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SAT Mock Test 2

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Module 2

Questions 28–36

Question 28

The following sentence contains a blank.

The historian relied on letters, newspaper articles, and government records to reconstruct the events surrounding the expedition. _______, she was able to create a detailed account of the journey.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
  1. As a result,
  2. Nevertheless,
  3. Instead,
  4. Likewise,

Question 29

Researchers analyzing ancient tree rings discovered evidence of several prolonged droughts in the region centuries before written records existed. These findings suggest that climate fluctuations may have influenced patterns of migration and settlement.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. Ancient tree rings provide information about historical environmental conditions.
  2. Written records are more accurate than scientific evidence.
  3. Migration patterns are unrelated to climate.
  4. Researchers have determined the exact causes of all ancient droughts.

Question 30

The following text is adapted from a literary essay.

Unlike many adventure novels of its era, Marcus Hale’s The Northern Passage devotes little attention to dramatic action scenes. Instead, the novel focuses primarily on the psychological effects of isolation on its main character.
Which choice best describes the purpose of the comparison in the first sentence?

  1. It demonstrates how Hale’s novel differs from typical works in the genre.
  2. It argues that adventure novels should avoid action scenes.
  3. It explains why readers disliked Hale’s novel.
  4. It summarizes the plot of The Northern Passage.

Question 31

The following sentence contains a blank.

The scientist’s presentation was highly technical and included numerous statistical models. _______, many audience members appreciated the clarity of her explanations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Similarly,
  2. However,
  3. Therefore,
  4. For instance,

Question 32

Some economists argue that remote work could reshape urban development patterns by reducing demand for office space in city centers. Others caution that cities may continue to attract businesses because of the advantages created by concentrated networks of workers and resources.
The text primarily presents

  1. evidence proving that remote work will eliminate cities.
  2. two perspectives on the possible effects of remote work.
  3. a history of office construction in urban areas.
  4. a description of technological innovations in communication.

Question 33

The following text is adapted from a science report.

Certain species of fungi form cooperative relationships with plants by attaching to their roots. Through these relationships, the fungi help plants absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. It provides an example of the relationship introduced in the first sentence.
  2. It explains a benefit associated with the relationship mentioned in the first sentence.
  3. It argues against scientific research on fungi.
  4. It introduces a historical account of plant evolution.

Question 34

The following sentence contains a blank.

The documentary examines the history of public libraries in the United States. _______, it explores how libraries continue to adapt to digital technologies and changing community needs.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Specifically,
  2. In contrast,
  3. In addition,
  4. Otherwise,

Question 35

In a recent interview, chef Naomi Ishikawa explained that she prefers simple recipes that emphasize the natural flavors of ingredients. Rather than using heavy sauces or elaborate decorations, she focuses on careful preparation techniques and seasonal produce.
Which choice best states the central idea of the text?

  1. Ishikawa believes complicated recipes are essential.
  2. Ishikawa values simplicity and ingredient quality in cooking.
  3. Ishikawa specializes in historical cooking traditions.
  4. Ishikawa dislikes using seasonal ingredients.

Question 36

The following sentence contains a blank.

The research team expected the new software update to improve processing speed. _______, early tests revealed that the update occasionally caused systems to crash.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Consequently,
  2. Likewise,
  3. However,
  4. For example,

Question 37

Art historian Devin Cole argues that murals often serve not only decorative purposes but also political ones. According to Cole, public murals can communicate messages about identity, power, and social change to broad audiences.
Which choice best describes the author’s claim?

  1. Murals are usually less meaningful than other forms of art.
  2. Murals can function as tools for political and social expression.
  3. Public audiences rarely pay attention to murals.
  4. Decorative art should avoid political themes.

Question 38

The following text is adapted from a business article.

Although online shopping has grown rapidly, some retailers have found that physical stores remain valuable because they allow customers to interact directly with products before purchasing them.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. Online shopping has completely replaced physical stores.
  2. Customers dislike purchasing products online.
  3. Physical stores continue to offer advantages despite the growth of online shopping.
  4. Retailers should avoid investing in digital technology.

Question 39

The following sentence contains a blank.

Astronomers recently discovered a planet orbiting a distant star within the region considered most favorable for liquid water. _______, scientists caution that many additional factors determine whether a planet could support life.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Nevertheless,
  2. Therefore,
  3. Likewise,
  4. Specifically,

Question 40

The following text is adapted from a psychology article.

Studies suggest that people are more likely to remember information when it is connected to vivid imagery or strong emotional experiences. Researchers believe such associations help strengthen memory formation.
Which choice best describes the relationship between the sentences?

  1. The second sentence provides a possible explanation for the finding described in the first.
  2. The second sentence contradicts the statement in the first.
  3. The second sentence presents an unrelated example.
  4. The second sentence defines a technical term.

Question 41

The following sentence contains a blank.

The author revised several chapters of the novel after receiving feedback from editors. _______, the final version was more focused and coherent.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. In contrast,
  2. As a result,
  3. Likewise,
  4. Nevertheless,

Question 42

Many scientists once believed that dinosaurs were slow-moving reptiles. More recent evidence, including fossil analysis and comparisons with modern birds, has led researchers to conclude that many dinosaur species were active and fast-moving.
Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?

  1. It presents an older belief and then explains how newer evidence challenged it.
  2. It describes competing theories without favoring either.
  3. It explains how fossils are discovered.
  4. It summarizes the evolution of modern reptiles.

Question 43

The following text is adapted from a report about renewable energy.

Hydroelectric dams can generate large amounts of electricity without burning fossil fuels. However, environmental scientists note that dams may also disrupt ecosystems by altering river habitats and fish migration patterns.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. Hydroelectric power offers benefits but may also create environmental challenges.
  2. Fossil fuels are less efficient than renewable energy.
  3. Fish migration patterns are poorly understood.
  4. Hydroelectric dams should replace all other energy sources.

Question 44

The following sentence contains a blank.

The linguist analyzed recordings from multiple regions to study variations in pronunciation. _______, she identified several patterns linked to age and geographic location.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. As a result,
  2. Nevertheless,
  3. Otherwise,
  4. For example,

Question 45

The following text is adapted from a cultural history article.

In many societies, festivals serve purposes beyond entertainment. They often reinforce community traditions, strengthen social bonds, and preserve cultural practices across generations.
Which choice best describes the central idea of the text?

  1. Festivals are primarily commercial events.
  2. Festivals can play important cultural and social roles.
  3. Traditional practices rarely survive over time.
  4. Entertainment is unimportant in festivals.

Question 46

The following sentence contains a blank.

The robotics team designed a machine capable of navigating uneven terrain without direct human control. _______, the technology could eventually assist in search-and-rescue operations.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. For example,
  2. In contrast,
  3. Consequently,
  4. Nevertheless,

Question 47

Historian Carla Mendes argues that maps are not purely objective representations of geography. According to Mendes, mapmakers’ decisions about scale, labels, and boundaries can reflect political priorities and cultural assumptions.
Which choice best states the author’s main claim?

  1. Maps are influenced by human choices and perspectives.
  2. Geographic information is always inaccurate.
  3. Political leaders rarely use maps.
  4. Cultural assumptions have no effect on cartography.

Question 48

The following text is adapted from a science article.

Some deep-sea organisms produce their own light through a process called bioluminescence. Scientists believe this ability may help animals attract prey, communicate, or avoid predators in dark ocean environments.
Which choice best describes the function of the second sentence?

  1. It presents possible purposes of the phenomenon introduced in the first sentence.
  2. It disputes the existence of bioluminescence.
  3. It explains how oceans are formed.
  4. It compares deep-sea animals with land animals.

Question 49

The following sentence contains a blank.

The athlete trained consistently throughout the winter season despite several injuries. _______, she improved her performance significantly by the start of the competition.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Likewise,
  2. As a result,
  3. Nevertheless,
  4. Specifically,

Question 50

The following text is adapted from a technology article.

Although artificial intelligence systems can process large amounts of data quickly, they may still produce inaccurate results if the data used to train them contains errors or biases.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

  1. Artificial intelligence systems are always reliable.
  2. Data quality can affect the accuracy of artificial intelligence systems.
  3. Large amounts of data guarantee accurate results.
  4. Technology companies rarely use artificial intelligence.

Question 51

The following sentence contains a blank.

The conservation program successfully increased the population of the endangered bird species over the past decade. _______, habitat protection measures reduced threats from human development.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. Specifically,
  2. Nevertheless,
  3. Instead,
  4. Otherwise,

Question 52

The following text is adapted from an economics article.

Some analysts argue that automation may eliminate certain categories of jobs. Others point out that technological advances have historically created new industries and employment opportunities as well.
The text primarily presents

  1. a single explanation for economic growth.
  2. two perspectives on the effects of automation.
  3. evidence that automation should be banned.
  4. a technical description of manufacturing equipment.

Question 53

The following sentence contains a blank.

The scientist repeated the experiment multiple times to confirm the reliability of the results. _______, each trial produced nearly identical measurements.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?

  1. In contrast,
  2. Consequently,
  3. Likewise,
  4. For example,

Question 54

The following text is adapted from a literature review.

Critics have noted that novelist Adrian Wells frequently writes protagonists who struggle to balance personal ambition with moral responsibility. This recurring conflict appears throughout Wells’s work and contributes to many of his novels’ central themes.
Which choice best states the central idea of the text?

  1. Wells’s novels focus primarily on historical events.
  2. Critics disagree about the themes in Wells’s writing.
  3. A conflict between ambition and morality is a common theme in Wells’s novels.
  4. Wells rarely develops complex characters.