DSAT Reading and Writing 5

Question 1

A passage uses formal academic language throughout, but one sentence reads: 'The policy was a total disaster and nobody liked it.' A student wants to revise this sentence to match the passage's tone. Which revision is best?

Accepted Answer

The policy proved deeply unpopular and was widely considered a failure.

Answer

Option A uses formal, precise language consistent with academic writing, replacing informal phrases with appropriate diction.

Question 2

Read the sentence: 'Despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe, Luxembourg has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.' The word 'Despite' indicates:

Accepted Answer

a contrast between two seemingly contradictory facts

Answer

'Despite' signals contrast — Luxembourg's small size contrasts with its economic strength.

Question 3

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

He bought a car from a dealer with leather seats.

Answer

In option C, 'with leather seats' is misplaced and seems to modify 'dealer' rather than 'car'; it should read 'a car with leather seats from a dealer.'

Question 4

A passage states that a new medication reduced symptoms in 85% of clinical trial participants. The author concludes that the medication is effective. Which assumption is this conclusion based on?

Accepted Answer

The clinical trial was representative and conducted without significant flaws.

Answer

The conclusion that the medication is effective assumes the trial was valid and representative — without this, the 85% figure could be misleading.

Question 5

Which choice correctly uses a colon?

Accepted Answer

The chef needed three ingredients: flour, eggs, and butter.

Answer

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list; option A follows this rule.

(DSAT) Digital SAT Practice Test

(DSAT) Digital SAT Practice Test

DSAT Reading and Writing 5