59- ] Model SAT Tests - Test Fifty Nine

59- ] Model SAT Tests

Test Fifty Nine

The passages below are followed by questions based on their content ; questions following a pair of related passages may also be based on the relationship between the paired passages . Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passages and in any introductory material that may be provided .

Questions 1 - 12 are based on the following passage .

The following passage is adapted from an article on the importance of bacteria to modern life .

            There is a whole category of life that is fascinating , versatile , useful , and surprisingly varied and populous , and it’s overlooked by a majority of people . Bacteria make up one and possibly two overarching categories of life , as biologists currently classify it . Prokaryotes , or true bacteria , are organisms without an organized cell nucleus . Archaebacteria were originally classified as prokaryotes , but recent studies have revealed differences in their cellular structure that might necessitate a whole new category to describe them . Bacteria are incredibly numerous ; it may be that all the species we have ever catalogued make up only five percent of the total number of species of bacteria . They are everywhere in our world , from our dirt to our food to the very insides of our bodies . The fact that we can’t see them makes them easy to ignore , but their impact on our lives is undeniable , and probably extends into more aspects of living than scientists even aware of.  

            Perhaps the most remarkable thing about bacteria is their ability to survive in extreme environmental conditions . The oldest fossils scientists have discovered are fossilized bacteria ; they were on earth when the planet was unbearably hot and carried no oxygen in its atmosphere . It was through bacteria evolving to adapt the sun’s light into nutrients and their subsequent development of the same kind of photosynthesis that plants use today , that oxygen and carbon dioxide were introduced to our atmosphere as waste products , allowing plants and animals to find a toehold on an otherwise inhospitable planet .

            One thing that makes bacteria such hardy survivors is their ability to alter their living DNA by exchanging their own with that in the environment around them or with that of other bacteria using methods called , respectively , transformation and conjugation . In this way , they can acquire the genes necessary to protect themselves from extreme conditions like exceptionally hot , acidic or airless environments ; they can also acquire resistance to a particularly antibiotic from another bacteria that already has the resistance. With these DNA trading tactics , bacteria can benefit from evolutionary progress made by other species , simply by assuming it s their own .

            The most common response to the word “bacteria” is to think of disease . While bacteria are the cause of many annoying and deadly diseases , most species are harmless , and many are actually beneficial . Bacteria is indispensable to many aspects of modern industry and production . We use bacteria to culture cheese and give each type its distinctive flavor , to treat sewage by breaking down harmful toxins into methane gas , to extract the desirable metal from other minerals in mines in a more environment-friendly alternative to smelting , and to improve the nutrient absorption and therefore the yield of food crops . Bacteria is also the basis for biotechnology ; by combining bacteria with human DNA , we can use bacterial reproduction to manufacture important hormones like insulin , or antibodies that fight disease .

            Despite all their beneficial uses , of course , the negative impacts of some bacteria cannot be ignored . While one strain of bacteria might give your smoked gouda its distinctive flavor , another species cold very well working on spoiling it , covering it with mold . Much of the bacteria in pre-treated sewage can cause deadly diseases . Some bacteria accelerates rusting , especially in metals containing iron . Other species will kill a farm’s entire crop . If canned food during preservation is not heated to 250   Fahrenheit , it could be infected with botulism , a deadly toxin . With all their dangers , ironically enough , bacteria are supporting other industries , such as those devoted to antibacterial cleaning products , sterilization , and controlling the growth of dangerous species . Our relationship with bacteria is not a simple one , but it is an important one , and one that is highly if invisibly ingrained into our daily way of life .

1 . The author assumes that “a majority of people” ( line 3 ) are

(A) not curious about things they can’t see

(B) infected with bacterial diseases

(C) spreading bacteria intentionally in their everyday life

(D) poorly educated

(E) using antibacterial products

2 . In line 10 , “easy to ignore” emphasizes that bacteria are

(A) useful

(B) widely acknowledged

(C) deeply misunderstood

(D) too scare to pay attention to

(E) taken for granted

3 . In line 11 , the author uses “undeniable” to convey the

(A) unavoidable incidence of disease caused by bacteria

(B) necessity of using bacteria in industry

(C) incontrovertible nature of the fact that bacteria affect us

(D) inevitability of encountering visible bacteria

(E) lack of solid support for the conjecture that bacteria are all around us

4 . The reference to “extreme environmental conditions” in line 13 primarily serves to

(A) highlight the fact that certain environments cannot support life

(B) exaggerate the adversity of places that bacteria live

(C) emphasize the difficulty overcome by bacteria to live where other types of life cannot

(D) emphasize the difficulty of conquering infectious disease

(E) provide an example of ways to use bacteria in industry

5 . In lines 17 - 18 , the author mentions “waste products” to illustrate that

(A) bacteria can excrete harmful substances

(B) plants and animals were only able to live on Earth due to bacteria’s production of necessary gases

(C) bacteria can live in extreme environments

(D) plants and animals made Earth’s environment hospitable for bacteria

(E) bacteria are useful in treating sewage

6 . The author argues that one reason bacteria are such “hardy survivors” at the beginning of paragraph three is that

(A) they can adapt their own DNA

(B) they can live inside humans

(C) they use photosynthesis

(D) they cause diseases

(E) they have very long life-spans

7 . At the end of paragraph three , “assuming” most nearly means

(A) jumping to conclusions (B) ascending (C) calculating (D) gaining (E) rejecting

8 . The author mentions several industries in paragraph 4 in order to

(A) illustrate all the uses of bacteria in modern industry

(B) explain that using bacteria is good for the environment

(C) provide examples of ways in which bacteria can be harmful

(D) inform the reader in depth about distinct species of bacteria

(E) provide examples of ways in which bacteria can e beneficial

9 . -Which example would be most appropriate to add to the list of bacteria’s effects in paragraph 4 ?

(A) bacteria contribute carbon dioxide to the atmosphere

(B) bacteria produce enzymes used to manufacture laundry detergent

(C) bacteria are responsible for mildew in humid places

(D) bacteria are used to aid in digestion

(E) bacteria coat different surfaces with a slimy substance called a “biofilm”

10 . Which of the following industries are both helped and harmed by bacteria , according to

the passage ?

I . agriculture

II . cheese manufacture

III . canning foods

(A) I only (B) II only  (C) II and111 only (D) I and II only (E) I , II , and III

11 . The passage indicates that which industry is supported by the actual dangers of bacteria ?

(A)  mining

(B) cheese manufacturing

(C) sewage treatment

(D) the antibacterial industry

(E) agriculture

12 . The tone of the passage is primarily one of

(A) scientific exhilaration

(B) dry humor

(C) conservative criticism

(D) informed appreciation

(E) mild disapproval

Answer Key

1 . A 2 . E 3 . C 4 . C 5 . B 6 . A 7 . D 8 . E 9 . B 10 . D 11 . D 12 . D

58- ] Model SAT Test - Test Fifty Eight

58- ] Model SAT Tests

Test Fifty Eight 

The following passage is an early draft of an essay . Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten .

Read the passage and select the best answer for each question that follows . Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve structure or word choice . Other questions ask you to consider organization and development . In choosing answers , follow the conventions of standard written English .

            (1)The Kloss gibbon is an unusual ape species that can be found only in the rain forests of the Mentawai Islands off the western coast of Sumatra .  (2) Kloss gibbons live in family “homes” , as do most of us . (3) An adult male , an adult female , and their offspring sleep , eat , and enjoy one another’s company within a specific territory that they have selected to be their own .

            (4) If a male from another family group comes too close to the territory , the “homeowner” will view this approach as a threat , and would be fighting quite actively to defend his turf . (5) However , the use of physical force is rarely necessary , these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts . (6) Kloss gibbons sing to prevent a fight .

            (7) Every two days or so , shortly before dawn , a male Kloss gibbon begins his “musical” performance by “whistling” for a few minutes . (8) As he gets more enthusiastic , he produces longer phrases , which can include as many as 12 notes and a trill . (9) The male stops , maybe even eats a piece of fruit , and then repeats his recital again , over and over , as he moves throughout the boundaries of his family’s home territory . (10) These concerts can last anywhere from ten minutes to two hors .

            (11) The beginning of the song is a male’s simple way of saying “This is my house , and visitors are not welcome .” (12) The rest of the complex song is not just showing off , though . (13) Unlike in many animals , the size of male Kloss gibbons does not vary much , so it is not a factor in determining strength . (14) If two males could see one another (which they can’t because of the thick growth of the rain forest) , they would not be able to decide , merely on sight , which one was likely to be the stronger of the two . (15) The elaborate part of the song conveys a clear message : “Don’t make me hurt you !”

1 . The sentence that best states the main idea of the passage s  

(A) sentence 1 (B) sentence 3 (C) sentence 6 (D) sentence 11 (E) sentence 15

2 . In context , which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 ( reproduced below) ?

If a male from another family group comes too close to the territory , the “homeowner” will view this approach as a threat , and would be fighting quite actively to defend his turf .  

(A) and would be fighting quite actively

(B) and might fight quite actively

(C) and would quite actively be fighting

(D) and will fight quite actively

(E) and will engage in quite an active fight

3 . In context , which is the best version of sentence 5 (reproduced below) ?

However , the use of physical force is rarely necessary , these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts .

(A) (as it is now)

(B) Since the use of physical force is rarely necessary , these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts .

(C) However , the use of physical force is rarely necessary , this is because these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts .

(D) However , the use of physical force is rarely necessary , while these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts .

(E) However , the use of physical force is rarely necessary , because these animals have a unique way of avoiding conflicts .

4 . In context , what revision is needed in sentence 13 ?

(A) No revision is needed

(B) Change “many animals” to “that of many animals”

(C) Change “many animals” to “those of many animals”

(D) Chang “does not vary” to “do not vary”

(E) Change “it is not a factor” to “they are not factors”

5 . Of the following , which is the best version of sentence 14 (reproduced below) ?

If two males could see one another (which they can’t because of the thick growth of the rain forest) , they would not be able to decide , merely on sight , which one was likely to be the stronger of the two .

(A) If two males could see one another (which they can’t because of the thick growth of the rain forest) , they would not be able to decide , merely on sight , which one was likely to be the stronger of the two .

(B) Even if two males could see one another through the rain forest’s thick growth , they probably would not be able to tell which one was stronger.

(C) If two males happen to see one another through the thick growth of the rain forest , they will be unable to tell which one is stronger .

(D)Even if two males could see one another which they can’t ( because of the thick growths of the rain forest) , they would not be able to decide  merely on sight , which one was the strongest.

(E) Because of the thick growths in the rain forest , two males cannot see one another , and even if they cold , they would not be able to decide which one was probably stronger .

6 . Which of the following would be the most suitable sentence to insert immediately after sentence 14 ?

(A) So a “homeowner” demonstrates his toughness by vocalizing .

(B) This frequently can be a confusing situation for both the male gibbons .

(C) Therefore , the “homeowner ,” realizing that he is much smaller , must sing to scare the intruder off .

(D) For this reason , the intruding male shows how tough he is by vocalizing .

(E) So the two males engage in a singing contest to see whose voice is louder .

Answer Key

1 . C 2 . D 3 . E 4 . B 5 . B 6 . A  

57- ] Model SAT Test - Test Fifty Seven

57- ] Model SAT Tests

Test Fifty Seven

The following sentences test your ability to recognize grammar and usage  error . Each sentence contains either a single error or no error at all . No sentence contains more than one error . The error , if there is one , is underlined and lettered . If the sentence contains an error , select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct . If the sentence is correct , select choice (E) . In choosing answers , follow the requirements of standard written English .

1 . Whenever one is driving late at night , you  must take extra precautions against  falling

          (A)                                                         (B)                                                        (C)

asleep at the wheel . No error

                 (D)               (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

2 . Over the last two weeks , I learn that all of the family stories I heard throughout my

           (A)                                     (B)

childhood were fiction -- fairy takes invented to hide the past I was not allowed to know .

                                                                                  (C)                                                      (D)

No error

   (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

3 . The sickening odor emanating from the bottles make anyone in the general vicinity feel queasy . No error

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

4 . New Jersey is now the most dense populated state , while Alaska remains the most

                                                               (A)                          (B)                     (C)           (D)

sparsely  populated . No error

                                          (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

5 . Like other archipelagos , French Polynesia’s culture has been profoundly shaped by its

                       (A)                                                                        (B)                 (C)                     (D)

geographic isolation . No error

                                           (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

6 . In airplanes as to boats , some people experience the feeling of nausea known as  ,

                            (A)                (B)                  (C)                                                     (D)

motion sickness . No error

                                  (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

7 . With the introduction of inexpensive , high-quality audio equipment , recording by

   (A)               (B)

amateurs and hobbyists are becoming more common . No error

             (C)                                 (D)                                           (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

8 . When one reads Shakespeare , we can easily see how dramatically  the English language

       (A)                                               (B)                                    (C)

has changed in the last 400 years . No error

      (D)                                                    (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

9 . Three of Jim’s classmates who were going on the class trip been nervous about being

 

away from home for a whole week . No error

 

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

10 . The professor , in his flawed interpretation of the revolutionary movement , stated that

                                                                  (A)

, intense moved , the revolutionaries forgot to be practical and made a plan only feasible in

        (B)                                                                      (C)                                                (D)

a different era . No error

                               (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

11 . Since  the Kennedy Administration , fitness standards for a child of eleven has greatly

         (A)                                                                                      (B)                             (C)

increased throughout the American public school system . No error

                       (D)                                                                             (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

12 . Due to strict confidentially rules , which have been in effect for years , only recently has

          (A)                                                                    (B)                                                             (C)                                

the courtroom statements of that witness become known to the public . No error

                                                                              (D)                                       (E)   

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

13 . On the whole , Steven preferred driving on small , rural roads , which he found more

              (A)                                     (B)                                                                                  (C)

scenic  than the big city where he lived . No error

                  (D)                                               (E)                                 

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

14 . The soprano who led the opera production to its first place finishes in national and

                                 (A)                                                                 (B)

international competitions have more than five costume changes , which occur in the

                                                (C)                                                             (D)

opera’s first act . No error

                                  (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

15 . No matter where Gwen traveled or what her experiences is in the country , she was

           (A)                                                  (B)                   (C)

always thankful  for a kind word in her native language . No error

               ( D)                                                                              (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

16 . Jill and Casey were convinced to become a member of the Peace Corps after seeing

                                          (A)                                   (B)                                              (C)

a video clip about the rewards of volunteer service . No error

             (D)                                                                           (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

17 . Baseball was a typical American pastime before  either basketball and football , its play

                                                                                (A)                                    (B)

quickly moving from New York and Boston to Pittsburgh , St. Louis , Cincinnati , and then

  (C)                                                                                                                                          (D)

across the country to California . No error

                                                              (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

18 . Heated debates between members of different political parties have recently arose ,

                                                                                                                                            (A)

causing  teachers to reassess lessons that encourage students to express their opinions in the

    (B)                                                             (C)                                                                  

classroom  . No error

   (D)                (E)

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

19 . The Russian language teachers are convinced that their students’ progress , coming

                                                                      (A)       

just weeks after the beginning of the term , were caused  by extra efforts to discourage

     (B)                                                                        (C)

students from speaking English . No error

                         (D)                                 (E) 

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

Answer Key

1 . B 2 . 2. B 3 . D 4 . A 5 . A 6 . A 7 . D 8 . B 9 . B 10 . B 11 . C 12 . C 13 . D 14 . C 15 . C 16 . B 17 . B 18 . A 19 . C