SAT Reading Comprehension Quiz II

1. On line 14, what does "appointed" most nearly mean?

Designated

Given office

Taken away from

Moved to the pinnacle of

Created

Because the time was "appointed" for her return, it was actually "designated" for her return. Note that it was not "created" for her return as there was no mention of another event being postponed.

Explanation

Because the time was "appointed" for her return, it was actually "designated" for her return. Note that it was not "created" for her return as there was no mention of another event being postponed.

2. What is the most near meaning of "call" as used throughout the passage?

A summary

An experience

A meeting

A measure

A trip

Because "call" is used to describe various encounters (Mr. Jarndyce, Mrs. Jellyby, etc.), it is thus used to describe various meetings.

Explanation

Because "call" is used to describe various encounters (Mr. Jarndyce, Mrs. Jellyby, etc.), it is thus used to describe various meetings.

3. What is the purpose of the comparison between "castles" and the great wall of China on lines 2-3?

To prove that Richard was weak-willed

To illustrate Richard's haughty resolve

To critcize the narrator's incompetence

To elaborate on the significance of the Great Wall of China

To determine if Richard was up to the task

Because Richard was in "high spirits" and proceded to build "castles in the air," he was likely to be a determined and haughty fellow.

Explanation

Because Richard was in "high spirits" and proceded to build "castles in the air," he was likely to be a determined and haughty fellow.

4. Which of the following characters is the narrator looking for? I. Mr. Jandice II. Mrs. Jellyby III. Richard

I only

II only

I and II

II and III

I, II, and III

The narrator had found Mr. Jandice and obviously knew that Richard had left, so the only character that the narrator is actually looking for is Mrs. Jellyby, who keeps ending up at society functions.

Explanation

The narrator had found Mr. Jandice and obviously knew that Richard had left, so the only character that the narrator is actually looking for is Mrs. Jellyby, who keeps ending up at society functions.

5. Which of the following words might be used to describe Richard?

Elusive

Perfunctory

Idealistic

Courageous

Voracious

Because Richard is committed to building castles in the sky, one may infer that he is an idealist.

Explanation

Because Richard is committed to building castles in the sky, one may infer that he is an idealist.

6. What is the "exercise of pen and ink" referred to on line 12?

The search for Mrs. Jellby

Mrs. Jellby's daughter attempting to write a statement of credit

The administration of the Settlement at Borrioboola Gha

The letter-writing campaign

The lack of native literacy

The text reads that "All this involved... exercise of pen and ink." The important aspect of the question is understanding what the antecedent of "this" is, which is namely the "letter-writing campaign."

Explanation

The text reads that "All this involved... exercise of pen and ink." The important aspect of the question is understanding what the antecedent of "this" is, which is namely the "letter-writing campaign."

7. What is the attitude of the narrator towards the functions that Miss Jellyby is involved with?

Passionate contempt

Pourous satisfaction

Harmonious treachery

Objective indifference

Cynical mockery

Because the narrator basically describes the functions that Mrs. Jellyby is involved without revealing any bias or feeling towards those functions, the narrator's attitude is best described as indifferent and objective.

Explanation

Because the narrator basically describes the functions that Mrs. Jellyby is involved without revealing any bias or feeling towards those functions, the narrator's attitude is best described as indifferent and objective.

8. On line 10, what does "cultivation" most nearly mean?

Installation of values and belief systems

Demonstration of wit and virtue

Procurement of botanical growth

Determination of abilities

Production of industrial goods

This question tests you on your vocabulary. The word "cultivation" is used here in the botanical, or plant-related, sense as she wishes to discuss the merits of the cultivation of coffee.

Explanation

This question tests you on your vocabulary. The word "cultivation" is used here in the botanical, or plant-related, sense as she wishes to discuss the merits of the cultivation of coffee.