d and e are
constants. What are the solutions for x?

292 A. x = 3d ±
6 d − 2e
2

Chapter 7 6 d + 2e
B. x = 3d ±
2
Multiple-
Choice Math 36d 2 − 2e
C. x = 3d ±
2

36d 2 + 2e
D. x = 3d ±
2

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Exercise 2
12 Minutes—10 Questions

For Questions 1–10, solve each problem, choose the best answer from the choices provided, and put a circle around the
correct answer. You may use any available space for scratch work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

•  The use of a calculator is permitted.

•  All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
•  Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
•  All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
•  Unless otherwise specified, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x) is a real number.

Circle: Rectangle: Triangle:

a c x
x 2 2x
r h
x 3
w
b b
l x x
1
C = 2�r A = lw A = bh a + b2 = c2
2 Special Right Triangles
A = �r2 2

Rectangular Cylinder: Sphere: Cone: Rectangular-Based

Solid: Pyramid:
r h
w

293
h
l r h
V = �r2h
V = lwh
r l
4 1
w
V = �r3 V = �r2h 1
V = lwh
Chapter 7
3 3
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360. 3
The number of radians in the arc of a circle is 2 . Multiple-
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180. Choice Math

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 1. Mario has made 58 successful 3-point shots in basketball SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
this season. The school record is 92 3-point shots. If he
makes 3 more 3-point shots each game, which of the
following shows how many 3-point shots he will have
made after g additional games?

A. 3 + 58g

B. 92 + 3g

C. 58 + 3g

D. 58 – 3g
3
2. If a = 5b, then a=
5

5b
A.
3

B. 3b

3b
C.
5

b
D.
3

3. A rectangular door measures 5 feet by 6 feet 8 inches.

What is the distance from one corner of the door to the
diagonally opposite corner?

294 A. 8 feet 2 inches

B. 8 feet 4 inches
Chapter 7
C. 8 feet 8 inches
Multiple-
Choice Math D. 9 feet 6 inches

4. Two ships leave from the same port at 11:30 a.m. If one
sails due east at 20 miles per hour and the other due south
at 15 miles per hour, how many miles apart are the ships
at 2:30 p.m.?

A. 25

B. 50

C. 75

D. 80

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5. The line y = ax – 5, where a is a constant, is graphed in the SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
xy-plane. If the line contains the point (b, c), which does
not lie on either the x- or y-axis, what is the slope of the
line in terms of b and c?

A. c +5
b

B. b+5
c

C. c −5
b

D. b−5
c

6. Ken received grades of 90, 88, and 75 on three tests. What

grade must he receive on the next test so that his average
for these four tests is 85?

A. 87

B. 89

C. 90

D. 92

7. There is enough food at a picnic to feed 20 adults or 32

children. If there are 15 adults at the picnic, how many
children can still be fed?
295
A. 6 Chapter 7

B. 8 Multiple-
Choice Math
C. 12

D. 16

8. In parallelogram ABCD, angle A measures 60°. What is the

sum of angle B and angle D?

A. 180°

B. 240°

C. 280°

D. 300°

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 9. If 4x – 7 ≤ 1, what is the greatest possible value of 4x + 2? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
A. 10

B. 7

C. 3

D. 1

10. If a train covers 14 miles in 10 minutes, what is the rate of

the train in miles per hour?

A. 64

B. 76

C. 84

D. 98

296
Chapter 7

Multiple-
Choice Math

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Exercise 1: Answer Keys And Explanations

1. D 4. C 7. A 10. A 13. D

2. A 5. C 8. D 11. D 14. A

3. B 6. B 9. B 12. C 15. D

x+y 5
1. The correct answer is D. We know that (5, 8) and (1, 7. The correct answer is A. If = , then
y 9
f(1)) are both points on the line. If the slope is –2.5,
then we can use the slope formula to find f(1). x y 5
+ =
y y 9
x y 5
8 − f (1) + − 1= − 1
= −2.5 y y 9
5 −1
8 − f (1) x 4
=−
= −2.5 y 9
4
8 − f (1) = −10
8. The correct answer is D.
8 + 10 = f (1)
x −1 = x − 7
18 = f (1)
x − 1 = ( x − 7)
2

x − 1 = x 2 − 14 x + 49
2. The correct answer is A. The absolute value of an
expression is always greater than or equal to 0, so 0 = x 2 − 15 x + 50
adding a positive number to the expression will never 0 = ( x − 5) ( x − 10)
result in 0. Choice A, which states |p – 2| − 2 = 0 when
p = 0 or 4, is correct. Consequently, x = 5 or x = 10. Plug these values into
the original equation to see if they make it true.
297
3. The correct answer is B. If f(x) = –3x + 4, then
5 −1 = 5 − 7? Chapter 7
f(–4x) = –3(–4x) + 4, and –3(–4x) + 4 = 12x +4.
2 ≠ −2
y Multiple-
4. The correct answer is C. If = 4 and 5(x – 1) = y, then Choice Math
x 10 − 1 = 10 − 7 ?
y = 4x and y = 5x –5. So, 4x = 5x – 5 and x = 5. 3=3
9. The correct answer is B. Since the triangle shown
5. The correct answer is C. Multiply the expression to
below is a right triangle, use the Pythagorean theorem.
find the equivalent one. Use FOIL.

5(3 x − 2)(2 x + 1) = 5(6 x 2 + 3 x − 4 x − 2) (1, 1)

= 5(6 x 2 − x − 2)
r
= 30 x 2 − 5 x − 10 1

1
6. The correct answer is B. To find the average increase,
divide the change in increase by the number of weeks:

40 − 2 38
= = 4.75 12 + 12 = r2
9 −1 8
2 = r2
Area = πr2 = 2π

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 10. The correct answer is A. 14. The correct answer is A.

Given AB = BC, then: (4 + 3i) (2 – 7i) = 8 – 28i + 6i – 21i2

(4 + 3i) (2 – 7i) = 8 – 22i – 21(–1)

Angle BCA = Angle BAC = 80°.
(4 + 3i) (2 – 7i) = 29 – 22i
The sum of the degree measures of the angles of any
triangle is 180°. Therefore, angle B + 80° + 80° = 180°, 15. The correct answer is D. Write the equation in
and angle B = 20°. standard form, then plug the numbers into the
11. The correct answer is D. A line that is perpendicular to quadratic formula and simplify.
the line with the equation y = 4 – 2x will have a slope
1 e
equal to , the negative recipricol of –2. If all equa- x 2 − 6dx − =0
2 2
tions are written in slope–intercept form, only choice The quadratic formula is:

D, 2y – x = 6, will be correct. −b b 2 − 4 ac
x= ±
2a 2a
12. The correct answer is C. Graph the system of So, applyiing that:
1 
equations. Note that the second equation is a circle
− ( −6d )
( −6d ) 2 − 4 (1)  − e
that is intersected twice by the line. 2 
x= ±
2(1) 2 (1)
13. The correct answer is D. 2
36d + 2e
x = 3d ±
2
z+6
=5
z −5
z + 6 = 5 z − 25
31 = 4 z

298
31
=z
4

Chapter 7

Multiple-
Choice Math

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Exercise 2: Answer Keys And Explanations

1. C 3. B 5. A 7. B 9. A

2. B 4. C 6. A 8. B 10. C

1. The correct answer is C. If Mario already has made 58 6. The correct answer is A. After 4 tests, Ken’s average
shots and will make an additional 3 shots each game, grade will be the sum of the test scores divided by 4. If
then he will make an additional 3g 3-point shots in g x is Ken’s grade on the fourth test, then:
games, for a total of 58 + 3g. 90 + 88 + 75 + x
= 85
4
2. The correct answer is B. Substitute 5b for a in the 253 + x
equation we are asked to solve. = 85
4
3 x = 4(85) − 253
i 5 b = 3b
5 x = 87

7. The correct answer is B. If 15 adults are fed, 3 of the

3. The correct answer is B. 4
1 1
food is gone. of the food will feed × 32, or 8,
5 feet = 60 inches 4 4
children.
6 feet 8 inches = 80 inches
8. The correct answer is B.
This is a 6-8-10 right triangle, making the diagonal
100 inches, which is 8 feet 4 inches. If angle A = 60°, then angle CBE also = 60°, because line
AE is a transversal across parallel line segments AD and
4. The correct answer is C. Draw a diagram. In 3 hours,
Ship 1 went 60 miles and Ship 2 went 45 miles. This is a
BC. Angle ABC, which is angle B of the parallelogram, is
supplemental to angle CBE and measures 120°.
299
3-4-5 triangle, as 45 = 3(15), and 60 = 4(15). The
hypotenuse will be 5(15), or 75. Angle B = Angle D. Their sum is 240°. Chapter 7

Ship 1 A B E
Multiple-
60º 120º 60º Choice Math

Ship
2
120º
D C

9. The correct answer is A.

5. The correct answer is A. Substitute the point (b, c) If 4x –7 ≤ 1, then 4x + 2 must be at most 10.
into the equation y = ax – 5 and solve for a to find that
4 x − 7 + 9 ≤ 1+ 9
c +5
c = ab – 5 and a = . 4 x + 2 ≤ 10
b

10. The correct answer is C.

1
10 minutes = hour
6
In one hour, the train will cover 6(14), or 84, miles.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SUMMING IT UP
•  Follow the five-step plan for answering basic multiple-choice math questions:
1. Read the question carefully and determine what’s being asked.
2. Decide which math principles apply and use them to solve the problem.
3. Look for your answer among the choices. If it’s there, mark it and go on.
4. If the answer you found is not there, recheck the question and your calculations.
5. If you still can’t solve the problem, eliminate obviously wrong answers and take your best guess.

•  In the Math Test—Calculator section, use a calculator where it can help the most: on basic arithmetic calculations, when
calculating square roots and percentages, and comparing and converting fractions.

•  Always set up your work on paper, then enter the numbers in your calculator; that way, if your calculation becomes con-
fused, you don’t have to try to replicate your setup from memory.

•  The question number tells you how hard the question will be, though some questions may be easier for you.
•  Work backward from the answer choices. When you do, start with choice B or choice C.
•  Try to work with numbers instead of letters. This will help you avoid unnecessary algebraic calculations.
•  Figures in the math section are always drawn to scale unless you see a warning. So, if you need to do so, use your eye as an
estimator.

ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More?

300 Access more practice questions, valuable lessons, helpful tips, and expert strategies for the following multiple-choice math topics
in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

Chapter 7 •  Calculator Strategy

Multiple-
•  Guessing in Math
Choice Math
•  Pacing in Math
•  Plugging in Numbers
•  Problem Solving
•  Working Backwards

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

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 Chapter 8:
Grid-In Strategies

OVERVIEW
Why Grid-Ins Are Easier Than You Think
How to Record Your Answers
Guessing on Grid-Ins Can’t Hurt You
Exercises: Grid-Ins
Summing It Up

WHY GRID-INS ARE EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Let’s take a quick break from multiple-choice questions and examine the other kind of question you will see on both the Math
Test—No Calculator and Math Test—Calculator sections: grid-ins. These are officially named “student-produced responses,”
because you have to do the calculations and find the answer on your own; there are no multiple-choice answers from which 301
to choose.
Chapter 8
Many students are intimidated by grid-ins. Don’t be! Grid-in questions test the exact same mathematical concepts as the
Grid-In
multiple-choice questions. The only difference is that there are no answer choices with which to work. Strategies

The grid-in questions are in a section of their own and arranged in order of difficulty from easy to hard.

Take a Look at a Grid

The special answer grid has some very different sections. There are blank boxes at the top so you can actually write in your answer.
Below the boxes are some circles that have fraction slashes and decimal points. You fill these in if your answer needs them. The
largest section has circles with numbers in them. You have to fill in the circles to correspond to the answer you have written in
the boxes. Yes, it’s a lot to think about, but once you understand how to use the grid-ins, it’s not a big deal.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Here is a sample grid:

/ /
. . .
0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9

NOTE: Remember that the student-produced responses will not be negative numbers
and won’t be greater than 9999.

1
ALERT: If the correct answer is a mixed number such as 5 , you must grid it as 21/4 or as 5.25. If you grid it as “51/4,” it will
read as “fifty-one fourths,” and it will be marked incorrect.
4

302
Chapter 8 HOW TO RECORD YOUR ANSWERS
Grid-In
Strategies On the SAT® exam, each set of grid-in questions starts with directions that look approximately like this:

DIRECTIONS: For these questions, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid, as described below, on the
answer sheet.

1. Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.

2. Mark no more than one circle in any column.

3. No question has a negative answer.

4. Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5. Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2

1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2

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 6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.

7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Grid in 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

303
2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
Chapter 8
. .
Grid-In
Strategies
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Once you understand the following six rules, you can concentrate just on solving the math problems in this section.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 1. Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid.

2. Mark the corresponding circles, one per column.

3. Start in any column.

4. Work with decimals or fractions.

5. Express mixed numbers as decimals or improper fractions.

6. If more than one answer is possible, grid any one.

NOTE: Don’t use a comma in a number larger than 999. Just fill in the four digits and the corresponding circles.
You only have circles for numbers, decimal points, and fraction slashes; there aren’t any for commas.

Now let’s look at these rules in more detail:

1. Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid. Technically, this isn’t required by the SAT®. Realistically, it gives you
something to follow as you fill in the circles. Do it—it will help you.
2. Make sure to mark the circles that correspond to the answer you entered in the boxes, one per column. The machine that
scores the test can only read the circles, so if you don’t fill them in, you won’t get credit. Just entering your answer in the
boxes is not enough!
3. You can start entering your answer in any column, if space permits. Unused columns should be left blank; don’t put in zeroes.
Look at this example:

Here are two ways to enter an answer of “150.”

304 /
.
/
. .
/
.
/
. .
0 0 0 0 0 0
Chapter 8 1 1 1 1 1 1
Grid-In 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Strategies 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

4. You can write your answer as a decimal or a fraction. For example, an answer can be expressed as 3 or as .75. You don’t have
4
to put a zero in front of a decimal that is less than 1. Just remember that you have only four spaces to work with and that a
decimal point or a fraction slash uses up one of the spaces.

www.petersons.com
 ALERT: Take the time to write your answer in the spaces. It will lessen your chances of filling in an incorrect circle.

For decimal answers, be as accurate as possible but keep it within four spaces. Say you get an answer of .1777,
here are your options:

. .
/ / / /
. . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answers .177 and .178 would both be marked correct.

4
Fractions do not have to be simplified unless they don’t fit in the answer grid. For example, you can grid , but you can’t
10
12 3
grid 16 because you’d need five spaces. So, you would simplify it and grid 4 .
305
3
5. A mixed number has to be expressed as a decimal or as an improper fraction. If you tried to grid 1 , it would be scored as
4 Chapter 8
13 7
, which would give you a wrong answer. Instead, you could grid the answer as 1.75 or as . Grid-In
4 4
Strategies

.
/ / / / / /
. . . . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

The above answers are acceptable. The above answer is unacceptable as

3
representing the fraction 1 .
4

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 6. Sometimes, the problems in this section will have more than one correct answer. Choose one and grid it.

For example, if a question asks for a prime number between 5 and 13, the answer could be 7 or 11. Grid 7 or grid 11, but
don’t put in both answers.

/ / / /
. . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Either answer is acceptable but not both.

GUESSING ON GRID-INS CAN’T HURT YOU

Unfortunately, you cannot receive partial credit for grid-ins. Your answers are either completely correct or completely wrong. But
no points are deducted for incorrect responses, so guessing is better than leaving a question blank.
306
Chapter 8
Grid-In
Strategies

www.petersons.com
EXERCISES: GRID-INS
Exercise 1
15 Minutes—10 Questions

DIRECTIONS: For these questions, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid following each question, as
described below.

1. Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.

2. Mark no more than one circle in any column.

3. No question has a negative answer.

4. Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5. Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2

1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2

6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.
7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes.
307
Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2

Grid in
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
Chapter 8
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Grid-In
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Strategies
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
. .

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 1. If 3x + y = 4 and x + 3y = 5, what is the value of x + y? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

2. Marion is paid $24 for 5 hours of work in the school office.

Janet works 3 hours and makes $10.95. How much more
per hour does Marion make than Janet? (Ignore the dollar
sign when gridding your answer.)

308 / /
. . . .

Chapter 8 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
Grid-In
Strategies 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

www.petersons.com
 3. If the outer diameter of a cylindrical oil tank is 54.28 inches SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
and the inner diameter is 48.7 inches, what is the thickness
of the wall of the tank, in inches?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

4. A car has an average mileage of 30 miles per gallon. If one

gallon of gasoline costs $3.75, how many miles can the car
travel on $20 worth of gasoline?

/ /
. . . . 309
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 Chapter 8
3 3 3 3
Grid-In
4 4 4 4
Strategies
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 5. If r = 25 − s, what is the value of 4(r + s)? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

6. Arc AB is on circle O. If the radius of circle O is 5 centimeters,

and angle AOB measures 30°, what is the length of arc AB
rounded to the nearest tenth of a centimeter?

/ /
310 . . . .
1 1 1 1
Chapter 8 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
Grid-In
4 4 4 4
Strategies
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

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7. 4x + 5 = 6 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
If x is a solution of the equation above, what is the
value of 4x?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

8. A cube with edges 3 centimeters long is made from

solid aluminum. If the density of aluminum is approxi-
mately 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter, what is the
weight of the cube to the nearest tenth of a gram?

/ / 311
. . . .
1 1 1 1 Chapter 8
2 2 2 2
Grid-In
3 3 3 3
Strategies
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 9. In May, Carter’s Electronics sold 40 smartphones. In SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
June, because of a special promotion, the store sold 80
smartphones. What is the percent of increase in the
number of smartphones sold?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

( ).
2
10. Find the value of 3 2

/ /
. . . .

312 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
Chapter 8
4 4 4 4
Grid-In 5 5 5 5
Strategies 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

www.petersons.com
Answer Key and Explanations

1. 9/4 3. 2.79 5. 100 7. 31 9. 100

2. 1.15 4. 160 6. 2.6 8. 72.9 10. 18

1. 3x + y = 4 6. The circumference of the circle is 2p (5) = 10p .

x + 3y = 5 30
Add the two equations to get:
(10p) ≈ 2.6
360
4x + 4y = 9
4( x + y) = 9 The correct answer is 2.6.

9
x+y=
4 4x + 5 = 6
7.
The correct answer is 9/4 or 2.25. 4 x + 5 = 36
4 x = 31
$24
2. Marion’s hourly wage is , or $4.80.
5 The correct answer is 31.
$10.95
Janet’s hourly wage is , or $3.65.
3 8. The formula for volume of a cube is s3.
Therefore, 33 = 27.
$4.80 − $3.65 = $1.15
27(2.7) = 72.9

The correct answer is 1.15. (You do not need to grid

The correct answer is 72.9.
in the dollar sign.)
313
9. When computing the percent of increase (or decrease),
3. The difference of 5.58 must be divided between
both sides. The thickness on each side is 2.79 inches. difference Chapter 8
use ×100. In this case, the difference is
original Grid-In
80 – 40, which is 40. The original amount sold was 40, Strategies
The correct answer is 2.79.
40
 20  so × 100 = 100% increase.
4. 30  = 160 40
 3.75 

The correct answer is 100.

The correct answer is 160.

5. r + s = 25
10. (3 2 )(3 2 ) = 9 i 2 = 18
The correct answer is 18.
4(r + s) = 4(25) = 100

The correct answer is 100.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Exercise 2
15 Minutes—10 Questions

DIRECTIONS: For these questions, solve the problem and enter your answer in the grid following each question, as
described below.

1. Although not required, it is suggested that you write your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to help you fill in
the circles accurately. You will receive credit only if the circles are filled in correctly.

2. Mark no more than one circle in any column.

3. No question has a negative answer.

4. Some problems may have more than one correct answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1 7
5. Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as 3.5 or .
2 2

1 31 1
If 3 is entered into the grid as , it will be interpreted as , not 3 .
2 2 2

6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it may be either rounded
or truncated, but it must fill the entire grid.
7
Answer: Answer: 2.5
12
Write answer .
in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
0 0 0 0 0 0 point

314
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Grid in 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
result. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Chapter 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Grid-In 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
Strategies

Answer: 201
Either position is correct.

0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

2
Acceptable ways to grid are:
3
. .

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

www.petersons.com
 1. 53 percent of the 2,500 students at Jackson High are girls. SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
How many boys are there in the school?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

2. The legs of a right triangle measure 2 centimeters and

6 centimeters. What is the length of the hypotenuse of
the right triangle to the nearest tenth of a centimeter?

/ / 315
. . . .
1 1 1 1 Chapter 8
2 2 2 2
Grid-In
3 3 3 3
Strategies
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 3. In a group of 40 students, 25 applied to Columbia and SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
30 applied to Cornell. If 3 students applied to neither
Columbia nor Cornell, how many students applied to both
schools?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

4. If x2 − y2 = 100 and x − y = 20, what is the value of x + y?

/ /
. . . .

316 1
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
Chapter 8
5 5 5 5
Grid-In 6 6 6 6
Strategies
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

www.petersons.com
 5. A gallon of water is added to 6 quarts of a solution that is SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
50% acid. What percent of the new solution is acid?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

1
6. A gasoline tank is full. After 10 gallons of gasoline are
4
2
added to the tank, its gauge indicates that the tank is
3
full. Find the capacity of the tank in gallons.

317
/ /
. . . . Chapter 8
1 1 1 1 Grid-In
2 2 2 2 Strategies
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 7. A plane flies over Denver at 11:20 a.m. It passes over SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
Coolidge, 120 miles from Denver, at 11:32 a.m. Find the
rate of the plane in miles per hour.

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

x +1
8. =5
x −1

What value of x is a solution of the equation above?

318 / /
. . . .
Chapter 8 1 1 1 1
Grid-In 2 2 2 2
Strategies 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

www.petersons.com
 9. What is the median of the set of numbers SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9?

/ /
. . . .
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

2
10. y = x − 8 x + 7
y = x −1

If (x, y) is a solution of the system of equations above, what

is a possible value of x + y?

/ /
319
. . . .
Chapter 8
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 Grid-In
Strategies
3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9
0 0 0 0

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Key and Explanations

1. 1175 3. 18 5. 30 7. 600 9. 5.5

2. 2.8 4. 5 6. 24 8. 1.5 10. 15 or 1

2 1
1. 47 percent of 2,500 are boys. 6. 10 gallons is − of the tank.
3 4
(0.47)(2,500) = 1,175 boys
2 1 8−3 5
The correct answer is 1175. (Do not include the − = =
3 4 12 12
comma)
5
x = 10
12
( 2) + ( 6)
2 2
2. = (hypotenuse ) 2 5 x = 120
2 + 6 = (hypotenuse ) 2 x = 24

8 = (hypotenuse ) 2 The correct answer is 24.

1
8 = hyypotenuse 7. The plane covers 120 miles in 12 minutes, or hour.
5
2.8 ≈ hypotenuse 5
In , or 1 hour, it covers 5(120), or 600 miles.
5
The correct answer is 2.8.
The correct answer is 600.

3. x +1
8. =5
x −1
25 – x x 30 – x x + 1 = 5 ( x − 1)
x + 1= 5x − 5

320 6 = 4x
6
=x
4
Chapter 8 25 − x + x + 30 − x = 37 x = 1.5
Grid-In 55 − x = 37
The correct answer is 1.5.
Strategies 18 = x
18 9. The median is equal to the arithmetic mean of the two
The correct answer is 18. numbers in the middle, 5 and 6.

4. x 2 − y 2 = ( x − y )( x + y ) 5 + 6 11
= = 5.5
100 = 20 ( x + y ) 2 2
The correct answer is 5.5.
5 = ( x + y)
5
The correct answer is 5. 10. y = x 2 − 8x + 7
y = x −1
5.
x 2 − 8x + 7 = x −1
No. of % Amount
quarts acid of acid x 2 − 9x + 8 = 0
Original 6 50 3 ( x − 8) ( x − 1) = 0
Added 4 0 0 x = 8 or x = 1
New 10 3 If x = 8, then y = 8 – 1 = 7
3 If x = 1, then y = 1 – 1 = 0
= 30%
10 x + y = 15 or x + y = 1
The correct answer is 30. (Ignore the percent The correct answer is 15 or 1 (both answers are
symbol when griding your answer.)
acceptable.
www.petersons.com
 SUMMING IT UP
•  When you grid answers to student-produced response questions, follow these six rules:
1.  Write your answer in the boxes at the top of the grid.

2.  Mark the corresponding circles, one per column.

3.  Start in any column.

4.  Work with decimals or fractions.

5.  Express mixed numbers as decimals or improper fractions.

6.  If more than one answer is possible, grid any one.

•  Remember that grid-ins test the same concepts as multiple-choice math.

•  The most important advice for grid-ins? Don’t be intimidated.

• 
ONLINE
PREP
Want to Know More?

Access additional practice questions, helpful lessons, valuable tips, and top-notch strategies for the following grid-in review
topics in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  Grid-Ins
•  Problem Solving
•  Word Problems

To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat. 321

Chapter 8
Grid-In
Strategies

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Chapter 9:
Numbers and Operations

OVERVIEW
Operations with Fractions
Test for Divisibility
Exercises: Operations with Fractions
Word Problems Involving Fractions
Exercises: Word Problems Involving Fractions
Complex Numbers
Exercises: Complex Numbers
Direct and Inverse Variation
Exercises: Direct and Inverse Variation
Finding Percents 323
Exercises: Finding Percents
Percent Word Problems Chapter 9
Numbers and
Exercises: Percent Word Problems
Operations
Summing It Up

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS
The four basic arithmetic operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Adding and Subtracting

In adding or subtracting fractions, you must remember that the numbers must have the same (common) denominator.

Example:

1 2 3
Add + + .
3 5 4

Solution:

The least number that is divisible by 3, 5, and 4 is 60. Therefore, use 60 as the common denominator. Convert each
fraction to fractions with the common denominator, 60, by multiplying each numerator by the same factor as you
must multiply the denominator by to result in the common denominator of 60.

20 24 45 89
+ + =
60 60 60 60
29
=1
60

324 Fractions should be written in the simplest form. Often, in multiple-choice questions, you may find that the answer
you have correctly computed is not among the choices but an equivalent fraction is. Be careful!
Chapter 9
In simplifying fractions involving large numbers, it is helpful to be able to tell whether a factor is common to both
Numbers and
Operations numerator and denominator before a lengthy trial division. Certain tests for divisibility help with this.

TEST FOR DIVISIBILITY

To test if a number is divisible by: Check to see:

2 if it is even
3 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 3
4 if the number formed by the last two digits is divisible by 4
5 if its last digit is a 5 or 0
6 if it is even and the sum of the digits is divisible by 3
8 if the number formed by the last three digits is divisible by 8
9 if the sum of the digits is divisible by 9
10 if its last digit is 0

www.petersons.com
Example:

3, 525
Simplify:
4 , 341

Solution:

This fraction can be simplified by dividing by 3, since the sum of the digits of the numerator is 15 and those of the
denominator add up to 12, both are divisible by 3.

3, 525 1,175
=
4 , 341 1, 447

The resulting fraction meets no further divisibility tests and therefore has no common factor listed above. Larger
divisors would be unlikely on the SAT®.

To add or subtract mixed numbers, it is again important to remember common denominators. In subtraction, you
must borrow in terms of the common denominator.

Addition: 2 6
43 = 43
5 15
1 5
+ 8 =+ 8
3 15
11
51
15

2 6 21
Subtraction: 43 = 43 = 42
5 15 15
2 10
−6 = −6 = −6
3 15
10
15
325
11
36
15 Chapter 9
Numbers and
Multiplying Operations

To multiply fractions, always try to divide common factors where possible before actually multiplying. In multiplying mixed
numbers, always rename them as improper fractions first.

2 9
2 10 99 18
Multiply: i i =
5 11 110 55
55

1 2 1
Multiply: 4 i1 i 5
2 3 5

3 13
9 5 26
i i = 39
2 3 5

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Dividing
To divide fractions or mixed numbers, remember to multiply by the reciprocal of the divisor (the number after the division sign).
3 2
1 3 9 4
Divide: 4 ÷ = i =6
2 4 2 3

25
1 125 1 1
Divide: 62 ÷ 5 = i = 12
2 2 5 2

To simplify complex fractions (fractions within fractions), multiply every term by the least common multiple of all denominators
in order to clear all fractions in the given numerator and denominator.

Example:

1 1
+
2 3
1 1
+
4 6

Solution:

The least number that can be used to clear all fractions is 12. Multiplying each term by 12 yields:

1 1 12 12
+ +
2 3 = 2 3 = 6 + 4 = 10 = 2
326 1 1 12 12 3 + 2 5
+ +
4 6 4 6

Chapter 9 Example:
Numbers and
Operations 3 2
+
4 3
1
1−
2

Solution:

Again, multiply by 12.

3 2 36 24
+ +
4 3= 4 3 = 9 + 8 = 17 = 2 5
1 12 12 − 6 6 6
1− 12 −
2 2

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EXERCISES: OPERATIONS WITH FRACTIONS

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem in the space provided.

Add: Divide:
1
5 3 1 7. ÷ 5
1. 12 + 2 + 21 5
6 8 4

8. 3 2 ÷ 1 5
3 6
1 1 1 1 1
2. + + + +
2 3 4 5 6

Simplify:

9. 5 − 1
Subtract: 6 3
3 1 1
3. 15 from 10 2+
4 2 5

10.
1
3+
4
327
2 1
4. 17 from 50 5−
3 2 Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

Solve:

1 1
11. 4  + 
Multiply:  6 12 
1 5
5. 5 i 1
4 7

2  1 1
12.  + 
5  3 4
6. 3 i 3 i 3
4 4 4

13. 4 + 7 − 4
9 18 5

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Key and Explanations

5 20 1 1 1
1. 12 = 12 7. i =
6 24 5 5 25
3 9
2 = 2
8 24 2

1 6 8. 11 i 6 = 2
+21 = 21
4 24 3 11
35 11
35 = 36
24 24 25 − 10 15 5
9. = =
60 + 6 66 22
1 30
2. =
2 60 Each term was multiplied by 30.
1 20
=
3 60 12 + 1 13
1 15 10. =
= 20 − 2 18
4 60
1 12
= Each term was multiplied by 4.
5 60
1 10
+ =
1 1 2 1
6 60 11. 4  +  = 4  + 
87 27 9  6 12   12 12 
=1 =1
60 60 20  3
= 4 
 12 
 12 
= 
 12 
1 3 6
3. 10 = 9 = 9 =1
328
2 2 4
3
−5 2  1 1 2  4 3 
4 12.  + =  + 
3 5  3 4  5  12 12 
Chapter 9 4
4 21  7 
=
Numbers and 5  12 6 
Operations
7
=
49
30
4. 50 3
3
2
−17 4 7 4 8 7 4
3 13. + − = + −
1 9 18 5 18 18 5
32 15 4
3 = −
18 5
5 4
3 3 = −
6 5
5. 21 i 12 = 9 25 24
4 7 = −
30 30
1
=
6. 3 i 3 i 3 = 27 30
4 4 4 64

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WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING FRACTIONS
Fraction problems deal with parts of a whole.

Example:

If a class consists of 12 boys and 18 girls, what part of the class is boys?

Solution:

12 2 2
The class consists of 12 boys out of 30 total students, or = . So, boys represent of the class.
30 5 5
Notice that, to find the solution, you must add the boys and girls to find the total number of students. Problems may
require more than one calculation as you can see in this example.

Example:

One-quarter of this year’s seniors have averages above 90. One-half of the remainder have averages between 80 and
90 inclusive. What part of the senior class have averages below 80?

Solution:

1
We know that have averages above 90.
4
1 3 3
of , or , have averages between 80 and 90 inclusive.
2 4 8
329
1 3 2 3 5
+ = + = have averages 80 and above.
4 8 8 8 8
Chapter 9
3
Therefore, of the class have averages below 80. Numbers and
8 Operations

Example:

2
14 is of what number?
3

Solution:

2
14 = x
3
2 3
Divide each side of the equation by , which is the same as multiplying the reciprocal, or .
3 2

21 = x

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Example:

If John has p hours of homework and has worked for r hours, what part of his homework is yet to be done?

Solution:

If John had 5 hours of homework and had worked for 3 hours, you would first find he had 5 − 3 hours, or 2 hours, yet
2
to do. This represents of his work. Using letters, his remaining work is represented by p − r .
5 p

If a problem is given with letters in place of numbers, the same reasoning

must be applied as for numbers. If you are not sure how to proceed, replace
the letters with numbers to determine the steps that must be taken.

330
Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

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EXERCISES: WORD PROBLEMS INVOLVING FRACTIONS

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem. Circle the letter of your choice.

1. A team played 30 games, of which it won 24. What part SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
of the games played did the team lose?

4
A.
5

1
B.
4

C. 1
5

3
D.
4

2. If Germaine earns $X a week, and he saves $Y, what part

of his weekly salary does he spend?

A. X
Y

B. X −Y

331
X

C. X −Y
Y Chapter 9
Numbers and
D. Y−X Operations
X

3. What part of an hour elapses between 11:50 a.m. and

12:14 p.m.?

A. 2
5
7
B.
30

17
C.
30

D. 1
6

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 4. One half of the employees of Acme Co. earn salaries SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
above $18,000 annually. One third of the remainder earn
salaries between $15,000 and $18,000. What part of the
staff earns below $15,000?

1
A.
6
2
B.
3

1
C.
2
1
D.
3

1
5. David received his allowance on Sunday. He spends
4
2
of his allowance on Monday and of the remainder on
3
Tuesday. What part of his allowance is left for the rest of
the week?

1
A.
13
1
B.
9

1
332
C.
4
1
D.
Chapter 9 3

Numbers and
3
Operations 6. 12 is of what number?
4
A. 16
B. 9
C. 36
D. 20

7. A piece of fabric is cut into three sections so that the first is

three times as long as the second, and the second section
is three times as long as the third. What part of the entire
piece is the smallest section?

1
A.
13
1
B.
9
1
C.
4
1
D.
3

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8. If a number is added to both the numerator and denom- SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
4 8
inator of , the result is . What is the number?
7 9

A. 2

B. 9

C. 18

D. 20

9. A factory employs M men and W women. What part of its

employees are women?

A. M
W

M +W
B.
W

C. W
M −W

D. W
M +W

10. A motion was passed by a vote of 5:3. What part of the

votes cast were in favor of the motion?

A.
5
8 333
5
B. Chapter 9
3
Numbers and
3 Operations
C.
5

D. 3
8

11. If the ratio of x:y is 9:7, what is the value of x + y?

A. 2

B. 16

C. 63

D. It cannot be determined from the information

given.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 12. In a certain class, the ratio of men to women is 3:5. If the SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
class has 24 people in it, how many are women?

A. 9

B. 12

C. 15

D. 18

1
13. A rain barrel contains 56 gallons of water. In the morn-
2
1
ing, 23 gallons are used. The level of the rain barrel after
4
3
it rains increases by 16 gallons. How many gallons are
4
in the tank after it rains?

1
A. 16
2
B. 50

C. 64
1
D. 96
2

2 3
14. If x is of y and y is of z, what is the ratio of z:x?
3 4

334 A. 1:2

B. 1:1

Chapter 9 C. 2:1
Numbers and D. 3:2
Operations

15. Teagan can paint a house in 5 hours and Kevin can paint
a house in 8 hours. How many hours will it take them to
paint a house if they work together?

A. 3
1
B. 3
13

1
C. 6
2

D. 13

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Answer Key and Explanations

1. C 4. D 7. A 10. A 13. B

2. B 5. C 8. D 11. D 14. C

3. A 6. A 9. D 12. C 15. B

1. The correct answer is C. The team lost 6 games out 8. The correct answer is D. Let n be the number that is
6 1 being added.
of 30. =
30 5
4+n 8
= ; 9 ( 4 + n) = 8 (7 + n) ;
2. The correct answer is B. Germaine spends X − Y 7+n 9

out of X. X − Y 36 + 9n = 56 + 8n; n = 20
X
3. The correct answer is A. 10 minutes elapse by noon, 9. The correct answer is D. The factory employs M + W
and another 14 after noon, making a total of 24 people, out of which W are women.
24 2
minutes. There are 60 minutes in an hour. = 10. The correct answer is A. For every 5 votes in favor, 3
60 5
were cast against. 5 out of every 8 votes cast were in
4. The correct answer is D. One half earn over $18,000.
favor of the motion.
1 1
One third of the other , or , earn between $15,000
2 6
11. The correct answer is D. Remember, a ratio is a
1 1 3 1 4 2 fraction. If x is 18 and y is 14, the ratio x:y is 9:7, but x + y
and $18,000. This accounts for + , or + = =
2 6 6 6 6 3 is 32. The point of this problem is that x and y can take
1 on many possible values, just as long as the ratio 9:7 is
of the staff, leaving to earn below $15,000.
3 preserved. Given the multiplicity of possible values, it is 335
5. The correct answer is C. David spends 1 on Monday not possible here to establish one definite value for the
4 sum of x and y.
2 3 1 Chapter 9
and of the other , or , on Tuesday, leaving only
3 4 2 12. The correct answer is C. The ratio of women to the Numbers and
1 Operations
for the rest of the week. total number of people is 5:8. We can set up a pro-
4 5 x
portion. If = , then x = 15.
3 8 24
6. The correct answer is A. 12 = x. Multiply each side
4
4 13. The correct answer is B. To find the water remaining
by . 16 = x.
3 in the tank, solve:
1 1 3
7. The correct answer is A. Let the third or shortest 56 − 23 + 16 .
2 4 4
section = x. Then the second section = 3x, and the first
section = 9x. The entire piece of fabric is then 13x, and 2 1 3
The result is 56 − 23 + 16 = 50 gallons.
x 1 4 4 4
the shortest piece represents , or , of the
13 x 13
entire piece.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 14. The correct answer is C. There are several ways to 15. The correct answer is B. To find how long it will take
2 2 x x
attack this problem. If x is of y, then x = i y . them to paint the house together solve: + = 1 .
3 3 5 8
3 4 4
If y is of z, then z is of y, or z = i y. Therefore, The result is: 8 x + 5 x = 40
4 3 3
13 x = 40
z = 2x. The ratio of z:x is 2:1. You could also plug in a 1
x =3
real number and solve. If x is 2, figure out what y and z 13
would be. Therefore, y would be 3 and z would be 4, so
the ratio of z to x is 2:1.

336
Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

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COMPLEX NUMBERS
A complex number is a number made up of a real number and an imaginary number. It can be written in standard form a + bi,
where a and b are real numbers and i is an imaginary unit.

i = −1 , i 2 = −1

For example, in the complex number 2 + 3i the real number is 2 and the imaginary number is 3i.

Complex numbers can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided.

Adding Complex Numbers

To add complex numbers, add the real numbers and the imaginary numbers separately.

Sum: (a + bi) + (c + di) = (a + c) + (b + d)i

Example:

Add: (2 + 3i) + (8 + 4i)

Solution:

Add the real numbers and then the imaginary numbers.

337
(2 + 8) + (3i + 4i) = 10 + 7i

Chapter 9

Subtracting Complex Numbers Numbers and

Operations

To subtract complex numbers, subtract the real numbers and the imaginary numbers separately.

Difference: (a + bi) – (c + di) = (a – c) + (b – d)i

Example:

Subtract: (2 + 3i) – (8 + 4i)

Solution:

Subtract the real numbers and then the imaginary numbers.

(2 + 3i) – (8 + 4i) = (2 – 8) + (3i – 4i) = –6 – i

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Multiplying Complex Numbers
Multiplying complex numbers is like multiplying polynomials by using the distributive property or the FOIL method.

Product: (a + bi) (c + di) = (ac) + (adi) + (bci) + (bd)i2

Example:

Multiply: 3i (–2 + 9i)

Solution:

Distribute 3i to all of the terms in the parentheses.

3i ( −2 + 9i ) = (3i ) ( −2) + (3i )(9i )
= (3i ) ( −2) + 27i 2
i2 = ( −1)( −1) = −1
= −6i + 27 ( −1)
= −27 − 6i

Example:

Multiply: (2 + 3i) (8 + 4i)

338 Solution:

Chapter 9 Find the sum of the products of the First terms, the Outer terms, the Inner terms, and the Last terms of the binomials.
Numbers and The acronym FOIL stands for First Outer Inner Last and will help you to remember how to multiply two binomials.
Operations
When simplifying an expression that involves complex numbers, simplify i2 to –1.

(2 + 3i ) (8 + 4i ) = (2 i 8) + (2 i 4i ) + (8 i 3i ) + (3i i 4i )
= 16 + 8i + 24 i + 12i 2
= 16 + 32i + 12 ( −1)
= 4 + 32i

Simplify and write in standard form a + bi.

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Dividing Complex Numbers
Dividing complex numbers is more complicated because the denominator cannot contain a radical. This process is called ratio-
nalizing the denominator. In order to make the denominator rational, you must use its complex conjugate. The product of two
complex conjugates is always a real number a2 + b2. The numbers 2 + 8i and 2 – 8i are examples of complex conjugates, and their
product is the real number 22 + 82 = 4 + 64 = 68.

Complex conjugates: (a + bi) and (a – bi)

Product of complex conjugates: (a + bi) (a – bi) = a2 + b2

Example:

8
Simplify:
7i

Solution:

Rationalize the denominator by multiplying the numerator and denominator by i.

8 8 i 8i 8i 8i
= i = 2= =
7i 7i i 7i 7 ( −1) −7

Example:

4 + 2i
Simplify:
−3 + 5i

Solution: 339
Rationalize the denominator by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the conjugate for the denominator. Chapter 9
Then simplify by combining like terms.
Numbers and
Operations
4 + 2i 4 + 2i −3 − 5i
= i
−3 + 5i −3 + 5i −3 − 5i
−12 − 20i − 6i − 10
=
9 + 15i − 15i − 25i 2
−12 − 20i − 6i − 10 ( −1)
=
9 + 15i − 15i − 25 ( −1)
−2 − 26i
=
9 + 25
−2 − 6i
=
34
−2 26i
= −
34 34
−1 13i
= −
17 17

Recall that i2 = –1.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 EXERCISES: COMPLEX NUMBERS

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem. Circle the letter of your choice.

1. Add: (8 + 2i) + (2 – 3i) SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

A. 15i

B. 5 + 4i

C. 6+i

D. 10 – i

2. Add: (–2 – 5i) + (6 + 9i)

A. 4 + 4i

B. 7+i

C. 8i

D. 8 + 14i

3. Subtract: (–9 + 4i) – (3 + 7i)

A. –6 – 3i

B. –2 + i

340 C. –12 – 3i

D. –i
Chapter 9
4. Subtract: (6 + 3i) – (2 + 9i)
Numbers and
Operations
A. 4 – 6i

B. 4 + 12i

C. 8 – 6i

D. 10i

5. Multiply: (2i)(32i)

A. 64

B. –64

C. 64i

D. –64i

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6. Multiply: (–5i)(12 – 3i) SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
A. 8 + 17i

B. –15 – 60i

C. 15 + 60i

D. –8 + 17i

7. Multiply: (4 – 6i)(1 – 2i)

A. 4 + 12i

B. 4 – 12i

C. 8 + 14i

D. –8 – 14i

8. Multiply: (–5 + 3i)(20 – 7i)

A. –100 – 4i

B. 100 + 21i

C. –79 + 95i

D. 121 + 95i

−5i
9. Simplify:
4 i + 11

A. –4 – 11i
341
20 − 55i Chapter 9
B.
137 Numbers and
Operations
−20 − 55i
C.
137
D. 4 +11i

17 − i
10. Simplify:
3i

1 17
A. − i
3 3

1 7
B. + i
3 3

34 2
C. + i
5 5

1 17
D. − − i
3 3

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
6 + 14 i
11. Simplify:
1 + 2i

22 2
A. − − i
3 3

1 7
B. + i
3 3

34 2
C. + i
5 5

1 17
D. − − i
3 3

−3 + 5i
12. Simplify:
−3 − 4 i

29 27
A. − − i
5 5

B. −11 27
− i
25 25

21 27
C. − i
25 25

11 27
D. + i
342 7 7

Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

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Answer Key and Explanations

1. D 4. A 7. D 9. C 11. C

2. A 5. B 8. C 10. D 12. B

3. C 6. B

1. The correct answer is D. 9. The correct answer is C.

(8 + 2i) + (2 – 3i) = (8 + 2) + (2i – 3i) = 10 – i

−5i −5i 11− 4 i
= i
11+ 4 i 11+ 4 i 11− 4 i
2. The correct answer is A. −5i (11− 4 i )
=
(–2 – 5i) + (6 + 9i) = (–2 + 6) + (–5i + 9i) = 4 + 4i
(11+ 4i ) (11− 4i )
−55i + 20i 2
=
121− 44 i + 44 i + 16i 2
3. The correct answer is C.
−20 − 55i
=
( −9 + 4i ) − (3 + 7i ) = ( −9 − 3) + ( 4i − 7i ) 121+ 16
= −12 − 3i −20 − 55i
=
137
4. The correct answer is A.

(6 + 3i ) − (2 + 9i ) = (6 − 2) + (3i − 9i ) 10. The correct answer is D.

= 4 − 6i
17 − i 17 − i i
5. The correct answer is B. = i
3i 3i i
(17 − i )(i )
(2i)(32i) = 64i = 642(−1) = −64 =
3i 2
343
17i − i 2
6. The correct answer is B. =
3 ( −1) Chapter 9
1+ 17i Numbers and
( −5i ) (12 − 3i ) = ( −5i )(12) + ( −5i ) ( −3i ) =
Operations
−3
= −60i + 15i 2 1 17
=− − i
= −60i + 15 ( −1) 3 3
= −15 − 60i
7. The correct answer is D.

( 4 − 6i ) (1− 2i ) = ( 4) + ( −8i ) + ( −6i ) + (12i 2 )

= 4 + ( −14 i ) + ( −12)
= −8 − 14 i

8. The correct answer is C.

( −5 + 3i ) (20 − 7i ) = −100 + ( −5) ( −7i ) + (3i )(20) + (3i ) ( −7i )
= −100 + 35i + 60i + −21i 2 ( )
= −100 + 95i + 21
= −79 + 95i

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 11. The correct answer is C. 12. The correct answer is B.

−3 + 5i −3 + 5i −3 + 4 i
6 + 14 i 6 + 14 i 1− 2i = i
= i −3 − 4 i −3 − 4 i −3 + 4 i
1 + 2i 1 + 2i 1 − 2i
(6 + 14i ) (1− 2i ) =
( −3 + 5i ) ( −3 + 4i )
=
(1+ 2i ) (1− 2i ) ( −3 − 4i ) ( −3 + 4i )
9 − 12i − 15i + 20i 2
6 − 12i + 14 i − 28i 2 =
= 9 − 12i + 12i − 16i 2
1 − 2i + 2i − 4 i 2
9 − 12i − 15i + 20 ( −1)
6 − 12i + 14 i − 28 (1) =
= 9 − 12i + 12i − 16 ( −1)
1− 2i + 2i − 4 ( −1)
9 − 27i + ( −20)
6 + 2 i + 28 =
= 9 + ( −16) ( −1)
1+ 4
34 + 2i −11− 27i
= =
5 25
34 2 −11 27
= + i = − i
5 5 25 25

344
Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

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DIRECT AND INVERSE VARIATION

Direct Variation
Two quantities are said to vary directly if as one increases, the other increases, and, as one decreases, the other decreases.

For example, the amount of sugar needed in a recipe varies directly with the amount of butter used. The number of inches between
two cities on a map varies directly with the number of miles between the cities. The equation y = ax represents direct variation
between x and y, and y is said to vary directly with x. The variable a is called the constant of variation. By dividing each side by x,
you can see that the ratio for the variable is the constant a.

Example:

Hooke’s Law states that the distance d a spring stretches varies directly with the force F that is applied to it. Suppose
a spring stretches 15 inches when a force of 9 lbs. is applied. Write an equation that relates d to F, and state the con-
stant of variation.

Solution:

d F
You are comparing the distance that a spring stretches with the force that is applied, so = . Solving for d in terms
15 9
5 5
of F, you get d = F . The constant of variation is .
3 3

Example:

The weight of a person on the Moon varies directly with the weight of a person on Earth. A person who weighs 100 345
lbs. on Earth weighs 16.6 lbs. on the Moon. How much would a person who weighs 120 lbs. on Earth weigh on the
Moon? Chapter 9
Numbers and
Solution: Operations

Start with the equation y = ax, where y is the weight of a person on the Moon and x is the weight of a person on
Earth.

y = ax
16.6 = a (100)
0.166 = a

The equation y = 0.166x gives the weight y on the Moon of a person who weighs x pounds on Earth. To solve the
example, substitute x = 120 in the equation to determine the weight of the person on the Moon.

y = 0.166 x
y = 0.166(120 )
y = 19.92

A person who weighs 120 lbs. on Earth would weigh 19.92 lbs. on the Moon.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Inverse Variation
Two quantities are said to vary inversely if, as one increases, the other decreases.

For example, the number of workers hired to paint a house varies inversely with the number of days the job will take. A doctor’s
stock of flu vaccine varies inversely with the number of patients injected. The number of days a given supply of cat food lasts
varies inversely with the number of cats being fed.

The equation xy = a, where a ≠ 0, represents inverse variation between x and y, and y is said to vary inversely with x. The variable
a is called the constant of variation.

Whenever two quantities vary directly, you can find a missing term by
setting up a proportion. However, be very careful to compare the same
units, in the same order, on each side of the equal sign.

Example:

The number of songs that can be stored on a hard drive varies inversely with the size of the song. A certain hard
drive can store 3,000 songs when the average size of the song is 3.75 MB. Write an equation that gives the number of
songs y that will fit on the hard drive as a function of the average song size x.

Solution:

First, write an inverse variation equation that relates x and y. Then substitute 3,000 for y and 3.75 for x.

346 xy = a
a
y=
x
Chapter 9
a
Numbers and 3, 000 =
3.75
Operations
11, 250 = a

11, 250
The inverse variation equation for this situation is y = .
x

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EXERCISES: DIRECT AND INVERSE VARIATION

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem. Circle the letter of your choice.

1. If 60 feet of uniform wire weighs 80 pounds, what is the SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
weight of 2 yards of the same wire?

2
A. 2 pounds
3
B. 6 pounds

C. 8 pounds

D. 120 pounds

2. A gear 50 inches in diameter turns a smaller gear 30 inches

in diameter. If the larger gear makes 15 revolutions, how
many revolutions does the smaller gear make in that
time?

A. 9

B. 12

C. 20

D. 25

3. The distance a spring stretches varies directly with the

force applied to it. If a 4-lb. weight stretches a spring 65.5
inches, how many inches will the spring stretch if a 12-lb.
347
weight is applied?
Chapter 9
A. 262 Numbers and
Operations
1
B. 196
2
1
C. 21
3
3
D. 16
8

4. If a furnace uses 40 gallons of oil in a week, how many

gallons, to the nearest gallon, does it use in 10 days?

A. 4

B. 28

C. 57

D. 58

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 5. A recipe requires 13 ounces of sugar and 18 ounces of flour. SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
If only 10 ounces of sugar are used, how much flour, to the
nearest ounce, should be used?

A. 13

B. 14

C. 15

D. 23

6. If a car can drive 25 miles on two gallons of gasoline, how

many gallons will be needed for a trip of 150 miles?

A. 12

B. 10

C. 7

D. 6

7. A school has enough bread to feed 30 children for 4 days. If

10 more children are added, how many days will the bread
last?

A. 1 1
3

B. 2 2
3

348 C. 3
1
D. 5
3
Chapter 9
8. The intensity of a sound, I, varies inversely with the square
Numbers and
Operations of the distance, d, from the sound. If the distance is reduced
1
by a factor of , by what factor will the intensity of the
4
sound increase?

A. 4

B. 8

C. 12

D. 16

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 9. If 3 miles are equivalent to 4.83 kilometers, then 11.27 SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
kilometers are equivalent to how many miles?
1
A. 2
3
B. 5
1
C. 6
2
D. 7

10. Suppose the variables x and y vary inversely. If x = –12

and y = 4, find y when x = –2.

A. 48

B. 24

C. –24

D. –48

349
Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Answer Key and Explanations

1. C 3. B 5. B 7. C 9. D

2. D 4. C 6. A 8. D 10. B

1. The correct answer is C. You are comparing feet with 6. The correct answer is A. The more miles, the more
pounds. The more feet, the more pounds. This is gasoline. This is DIRECT.
DIRECT. Remember to rename yards as feet: 25 150
=
60 6 2 x
= 25 x = 300
80 x
60 x = 480 x = 12
x =8
7. The correct answer is C. The more children, the fewer
2. The correct answer is D. The larger a gear, the fewer days. This is INVERSE.
times it revolves in a given period of time. This is
30 i 4 = 40 i x
INVERSE.
120 = 40 x
50 i 15 = 30 i x 3= x
750 = 30 x
8. The correct answer is D.
25 = x

3. The correct answer is B. The more weight that is ( )

I d2 =k
applied the farther the spring will stretch. 2
 d
I  = k
4 12  4
=
350 65.5 x
4 x = 786
d2
I  = k
 16 
1
Chapter 9 x = 196
2 ( )
I d 2 = 16k
Numbers and
Operations 4. The correct answer is C. The more days, the more oil.
This is DIRECT. Remember to rename the week as 7
9. The correct answer is D. The more miles, the more
days.
40 x kilometers. This is DIRECT.
=
7 10
7 x = 400 3 x
1 =
x = 57 4.83 11.27
7 4.83 x = 33.81
5. The correct answer is B. The more sugar, the more x =7
flour. This is DIRECT.
10. The correct answer is B.
13 10
=
18 x xy = k
13 x = 180
( −12)( 4) = k
11
x = 13 −48 = k
13
−2 y = −48
y = 24

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FINDING PERCENTS

Percent Equivalents
“Percent” means “out of 100.” If you understand this concept, it becomes very easy to rename a percent as an equivalent decimal
or fraction.

5
5% = = 0.05
100

2.6
2.6% = = 0.026
100

c 1
c% = = i c = 0.01c
100 100

1
1 2 1 1 1
%= = i = i 0.5 = 0.005
2 100 100 2 100

Certain fractional equivalents of common percents occur frequently enough that they should be memorized. Learning the values
in the following table will make your work with percent problems much easier.

Percent-Fraction Equivalents
351
1 9 1 1
50% = 90% = 12 % =
2 10 2 8 Chapter 9
Numbers and
1 1 1 1 3 Operations
25% = 33 % = 37 % =
4 3 3 2 8

3 1 1 5
75% = 20% = 62 % =
4 5 2 8

1 2 1 7
10% = 40% = 87 % =
10 5 2 8

3 3 2 1
30% = 60% = 16 % =
10 5 3 6

7 4 1 5
70% = 80% = 83 % =
10 5 3 6

Most percentage problems can be solved by using the following proportion:

% part
=
100 whole

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Although this method works, it often yields unnecessarily large numbers that are difficult to compute. Following are examples
of the four basic types of percent problems and different methods for solving them.

How to Solve Percentage Problems

•  To change a % to a decimal, remove the % sign and divide by 100. This has the effect of moving
the decimal point two places to the LEFT.
•  To change a decimal to a %, add the % sign and multiply by 100. This has the effect of moving
the decimal point two places to the RIGHT.
•  To change a % to a fraction, remove the % sign and divide by 100. This has the effect of putting
the % over 100 and simplifying the resulting fraction.
•  To change a fraction to a %, add the % sign and multiply by 100.

To Find a Percent of a Number

Example:

Find 27% of 92.

Solution:

352
Proportional Method Shorter Method
Chapter 9 Rename the percent as its decimal or fraction equivalent and
Numbers and multiply. Use fractions only when they are among the familiar
Operations ones given in the previous chart.

27 x 92
=
100 92 × 0.27
100 x = 2, 428 644
x = 24.84 184
24.84

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Example:

1
Find 12 % of 96.
2

Solution:

Proportional Method Decimal Method Fractional Method

1 0.125
12
2= x × 96
1
100 96 750 i 96 = 12
100 x = 1, 200 8
1125
x = 12 12.000

Which method is easiest? It really pays to memorize those fractional equivalents.

To Find a Number When a Percent of It Is Given

Example:

7 is 5% of what number?
353
Solution:

Chapter 9
Numbers and
Proportional Method Shorter Method Operations
Translate the problem into an algebraic equation. In
5 7 doing this, the percent must be written as a fraction or
= decimal.
100 x
5 x = 700
x = 140 7 = 0.05 x
700 = 5 x
140 = x
Example:

1
20 is 33 of what number?
2

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Solution:

Proportional Method Shorter Method

1
33
2 = 20
100 x 1
1 20 = x
33 x = 2, 000 3
3 60 = x
100
x = 2, 000
3
100 x = 6 , 000
x = 60

1 1
Just think of the time you will save and the number of extra problems you will solve if you know that 33 % = .
3 3

To Find What Percent One Number Is of Another

Example:

90 is what percent of 1,500?

354 Solution:

Chapter 9 Proportional Method Shorter Method

Numbers and
Operations x 90 Put the part over the whole. Simplify the fraction and
=
100 1, 500 multiply by 100.
1, 500 x = 9 , 000
15 x = 90 90 9 3
= = i 100 = 6
x =6 1, 500 150 50

Example:

7 is what percent of 35?

Solution:

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 Proportional Method Shorter Method

x 7
=
100 35 7 1
= = 20%
35 x = 700 35 5
x = 20

Example:

18 is what percent of 108?

Solution:

Proportional Method Shorter Method

x 18
= 18 9 1 2
100 108 = = = 16 %
108 x = 1, 800 108 54 6 3

Time-consuming long division is necessary to get: Once again, if you know the fraction equivalents of
common percents, computation can be done in a
2
x = 16 few seconds.
3

355
To Find a Percent Over 100
Chapter 9
Example: Numbers and
Operations

Find 125% of 64.

Solution:

Proportional Method Decimal Method Fractional Method

64
× 1.25 1
125 x 1 i 64
= 4
100 64 320
100 x = 8 , 000 128
x = 80 5
64 i 64 = 80
4
80.00

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Example:

36 is 150% of what number?

Solution:

Proportional Method Decimal Method Fractional Method

1
150 36 36 = 1 x
= 2
100 x 36 = 1.50 x
3
150 x = 3, 600 360 = 15 x 36 = x
2
15 x = 360 24 = x 72 = 3 x
x = 24
24 = x

Example:

60 is what percent of 50?

Solution:

Proportional Method Fractional Method

356 x
=
60
100 50
60 6 1
50 x = 6 , 000 = = 1 = 120%
Chapter 9 50 5 5
5 x = 600
Numbers and x = 120
Operations

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EXERCISES: FINDING PERCENTS

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem. Circle the letter of your choice.

1. Write 0.2% as a decimal. SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

A. 0.002

B. 0.02

C. 0.2

D. 20

2. Write 3.4% as a fraction.

34
A.
1, 000

B. 34
10

C. 34
100

D. 340
100

3
3. Write % as a decimal.
4

A. 0.75 357
B. 0.075
Chapter 9
C. 0.0075
Numbers and
D. 0.00075 Operations

4. Find 60% of 70.

A. 4,200

B. 420

C. 42

D. 4.2

5. What is 175% of 16?

A. 28

B. 24

C. 22

D. 12

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 6. What percent of 40 is 16? SHOW YOUR WORK HERE

A. 20%

B. 2 1 %
2
1
C. 33 %
3

D. 40%

7. What percent of 16 is 40?

A. 20%

1
B. 2 %
2

C. 200%

D. 250%

8. $4 is 20% of what?

A. $5

B. $20

C. $200

D. $500

358 9. 12 is 150% of what number?

Chapter 9 A. 18
Numbers and B. 15
Operations
C. 9

D. 8
1
10. How many sixteenths are there in 87 % ?
2
A. 7

B. 13

C. 14

D. 15

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Answer Key and Explanations

1. A 3. C 5. A 7. D 9. D

2. A 4. C 6. D 8. B 10. C

1. The correct answer is A. 7. The correct answer is D.

0.2% = 0.002 40 5 1
= = 2 = 250%
The decimal point moves to the 16 2 2
LEFT two places.
8. The correct answer is B.

2. The correct answer is A. 1 , so 1

20% = 4= x
5 5
3.4 34 20 = x
3.4% = =
100 1, 000 9. The correct answer is D.

3. The correct answer is C.

1
150% = 1
3 2
% = 0.75% = 0.0075
4 3
x = 12
2
4. The correct answer is C.
3 x = 24
3 3 x =8
60% = i 70 = 42
5 5

10. The correct answer is C.

5. The correct answer is A.
359
3 7 1 7 14
175% = 1 i 16 = 28 87 % = =
4 4 2 8 16 Chapter 9
Numbers and
6. The correct answer is D.
Operations
16 2
= = 40%
40 5

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 PERCENT WORD PROBLEMS
Certain types of business situations are excellent applications of percent.

Percent of Increase or Decrease

The percent of increase or decrease is found by putting the amount of increase or decrease over the original amount and renaming
this fraction as a percent.

Example:

Over a five-year period, the enrollment at South High dropped from 1,000 students to 800. Find the percent of
decrease.

Solution:

1, 000 − 800 200 20

= = = 20%
1, 000 1, 000 100

Example:

A company normally employs 100 people. During a slow spell, the company fired 20% of its employees. By what
percent must the company now increase its staff to return to full capacity?
360
Solution:
Chapter 9
1 1
Numbers and 20% = i 100 = 20%
5 5
Operations
20 1
The company now has 100 − 20 = 80 employees. If it then increases its staff by 20, the percent of increase is = ,
80 4
or 25%.

In word problems, of can usually be interpreted to mean times (in other

words, multiply).

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Discount
A discount is usually expressed as a percent of the marked price that will be deducted from the marked price to determine the
sale price.

Example:

Bill’s Hardware offers a 20% discount on all appliances during a sale week. If they take advantage of the sale, how
much must the Russells pay for a washing machine marked at $280?

Solution:

Long Method Shorter Method

1
20% = If there is a 20% discount, the Russells will pay 80% of the
5
1 marked price.
i 280 = $56 discount
5
4
80% =
$280 − $56 = $224 sale price 5
4
i 280 = $224 sale price
The danger inherent in this method is that $56 is sure to 5
be among the multiple-choice answers.

Example:
361
A store offers a television set marked at $340 less discounts of 10% and 5%. Another store offers the same television
Chapter 9
set also marked at $340 with a single discount of 15%. How much does the buyer save by buying at the better price?
Numbers and
Operations
Solution:

9
, of $340, which is $306. The additional 5%
In the first store, the initial discount means the buyer pays 90%, or
10
discount means the buyer pays 95% of $306, or $290.70. Note that the second discount must be figured on the

first sale price. Taking 5% off $306 is a smaller amount than taking the additional 5% off $340. The second store will
therefore have a lower sale price. In the second store, the buyer will pay 85% of $340, or $289, making the price $1.70
less than in the first store.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Commission
Many salespeople earn money on a commission basis. In order to encourage sales, they are paid a percentage of the value of
goods sold. This amount is called a commission.

Example:

A salesperson at Brown’s Department Store is paid $80 per week in salary plus a 4% commission on all her sales. How
much will that salesperson earn in a week in which she sells $4,032 worth of merchandise?

Solution:

Find 4% of $4,032 and add this amount to $80.

4032
× 0.04
$161.28 + $80 = $241.28

Example:

Bill Olson delivers frozen food for a delivery service and keeps 8% of all money collected. One month he was able to
keep $16. How much did he forward to the delivery service?

Solution:

362 First, determine how much he collected by finding the number that 16 is 8% of.

16 = 0.08 x
Chapter 9
1, 600 = 8 x
Numbers and
Operations 200 = x

If Bill collected $200 and kept $16, he gave the delivery service $200 − $16, or $184.

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Taxes
Taxes are a percent of money spent or money earned.

Example:

Noname County collects a 7% sales tax on automobiles. If the price of a car is $8,532 before taxes, what will this car
cost once sales tax is added in?

Solution:

Find 7% of $8,532 to determine tax and then add it to $8,532. This can be done in one step by finding 107% of
$8,532.

$8532
× 1.07
59724
85320
$9129.24
Example:

If the tax rate in Anytown is $3.10 per $100, what is the annual real estate tax on a house assessed at $47,200?

Solution:

annual tax = tax rate • assessed value 363

Chapter 9
 $3.10 
= ( 47, 200 )
 $100  Numbers and
Operations
= (0.031)( 47, 200 )
= $1, 463.20

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 EXERCISES: PERCENT WORD PROBLEMS

DIRECTIONS: Work out each problem. Circle the letter of your choice.

1. A suit marked at $80 is sold for $68. What is the rate of SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
discount?

A. 12%

B. 15%

C. 20%

D. 85%

2. What was the original price of a phone that sold for $70
during a 20%-off sale?

A. $56

B. $84

C. $87.50

D. $90

3. How many dollars does a salesperson earn on a sale of

$800 at a commission of 2.5%?

364 A. 20

B. 200

Chapter 9 C. 2,000
Numbers and D. 20,000
Operations
4. At a selling price of $273, a refrigerator yields a 30%
profit on the cost. What selling price will yield a 10%
profit on the cost?

A. $210

B. $221

C. $231

D. $235

5. What single discount is equivalent to two successive

discounts of 10% and 15%?

A. 25%

B. 24.5%

C. 24%

D. 23.5%

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6. The net price of a certain article is $306 after successive SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
discounts of 15% and 10% off the marked price. What is
the marked price?

A. $234.09

B. $382.50

C. $400

D. $408

7. If a merchant makes a profit of 20% based on the selling

price of an article, what percent does the merchant make
on the cost?

A. 20

B. 25

C. 40

D. 80

8. A certain radio costs a merchant $72. At what price must

the merchant sell this radio in order to make a profit of
20% of the selling price?

A. $86.40

B. $90

C. $92 365
D. $144
Chapter 9
9. A baseball team has won 40 games out of 60 played. It Numbers and
has 32 more games to play. How many of these must the Operations
team win to make its record 75% for the season?

A. 26

B. 28

C. 29

D. 30

10. If prices are reduced 25% and sales increase 20%, what
is the net effect on gross receipts?

A. They increase by 5%.

B. They decrease by 5%.

C. They increase by 10%.

D. They decrease by 10%.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 11. A salesperson earns 5% on all sales between $200 and SHOW YOUR WORK HERE
$600, and 8% on the part of the sales over $600. What is
her commission in a week in which her sales total $800?

A. $20

B. $36

C. $46

D. $78

12. If the enrollment at State U. was 3,000 in 1998 and 12,000

in 2008, what was the percent of increase in enrollment?

A. 400%

B. 300%

C. 25%

D. 3%

2
13. If 6 students, representing 16 % of the class, failed
3
algebra, how many students passed the course?

A. 30

B. 32

C. 36

366 D. 42

14. If 95% of the residents of Coral Estates live in private

Chapter 9 homes and 40% of these live in air-conditioned homes,
Numbers and what percent of the residents of Coral Estates live in
Operations
air-conditioned homes?

A. 3%

B. 3.8%

C. 30%

D. 38%

15. A salesperson receives a salary of $100 a week and a com-

mission of 5% on all sales. What must be the amount of
sales for a week in which the salesperson’s total weekly
income is $360?

A. $6,200

B. $5,200

C. $2,600

D. $720

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Answer Key and Explanations

1. B 4. C 7. B 10. D 13. A

2. C 5. D 8. B 11. C 14. D

3. A 6. C 9. C 12. B 15. B

1. The correct answer is B. The amount of discount is 6. The correct answer is C.

$12. Rate of discount is figured on the original price.
If marked price = m, first sale price = 0.85m, and
net price = 0.90(0.85m) = 0.765m
12 3 3
= i 100 = 15%
80 20 20 0.765m = 306
m = 400
2. The correct answer is C. $70 represents 80% of the
In this case, it would be easy to work from the answer
original price.
choices.
70 = 0.80 x 15% of $400 is $60, making a first sale price of $340.
700 = 8 x
10% of this price is $34, making the net price $306.
$87.50 = x
Choices A, B, and D would not give a final answer in
3. The correct answer is A. whole dollars.

2.5 7. The correct answer is B. Use an easy amount of $100

2.5% =
100 for the selling price. If the profit is 20% of the selling
price, or $20, the cost is $80. Profit based on cost is
2.5
(800) = $20.
The commission is
100
20 1
367
= = 25%
4. The correct answer is C. 80 4
Chapter 9
8. The correct answer is B. If the profit is to be 20% of Numbers and
1.30 x = 273
the selling price, the cost must be 80% of the selling Operations
13 x = 2, 730
price.
x = $210 = cost
$273 represents 130% of the cost. 72 = 0.80 x
720 = 8 x
The new price will add 10% of cost, or $21, for profit.
90 = x
New price = $231
3
9. The correct answer is C. The team must win 75%, or ,
5. The correct answer is D. Work with a simple figure, 4
such as 100. of the games played during the entire season. With 60

games played and 32 more to play, the team must win

First sale price is 90% of $100, or $90
3 3
of 92 games, and i 92 = 69. Since 40 games have
Final sale price is 85% of $90, or $76.50 4 4
Total discount is $100 − $76.50 = $23.50 already been won, the team must win 29 additional
games.
23.50
Percent of discount = = 23.5% 10. The correct answer is D. Let original price = p, and
100
original sales = s. Therefore, original gross receipts = ps.
Let new price = 0.75p, and new sales = 1.20s. Therefore,
new gross receipts = 0.90ps. Gross receipts are only
90% of what they were.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 11. The correct answer is C. Five percent of sales between 14. The correct answer is D.
$200 and $600 is 0.05(600) = $30. Then, 8% of sales
over $600 is 0.08(200) = $16. Total commission = 2
40% =
$30 + $16 = $46. 5
2
of 95% = 38%
12. The correct answer is B. There was an increase of 5
9,000 students. To determine the percent of this
increase in enrollment: 15. The correct answer is B.

9 , 000 Let s = sales

= 3 = 300%
3, 000
$100 + 0.05s = 360
13. The correct answer is A.
0.05s = 260
5s = 26 , 000
2 1
16 % = s = $5, 200
3 6
1
6= x
6
36 = x

36 students in class: 6 failed, 30 passed

368
Chapter 9
Numbers and
Operations

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 SUMMING IT UP
•  If the arithmetic looks complex, try to simplify it first.
•  If a problem is given with letters in place of numbers, the same reasoning must be applied as for numbers. If you are not
sure how to proceed, replace the letters with numbers to determine the steps that must be taken.

•  Fractions should be written in the simplest form. Often, in multiple-choice questions, you may find that the answer you
have correctly computed is not among the choices but an equivalent fraction is. Be careful!

•  Whenever two quantities vary directly, you can find a missing term by setting up a proportion. However, be very careful to
compare the same units, in the same order, on each side of the equal sign.

•  When solving percentage problems, remember the following:

ºº To change a % to a decimal, remove the % sign and divide by 100. This has the effect of moving the decimal point two
places to the LEFT.

ºº To change a decimal to a %, add the % sign and multiply by 100. This has the effect of moving the decimal point two
places to the RIGHT.

ºº To change a % to a fraction, remove the % sign and divide by 100. This has the effect of putting the % over 100 and
simplifying the resulting fraction.

ºº To change a fraction to a %, add the % sign and multiply by 100.

•  In problems dealing with percent, you may be presented with certain types of business situations, such as taxes or com-
missions. For problems asking about the percent of increase or decrease, put the amount of increase or decrease over the
original amount and rename that fraction as a percent. A discount is usually expressed as a percent of the marked price that
will be deducted from the marked price to determine the sale price.

• 
ONLINE
PREP
369
Want to Know More?
Chapter 9

Access additional practice questions, helpful lessons, valuable tips, and top-notch strategies for the following numbers and Numbers and
Operations
operations review topics in Peterson’s SAT® Online Course:

•  Arithmetic Strategy
•  Hard Arithmetic
•  Percent Word Problems
•  Proportions and Rates
•  Word Problems
•  Working Backwards
To purchase and access the course, go to www.petersons.com/sat.

Peterson’s SAT® Prep Guide 2018

 Chapter 10:
Basic Algebra

OVERVIEW
Signed Numbers Roots and Radicals
Exercises: Signed Exercises: Roots and
Numbers Radicals
Linear Equations Monomials and
Polynomials
Exercises: Linear
Equations Exercises: Monomials and
Polynomials
Simultaneous Equations
Problem Solving in
Exercises: Simultaneous
Algebra
Equations
Exercises: Problem
Exponents
Solving in Algebra
Exercises: Exponents