SAT Reading Comprehension Quiz V: Test!

1. General Question: Does the author take a definite stand on abortion?

Yes

No

The author never takes a definite stand on what he believes concerning abortion. Instead, he talks about the positions of others.

Explanation

The author never takes a definite stand on what he believes concerning abortion. Instead, he talks about the positions of others.

2. What is the meaning of the word "rear" on line 17?

Behind

Reverse

Nurture

Succumb

Construct

To "rear" is to nurture or bring up.

Explanation

To "rear" is to nurture or bring up.

3. Why does the author mention that advocates "cannot even state their own position?" (line 3)

To make the advocates look dim-witted

To advocate for decreased abortions in the US

To emphasize the confusing nature of the debate

To introduce a form of bias

To remain objective in the face of criticism

He only brings it up to show that the debate is confused because of misstatements.

Explanation

He only brings it up to show that the debate is confused because of misstatements.

4. On line 5, what is the most accurate meaning of "reflect?"

Ponder

Mediate

Resolve

Shimmer

Consult

In this case, they want to think on it or ponder on it.

Explanation

In this case, they want to think on it or ponder on it.

5. Why does the author include the words "life or potential life?" (lines 31-32)

To acknowledge different views on the nature of life at the fetus stage

To argue a point

To counter-act an earlier claim

To examine a claim more carefully

To recognize the impact of abortion on society

The author wants to show that some people believe a fetus is a life, where as some believe it is a potential life.

Explanation

The author wants to show that some people believe a fetus is a life, where as some believe it is a potential life.

6. What is the meaning of the word "zealous" on line 33?

Overbearing

Constituent

Minute

Reactive

Radical

Only a radical or extreme pro-life advocate would believe in that position.

Explanation

Only a radical or extreme pro-life advocate would believe in that position.

7. Based on the second paragraph, what is the author's attitude toward pro-choice advocates?

Most of them are essentially extremists

Many of them are unaware of how abortion works

Few of them are medical experts

Many of them are actually moderate

None of them can be trusted

He cites in the second paragraph that they would be unlikely to argue for extreme positions.

Explanation

He cites in the second paragraph that they would be unlikely to argue for extreme positions.

8. Which of the following words best describes the main message in the passage?

Abortion advocates are generally on the fringes of society

Abortion advocates may hold more common ground than they believe to

Many pro-life advocates are unaware of the implications of a negative childbirth

Many pro-choice advocates do not consider the pragmatic consequences of abortion

Most people are pro-life advocates

Obviously, he states areas in which all people are likely to agree.

Explanation

Obviously, he states areas in which all people are likely to agree.

9. Based on lines 1-2, which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with regarding pro-life and pro-choice advocates?

They are not very eloquent speakers

They have a corrupt value system

They are incompetent

They are mutually misunderstood

They are ideologically similar

Since he states they cannot state each other's position, he is saying they are basically misunderstanding each other.

Explanation

Since he states they cannot state each other's position, he is saying they are basically misunderstanding each other.

10. Does the author claim pro-choice and pro-life advocates are basically the same?

Yes

No

He never makes this claim. Instead, he points out some common ground between the two.

Explanation

He never makes this claim. Instead, he points out some common ground between the two.

11. Which of the following is most similar to the "casual event" in line 30?

Terminal illness

Dental work

Having a child

Death

Car accident

Only choice B is commonplae or a "casual event."

Explanation

Only choice B is commonplae or a "casual event."

12. Why does the author mention "teenage pregnancy" (line 27)?

It is regarded in high esteem

It is considered almost universally negative

It is a serious problem

It is a diminishing issue

It holds weight in certain social circles

Most people regard it negatively, which is why "Almost no..." advocates would recommend it.

Explanation

Most people regard it negatively, which is why "Almost no..." advocates would recommend it.

13. Which of the following would not be an appropriate title for this passage?

The Abortion Debate

The Dark Side of the Pro-Life Movement

Pro-Life, Pro-Choice: All the Same

Finding Middle Ground on Abortion

Balancing Perspectives on Abortion

Only choice B is outrightedly partisan.

Explanation

Only choice B is outrightedly partisan.

14. Which of the following represents a function of "quality of life?" (lines 14-15)

Life expectancy

Socio-economic background

Parenting skills of the parents

Amount of money the parents have

Racial background

All of the choices B-E pertain to social conditions whereas A pertains to a health condition.

Explanation

All of the choices B-E pertain to social conditions whereas A pertains to a health condition.

15. Which of the following phrases describes the tone of the author throughout the passage?

Outraged disgust

Quiet acceptance

Cynical admiration

Pointed commentary

Detached observation

Without becoming overly involved in the arguement, the author presents multiple perspectives.

Explanation

Without becoming overly involved in the arguement, the author presents multiple perspectives.

16. Why does the author include the language "suffer painfully?" (line 35)

To introduce his personal perspective on abortion

To reveal a bias

To address multiple perspectives on the process of childbirth

To add emotional impact to the argument

To demonstrate a case in which abortion would almost certainly be an option

Nobody wants a child to suffer, so theoretically everyone would opt for an abortion in this case (except for a radical).

Explanation

Nobody wants a child to suffer, so theoretically everyone would opt for an abortion in this case (except for a radical).

17. Based on the third paragraph, which of the following statements would the author be least to agree with?

Pro-life advocates are concerned with the quality of life of the child

Pro-choice advocates are concerned with the social implications of abortion

Most pro-choice advocates favor ideology over practical considerations

Most pro-life advocates would allow for abortion in some extreme cases

Most pro-choice advocates do not advocate teen pregnancy

As the author states, most pro-choice advocates believe that abortion may not always be practical or favorable.

Explanation

As the author states, most pro-choice advocates believe that abortion may not always be practical or favorable.

18. What is the author's tone in the first paragraph?

Laudatory

Formal

Friendly

Infuriated

Candid

The author maintains his distance from the debate without personalism or attachment, so it is very formalistic.

Explanation

The author maintains his distance from the debate without personalism or attachment, so it is very formalistic.

19. Which of the following words best describes the author's attitude towards zealots?

Admiration

Contempt

Disbelief

Separation

Envy

Since he classifies zealots as very extreme people, he does not identify with them.

Explanation

Since he classifies zealots as very extreme people, he does not identify with them.

20. Based on lines 1-2, which of the following words describes the author's attitude towards the "advocates?"

Ambivalence

Skepticism

Distrust

Disdain

Distance

The author does not take a stand on either type of advocate but attacks them both equally, marking his distance from the argument.

Explanation

The author does not take a stand on either type of advocate but attacks them both equally, marking his distance from the argument.

21. Why does the author include the parenthetical reservation "(male or female)" on line 24?

To highlight that promiscuity occurs in both males and females

To recognize and dismiss a societal perception difference

To indicate his reservations about sexuality

To diminish the importance of gender roles

To highlight the differences between male and female sexuality

Because male and female promiscuity are viewed differently, he wants to show he considers both the same.

Explanation

Because male and female promiscuity are viewed differently, he wants to show he considers both the same.

22. What is the most similar meaning to "promiscuity" (line 23)?

Chastity

Flippance

Consideration

Carelessness

Audacity

In this context, promiscuity refers to seeking sexual attention or being very audacious.

Explanation

In this context, promiscuity refers to seeking sexual attention or being very audacious.