SAT Section 3 - Group 4 - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

1. Researchers are experimenting with various techniques for preventing the accumulation in water of high levels of nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals.

Nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals

Nitrogen; plants and animals can be killed

Nitrogen, that is what can kill plants and animals

Nitrogen, they could kill plants and animals

Nitrogen, and they can kill plants and animals

The correct answer is "nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals." This answer correctly identifies that nitrogen is the subject being discussed and explains that it can have harmful effects on plants and animals. The phrase "which can kill plants and animals" provides additional information about the potential consequences of high levels of nitrogen in water.

Explanation

The correct answer is "nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals." This answer correctly identifies that nitrogen is the subject being discussed and explains that it can have harmful effects on plants and animals. The phrase "which can kill plants and animals" provides additional information about the potential consequences of high levels of nitrogen in water.

2. Winslow Homer, one of America's foremost artists, spent his last 27 years and painted on the scenic Maine coast.

Spent his last 27 years and painted

Spent his last 27 years having painted

Spent his last 27 years painting

Having spent his last 27 years doing his painting

Spending his last 27 years painting

This answer correctly uses the past tense verb "spent" to indicate that Winslow Homer used up his last 27 years. The word "painting" is used as a gerund, which functions as a noun in this sentence and describes the activity that Winslow Homer engaged in during those 27 years.

Explanation

This answer correctly uses the past tense verb "spent" to indicate that Winslow Homer used up his last 27 years. The word "painting" is used as a gerund, which functions as a noun in this sentence and describes the activity that Winslow Homer engaged in during those 27 years.

3. The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices. In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence—clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity. EXAMPLE: Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book and she was sixty-five years old then. (A) and she was sixty-five years old then (B) when she was sixty-five (C) at age sixty-five years old (D) upon the reaching of sixty-five years (E) at the time when she was sixty-five 1. The library is older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse.

Older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse

Older and it is just as beautiful as the courthouse

Older than the courthouse; it is just as beautiful

Older than the courthouse but just as beautiful

Just as beautiful as the courthouse and it is older than it.

The correct answer is "older than the courthouse but just as beautiful". This choice effectively conveys the intended meaning by comparing the age of the library to the courthouse and stating that they are both equally beautiful. The other choices either change the meaning or introduce awkward phrasing.

Explanation

The correct answer is "older than the courthouse but just as beautiful". This choice effectively conveys the intended meaning by comparing the age of the library to the courthouse and stating that they are both equally beautiful. The other choices either change the meaning or introduce awkward phrasing.

4. When the Berlin Wall, long a symbol of the Cold War, began to be torn down in 1989, five million people went to Berlin to celebrate that.

To celebrate that

For its celebration

To celebrate

In celebration of that

In celebrating

The phrase "to celebrate" is the correct answer because it accurately completes the sentence and maintains the intended meaning. It shows that five million people went to Berlin for the purpose of celebrating the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Explanation

The phrase "to celebrate" is the correct answer because it accurately completes the sentence and maintains the intended meaning. It shows that five million people went to Berlin for the purpose of celebrating the tearing down of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

5. To complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and composing one original work.

And composing one original work

And one original composition

With one original composition

And to compose one original work

As well as the student's original composition

The correct answer is "and one original composition". This is because the sentence states that to complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "Composition" is another word for a musical work, so "one original composition" is the correct phrase to use in this context.

Explanation

The correct answer is "and one original composition". This is because the sentence states that to complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "Composition" is another word for a musical work, so "one original composition" is the correct phrase to use in this context.

6. New Zealand's Kaikoura Peninsula, a ruggedly beautiful spit of land, borders an undersea canyon that is home to the sperm whale and the giant squid.

Borders an undersea canyon that is

Bordering an undersea canyon,

And it borders an undersea canyon, which is

Which borders an undersea canyon,

Is the border of an undersea canyon, being

The correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is". This phrase indicates that the Kaikoura Peninsula is located next to an undersea canyon.

Explanation

The correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is". This phrase indicates that the Kaikoura Peninsula is located next to an undersea canyon.

7. Studies have suggested that eating nuts—almonds in particular—might help to lower blood cholesterol levels in humans and reducing the risk of heart disease by protecting the blood vessels. No error

Have suggested

Lower

Reducing

By protecting

No error

The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a present participle to show the ongoing action of reducing the risk of heart disease.

Explanation

The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a present participle to show the ongoing action of reducing the risk of heart disease.

8. Zookeepers have expanded one's definition of care to include concern for the animal's mental state as well as for its physical well-being.

Have expanded one’s definition of care to include

Have expanded one’s definition of care, including

Expand their definition of care, they include

Expanding the definition of care to include

Have expanded their definition of care to include

Zookeepers have broadened their understanding of care to encompass not only the physical health of the animals but also their mental well-being.

Explanation

Zookeepers have broadened their understanding of care to encompass not only the physical health of the animals but also their mental well-being.

9. The time and the place for such a large event is subject to approving from the mayor's office.

The time and the place for such a large event is subject to approving from the mayor’s office.

For such a large event, the time and the place are subject to the mayor’s office’s approving them.

The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office.

The time and place for such a large event are subject to be approved by the office of the mayor.

Subject to the approval of the mayor’s office are the time and place for such a large event taking place.

The correct answer is "The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office." This answer correctly states that the time and place of the event are dependent on the approval from the mayor's office.

Explanation

The correct answer is "The time and the place for such a large event are subject to the approval of the mayor’s office." This answer correctly states that the time and place of the event are dependent on the approval from the mayor's office.

10. When the news spread how new goldfields were discovered in Nome, Alaska, thousands abandoned Dawson, the site of the previous gold rush.

How new goldfields were discovered

How there was discovery of new goldfields

About new goldfields, and they were discovered

About new goldfields that had been discovered

The correct answer is "about new goldfields that had been discovered." This answer accurately conveys the information in the original sentence, stating that people heard news about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska. The phrase "that had been discovered" emphasizes that the goldfields were already found before the news spread.

Explanation

The correct answer is "about new goldfields that had been discovered." This answer accurately conveys the information in the original sentence, stating that people heard news about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska. The phrase "that had been discovered" emphasizes that the goldfields were already found before the news spread.

11. The book is useful because it offers not just philosophy and theory but also tells you what and how to live every day.

But also tells you what and how to live every day

But also it gives ways of everyday living

But also advice for everyday living

But also it gives practical advice for everyday life

And also tells you what to do and how to live every day

The book is useful because it not only provides philosophy and theory, but also offers practical advice for everyday living.

Explanation

The book is useful because it not only provides philosophy and theory, but also offers practical advice for everyday living.

12. The survey indicated that workers in the United States hope that his or her wages will keep pace with the rising cost of living. No error

Hope

His or her

Keep pace with

Rising

No error

The given sentence is grammatically correct. The pronoun "his or her" is used correctly to refer to the workers in a gender-neutral way. The verb "hope" is also used correctly to convey the workers' desire or expectation. The phrase "keep pace with" is used correctly to indicate that the workers want their wages to increase at the same rate as the rising cost of living. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. The pronoun "his or her" is used correctly to refer to the workers in a gender-neutral way. The verb "hope" is also used correctly to convey the workers' desire or expectation. The phrase "keep pace with" is used correctly to indicate that the workers want their wages to increase at the same rate as the rising cost of living. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.

13. The following sentences test your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. 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. Example: The other delegates and him immediately accepted the resolution drafted by the neutral states. No error 12. The country found that its economy was growing more stronger, with an improved outlook and more opportunities for training and employment. No error

Was growing

More stronger

An improved

For training

No error

The phrase "more stronger" is grammatically incorrect because "more" and "stronger" are both comparative forms of the adjective "strong." Therefore, using both together is redundant. The correct phrase should be "stronger" without the word "more."

Explanation

The phrase "more stronger" is grammatically incorrect because "more" and "stronger" are both comparative forms of the adjective "strong." Therefore, using both together is redundant. The correct phrase should be "stronger" without the word "more."

14. The newly elected Prime Minister, to the dismay of opponents from other parties, have argued for the strict regulation of campaign financing. No error

Newly elected

To the dismay

Have argued

The strict regulation

No error

The correct answer is "have argued". The subject of the sentence is "The newly elected Prime Minister", which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form should be "has argued" instead of "have argued".

Explanation

The correct answer is "have argued". The subject of the sentence is "The newly elected Prime Minister", which is singular. Therefore, the correct verb form should be "has argued" instead of "have argued".

15. In English literature James Boswell is the prime example of a biographer who, by ensuring the immortality of another author, has achieved immortality for himself. No error

In

By ensuring

Another

Himself

No error

James Boswell is a prime example of a biographer in English literature. He achieved immortality for himself by ensuring the immortality of another author. The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.

Explanation

James Boswell is a prime example of a biographer in English literature. He achieved immortality for himself by ensuring the immortality of another author. The sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.

16. The iris, the colored part of the eye, contains delicate patterns that are unique to each person, offering a powerful means of identification. No error

Contains

Are

Unique to

Means of

No error

The given sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors.

17. Because the garden was untended, the windows had no shutters, and the lawn overrun by weeds, people passing by the old house assumed that it was unoccupied. No error

Untended

Had no

Overrun

Passing by

No error

The word "overrun" is the correct answer because it is the only word in the sentence that is not grammatically incorrect or inconsistent with the context. The sentence describes the condition of the garden and the assumptions made by people passing by the old house. The word "overrun" accurately conveys the idea that the lawn is filled with weeds, supporting the overall description of neglect and abandonment.

Explanation

The word "overrun" is the correct answer because it is the only word in the sentence that is not grammatically incorrect or inconsistent with the context. The sentence describes the condition of the garden and the assumptions made by people passing by the old house. The word "overrun" accurately conveys the idea that the lawn is filled with weeds, supporting the overall description of neglect and abandonment.

18. When Doris Lessing published The Golden Notebook in 1962, it instantly established herself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. No error

It

Instantly established

As one

Most important

No error

The pronoun "it" refers to the novel "The Golden Notebook" published by Doris Lessing. The sentence is stating that the novel instantly established itself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. The use of "it" correctly refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the novel had a significant impact and recognition upon its publication.

Explanation

The pronoun "it" refers to the novel "The Golden Notebook" published by Doris Lessing. The sentence is stating that the novel instantly established itself as one of the most important literary voices of her generation. The use of "it" correctly refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the novel had a significant impact and recognition upon its publication.

19. In Angkor, Cambodia's ancient city, a clever designed reservoir, five miles long and one mile wide, supplied fish and helped farmers to produce three crops of rice annually. No error

Clever

Supplied fish

And

To produce

No error

The word "clever" is used correctly in this sentence. It describes the design of the reservoir, suggesting that it was well thought out or ingenious. The sentence also correctly states that the reservoir supplied fish and helped farmers produce three crops of rice annually. There are no errors in this sentence.

Explanation

The word "clever" is used correctly in this sentence. It describes the design of the reservoir, suggesting that it was well thought out or ingenious. The sentence also correctly states that the reservoir supplied fish and helped farmers produce three crops of rice annually. There are no errors in this sentence.

20. Until recently, most people entering politics feel that loss of privacy was a fair price to pay for the chance to participate in policy making. No error

Entering

Feel

A fair price

For

No error

The correct answer is "feel". The verb "feel" should be in the past tense, "felt", to match the past tense of "entering" in the sentence.

Explanation

The correct answer is "feel". The verb "feel" should be in the past tense, "felt", to match the past tense of "entering" in the sentence.

21. Not many authors have described the effects of environmental pollution as effective as Rachel Carson, whose work is still a model for nature writers. No error

Not many

Have described

As effective as

A model for

No error

This sentence is comparing the effectiveness of the authors in describing the effects of environmental pollution. The correct answer is "as effective as" because it properly compares the level of effectiveness between Rachel Carson and other authors.

Explanation

This sentence is comparing the effectiveness of the authors in describing the effects of environmental pollution. The correct answer is "as effective as" because it properly compares the level of effectiveness between Rachel Carson and other authors.

22. It was a Chinese American grower who finally succeeded with adapting the now familiar orange tree to the American climate. No error

It was

With adapting

Now familiar

To

No error

The correct answer is "with adapting". The sentence is discussing a Chinese American grower who succeeded in adapting the orange tree to the American climate. The phrase "with adapting" correctly shows the means or method by which the grower achieved this success.

Explanation

The correct answer is "with adapting". The sentence is discussing a Chinese American grower who succeeded in adapting the orange tree to the American climate. The phrase "with adapting" correctly shows the means or method by which the grower achieved this success.

23. Only by tapping their last reserves of energy were the team members able to salvage what was beginning to look like a lost cause. No error

Only by tapping

Were

To salvage

What was beginning

No error

The given sentence is grammatically correct. It uses the correct verb tense "were" after the phrase "Only by tapping". The phrase "to salvage" is also correctly used to show the purpose or result of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and makes sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. It uses the correct verb tense "were" after the phrase "Only by tapping". The phrase "to salvage" is also correctly used to show the purpose or result of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and makes sense in the context of the sentence. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.

24. Last summer, when Mary's aunt and uncle flew from Turkey to visit their relative and tour and the United States, Mary invited Sandhya and I to her house to meet them. No error

Flew from

And tour

I

To meet

No error

The correct answer is "I". In this sentence, "I" should be replaced with "me" as it is the object of the verb "invited". The correct sentence would be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house to meet them."

Explanation

The correct answer is "I". In this sentence, "I" should be replaced with "me" as it is the object of the verb "invited". The correct sentence would be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house to meet them."

25. Because the American Indian rodeo includes games and exhibitions developed as early as the seventeenth century, they predate by a few hundred year the form of rodeo now seen on television. No error

As early as

They predate

By

The form

No error

The word "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" should be followed by "by" in order to indicate that something happened earlier than another event or time period. Therefore, the correct phrase should be "they predate by a few hundred years."

Explanation

The word "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" should be followed by "by" in order to indicate that something happened earlier than another event or time period. Therefore, the correct phrase should be "they predate by a few hundred years."

26. In similarity with some other great works, the enduring horror tale Frankenstein was first published anonymously; its author, Mary Shelley, wrote the novel when she was not quite nineteen years old.

In similarity

As

Like what happened with

Like the case with

Like

The correct answer is "Like". This word is used to compare the situation of Frankenstein's publication with other great works. It suggests that just as those works were published anonymously, Frankenstein was also initially published without revealing the author's name.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Like". This word is used to compare the situation of Frankenstein's publication with other great works. It suggests that just as those works were published anonymously, Frankenstein was also initially published without revealing the author's name.

27. Ongoing research by several scientists suggest that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. No error

Ongoing

Suggest

Reduce

Likely to

No error

The given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that ongoing research by several scientists suggests that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. The word "suggest" is used correctly as a verb to indicate the action of the ongoing research. The word "reduce" is used correctly as a verb to show the effect of regular meditation on blood pressure. The phrase "likely to" is used correctly to express the probability of meditation contributing to other health improvements. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that ongoing research by several scientists suggests that regular periods of meditation reduce blood pressure and are likely to contribute to other improvements in health. The word "suggest" is used correctly as a verb to indicate the action of the ongoing research. The word "reduce" is used correctly as a verb to show the effect of regular meditation on blood pressure. The phrase "likely to" is used correctly to express the probability of meditation contributing to other health improvements. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.

28. Five years in the writing, her new book is both a response to her critics' mistrust with her earlier findings and an elaboration of her original thesis. No error

The writing

Bother a response

With

An elaboration

No error

The correct answer is "with". In this sentence, "with" is used to indicate the cause or reason for the critics' mistrust. It shows that the book is a response to the critics' mistrust.

Explanation

The correct answer is "with". In this sentence, "with" is used to indicate the cause or reason for the critics' mistrust. It shows that the book is a response to the critics' mistrust.

29. Despite its cultural importance, the Daily Gazette lost 70 percent of its subscribers since 1920 and, by 1955, was losing as much as $200,000 a year. No error

Despite

Lost

Was losing

As much as

No error

The word "lost" is the correct answer because it is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" in the sentence. It is used to show that the Daily Gazette had a decrease in subscribers since 1920.

Explanation

The word "lost" is the correct answer because it is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" in the sentence. It is used to show that the Daily Gazette had a decrease in subscribers since 1920.