SAT Reading Comprehension - Paired Passages

1. The author implies that the answers to the questions in sentence two would reveal that human beings

Are less human when they seek pleasure

Need to evaluate their purpose in life

Are being alienated from their true nature by technology

Have needs beyond physical comforts

Are always seeking the meaning of life

The author implies that the answers to the questions in sentence two would reveal that human beings have needs beyond physical comforts. This suggests that humans are not solely driven by their physical desires and that there are other aspects of their well-being that need to be fulfilled.

Explanation

The author implies that the answers to the questions in sentence two would reveal that human beings have needs beyond physical comforts. This suggests that humans are not solely driven by their physical desires and that there are other aspects of their well-being that need to be fulfilled.

2. 2. The author would apparently agree that playing poker is

Often an effort to avoid thinking

Something that gives true pleasure

An example of man’s need for society

Something that man must learn to avoid

Inhuman

The correct answer suggests that playing poker is often an effort to avoid thinking. This implies that people may engage in playing poker as a means of distraction or escape from their thoughts or problems. It suggests that poker can serve as a form of entertainment or diversion rather than a serious intellectual activity.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that playing poker is often an effort to avoid thinking. This implies that people may engage in playing poker as a means of distraction or escape from their thoughts or problems. It suggests that poker can serve as a form of entertainment or diversion rather than a serious intellectual activity.

3. The first sentence of passage 3 contains an element of

Paradox

Legend

Melancholy

Humor

Self-deprecation

The first sentence of passage 3 contains an element of paradox because it presents a statement that seems contradictory or absurd on the surface. Paradoxes often involve a play on words or a situation that goes against common sense or expectations. In this case, the first sentence may present a contradictory idea or a situation that is seemingly impossible or illogical.

Explanation

The first sentence of passage 3 contains an element of paradox because it presents a statement that seems contradictory or absurd on the surface. Paradoxes often involve a play on words or a situation that goes against common sense or expectations. In this case, the first sentence may present a contradictory idea or a situation that is seemingly impossible or illogical.

4. Both passages list a series of places, but differ in that the author of passage 3

Has been more influenced by his list of locations

Is less specific in compiling his list

Revisits them more often

The correct answer suggests that the author of passage 3 never expects to visit any of the listed locations in real life, while the writer of passage two believes that it is possible for him to visit them. This implies that the author of passage 3 is more influenced by his list of locations and sees them as purely imaginary or unattainable, whereas the writer of passage two considers the possibility of experiencing these places in reality.

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that the author of passage 3 never expects to visit any of the listed locations in real life, while the writer of passage two believes that it is possible for him to visit them. This implies that the author of passage 3 is more influenced by his list of locations and sees them as purely imaginary or unattainable, whereas the writer of passage two considers the possibility of experiencing these places in reality.

5. 4. In the context of the final sentence the word "subtle" most nearly means

Not obvious

Indirect

Discriminating

Surreptitious

Scientific

In the context of the final sentence, the word "subtle" means discriminating. This means that the word refers to something that is not obvious or easily noticeable, but requires careful observation or analysis to understand or distinguish.

Explanation

In the context of the final sentence, the word "subtle" means discriminating. This means that the word refers to something that is not obvious or easily noticeable, but requires careful observation or analysis to understand or distinguish.

6. Both passages make the point that

Imaginary travel is better than real journeys

Children’s books are largely fiction

The effects of childhood impressions are inescapable

Books read early in life can be revisited in the imagination many years later

The sight of imaginary places evokes memories

The correct answer is "books read early in life can be revisited in the imagination many years later". This is supported by both passages as they both mention the ability to revisit and remember books read in childhood.

Explanation

The correct answer is "books read early in life can be revisited in the imagination many years later". This is supported by both passages as they both mention the ability to revisit and remember books read in childhood.

7. 3. The author makes his main point with the aid of

Logical paradox

Complex rationalization

Observations on the connection between art and science

Scientific deductions

Extended simile

The author uses an extended simile to make his main point. This means that he is using a comparison that is continued throughout the text to illustrate his argument or idea. The extended simile helps to clarify and emphasize his main point by drawing parallels between two different concepts or ideas.

Explanation

The author uses an extended simile to make his main point. This means that he is using a comparison that is continued throughout the text to illustrate his argument or idea. The extended simile helps to clarify and emphasize his main point by drawing parallels between two different concepts or ideas.

8. By calling America an "imaginary country" the author of passage 4 implies that

America has been the subject of numerous works for children

He has never seen America

His current vision of that country is not related to reality

America has stimulated his imagination

His childhood vision of that country owed nothing to actual conditions

The author of passage 4 implies that his childhood vision of America was not based on reality. This suggests that the author's perception of America during his childhood was not influenced by actual conditions or facts about the country. Instead, it was a product of his imagination or perhaps influenced by fictional works or stories about America.

Explanation

The author of passage 4 implies that his childhood vision of America was not based on reality. This suggests that the author's perception of America during his childhood was not influenced by actual conditions or facts about the country. Instead, it was a product of his imagination or perhaps influenced by fictional works or stories about America.