SATs Reading Comprehension 2

Question 1

A passage states: 'The committee's recommendations were largely symbolic, offering little actionable guidance.' What does 'symbolic' most nearly mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

Meaningful in gesture only, lacking practical effect

Answer

Here 'symbolic' contrasts with 'actionable,' indicating the recommendations had no real practical impact.

Question 2

An author shifts from presenting facts to using rhetorical questions in the final paragraph. This shift most likely serves to:

Accepted Answer

Engage the reader and emphasize the argument's urgency

Answer

Rhetorical questions in a conclusion are a persuasive device used to involve the reader and heighten the stakes of the argument.

Question 3

Two passages address climate policy. Passage 1 focuses on economic costs; Passage 2 focuses on long-term ecological benefits. Both authors would most likely agree that:

Accepted Answer

Climate change is a significant issue requiring policy attention

Answer

Even though they emphasize different aspects, both authors engaging with climate policy implicitly acknowledge it is a serious issue.

Question 4

A student claims that a passage supports the idea that urbanization always reduces biodiversity. Which finding would most directly weaken this claim?

Accepted Answer

Urban parks can support more bird species than nearby farmland

Answer

Evidence that urban parks support diverse bird life directly contradicts the absolute claim that urbanization always reduces biodiversity.

Question 5

A passage describes a scientist who 'methodically dismantled each assumption.' The word 'dismantled' suggests the scientist:

Accepted Answer

Carefully broke down and refuted each assumption

Answer

'Dismantled' in this figurative context means systematically taking apart and refuting assumptions one by one.

SATs (Standard Assessment Test) Practice Test

SATs (Standard Assessment Test) Practice Test

SATs Reading Comprehension 2