SAT Section 3 - Group 2 - Quiz & 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 explanation accurately states that nitrogen can be harmful to plants and animals. It does not imply causation or make any assumptions about the relationship between nitrogen and the killing of plants and animals.

Explanation

The correct answer is "nitrogen, which can kill plants and animals." This explanation accurately states that nitrogen can be harmful to plants and animals. It does not imply causation or make any assumptions about the relationship between nitrogen and the killing of plants and animals.

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 is correct because it uses the correct verb tense and structure. The phrase "spent his last 27 years" indicates the duration of time, and the word "painting" correctly describes the action that Winslow Homer was engaged in during that time.

Explanation

This answer is correct because it uses the correct verb tense and structure. The phrase "spent his last 27 years" indicates the duration of time, and the word "painting" correctly describes the action that Winslow Homer was engaged in during that time.

3. 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". The sentence states that in order to complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "One original composition" is a synonym for "one original work" and accurately reflects the requirement mentioned in the sentence.

Explanation

The correct answer is "and one original composition". The sentence states that in order to complete the music program, a student must present one vocal performance, one instrumental performance, and compose one original work. "One original composition" is a synonym for "one original work" and accurately reflects the requirement mentioned in the sentence.

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. The sentence states that five million people went to Berlin when the Berlin Wall began to be torn down, implying that they went there for the purpose of celebrating the event.

Explanation

The phrase "to celebrate" is the correct answer because it accurately completes the sentence. The sentence states that five million people went to Berlin when the Berlin Wall began to be torn down, implying that they went there for the purpose of celebrating the event.

5. 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" is used to compare two things, while "stronger" is already a comparative form. The correct phrase should be "stronger" without the word "more".

Explanation

The phrase "more stronger" is grammatically incorrect because "more" is used to compare two things, while "stronger" is already a comparative form. The correct phrase should be "stronger" without the word "more".

6. 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 phrasing maintains parallel structure by using the same comparative structure ("older than") for both the library and the courthouse. It also maintains clarity by placing the contrasting element ("just as beautiful") immediately after the word it is comparing ("the courthouse").

Explanation

The correct answer is "older than the courthouse but just as beautiful." This phrasing maintains parallel structure by using the same comparative structure ("older than") for both the library and the courthouse. It also maintains clarity by placing the contrasting element ("just as beautiful") immediately after the word it is comparing ("the courthouse").

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 given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that studies have suggested that eating nuts, particularly almonds, might help to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a present participle to show the ongoing action of reducing the risk of heart disease.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. It states that studies have suggested that eating nuts, particularly almonds, might help to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The word "reducing" is used correctly as a present participle to show the ongoing action of reducing the risk of heart disease.

8. 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 option accurately conveys the information that people learned about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska. The word "had been" indicates that the discovery had already taken place before the news spread.

Explanation

The correct answer is "about new goldfields that had been discovered". This option accurately conveys the information that people learned about the discovery of new goldfields in Nome, Alaska. The word "had been" indicates that the discovery had already taken place before the news spread.

9. 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 option accurately describes the relationship between the Kaikoura Peninsula and the undersea canyon. It states that the peninsula is situated next to the canyon, indicating a close proximity or adjacency.

Explanation

The correct answer is "borders an undersea canyon that is." This option accurately describes the relationship between the Kaikoura Peninsula and the undersea canyon. It states that the peninsula is situated next to the canyon, indicating a close proximity or adjacency.

10. 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.

11. 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 verb "have argued" is incorrect in this sentence because it does not agree in number with the subject "The newly elected Prime Minister." The correct verb form should be "has argued" to match the singular subject.

Explanation

The verb "have argued" is incorrect in this sentence because it does not agree in number with the subject "The newly elected Prime Minister." The correct verb form should be "has argued" to match the singular subject.

12. 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.

13. 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 correct answer is "overrun". The sentence describes the condition of the lawn being filled with weeds, which implies that it is overgrown and not properly maintained. The word "overrun" accurately conveys this meaning.

Explanation

The correct answer is "overrun". The sentence describes the condition of the lawn being filled with weeds, which implies that it is overgrown and not properly maintained. The word "overrun" accurately conveys this meaning.

14. 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 of 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 of the mayor's office.

15. 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 replaced with "felt" to maintain parallelism in the sentence. The sentence is discussing a past belief held by people entering politics, so the past tense "felt" is more appropriate.

Explanation

The correct answer is "feel". The verb "feel" should be replaced with "felt" to maintain parallelism in the sentence. The sentence is discussing a past belief held by people entering politics, so the past tense "felt" is more appropriate.

16. 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 survey indicated that workers in the United States hope that their wages will keep pace with the rising cost of living. This is because the pronoun "his or her" is used to refer to a singular noun (in this case, "workers"), so it should be changed to the plural form "their" to match the noun.

Explanation

The survey indicated that workers in the United States hope that their wages will keep pace with the rising cost of living. This is because the pronoun "his or her" is used to refer to a singular noun (in this case, "workers"), so it should be changed to the plural form "their" to match the noun.

17. 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 phrase "with adapting" is incorrect in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "in adapting." This is because the verb "succeeded" should be followed by the preposition "in" to indicate the action in which the grower was successful.

Explanation

The phrase "with adapting" is incorrect in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "in adapting." This is because the verb "succeeded" should be followed by the preposition "in" to indicate the action in which the grower was successful.

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" correctly refers to the action of publishing The Golden Notebook. The phrase "instantly established" is the correct past tense form of the verb "establish" and accurately describes the effect of the publication. The phrase "as one" is used to compare the author to other important literary voices. The phrase "most important" correctly describes the level of importance attributed to the author. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.

Explanation

The pronoun "it" correctly refers to the action of publishing The Golden Notebook. The phrase "instantly established" is the correct past tense form of the verb "establish" and accurately describes the effect of the publication. The phrase "as one" is used to compare the author to other important literary voices. The phrase "most important" correctly describes the level of importance attributed to the author. Therefore, there is no error in the given sentence.

19. 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 phrase "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" means to exist or occur at an earlier time, so it should be used to indicate that the games and exhibitions developed in the American Indian rodeo happened before the form of rodeo seen on television.

Explanation

The phrase "they predate" is the correct answer because it correctly identifies the error in the sentence. The word "predate" means to exist or occur at an earlier time, so it should be used to indicate that the games and exhibitions developed in the American Indian rodeo happened before the form of rodeo seen on television.

20. 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 by including not only the physical well-being of the animals but also their mental state.

Explanation

Zookeepers have broadened their understanding of care by including not only the physical well-being of the animals but also their mental state.

21. 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

Like some other great works, the enduring horror tale Frankenstein was first published anonymously. This means that, similar to those other works, the true author of Frankenstein was not initially known to the public. Mary Shelley, who wrote the novel when she was not quite nineteen years old, did not receive immediate recognition for her work. This similarity highlights the fact that Frankenstein, despite its young author, went on to become a renowned and influential piece of literature.

Explanation

Like some other great works, the enduring horror tale Frankenstein was first published anonymously. This means that, similar to those other works, the true author of Frankenstein was not initially known to the public. Mary Shelley, who wrote the novel when she was not quite nineteen years old, did not receive immediate recognition for her work. This similarity highlights the fact that Frankenstein, despite its young author, went on to become a renowned and influential piece of literature.

22. 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 word "suggest" is the correct answer because it is the only word in the sentence that is not grammatically incorrect or in need of correction. The sentence is stating that ongoing research by several scientists suggests that regular periods of meditation can reduce blood pressure and potentially lead to other health improvements.

Explanation

The word "suggest" is the correct answer because it is the only word in the sentence that is not grammatically incorrect or in need of correction. The sentence is stating that ongoing research by several scientists suggests that regular periods of meditation can reduce blood pressure and potentially lead to other health improvements.

23. 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 is describing the design of the reservoir, implying that it was well thought out and ingenious. The sentence also states that the reservoir "supplied fish," meaning that it provided a source of fish for the people in the city. Additionally, the reservoir helped farmers to produce three crops of rice annually, indicating that it played a role in increasing agricultural productivity. There are no errors in this sentence.

Explanation

The word "clever" is used correctly in this sentence. It is describing the design of the reservoir, implying that it was well thought out and ingenious. The sentence also states that the reservoir "supplied fish," meaning that it provided a source of fish for the people in the city. Additionally, the reservoir helped farmers to produce three crops of rice annually, indicating that it played a role in increasing agricultural productivity. There are no errors in this 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". The pronoun "I" should be replaced with "me" in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house" as "me" is the object of the verb "invited".

Explanation

The correct answer is "I". The pronoun "I" should be replaced with "me" in this sentence. The correct phrase should be "Mary invited Sandhya and me to her house" as "me" is the object of the verb "invited".

25. 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, a notable figure in English literature, is often regarded as the epitome of a biographer. Through his meticulous work in ensuring the everlasting legacy of other authors, he has also secured immortality for himself. This statement emphasizes Boswell's exceptional skill in immortalizing the lives and works of other writers, thereby solidifying his own place in literary history.

Explanation

James Boswell, a notable figure in English literature, is often regarded as the epitome of a biographer. Through his meticulous work in ensuring the everlasting legacy of other authors, he has also secured immortality for himself. This statement emphasizes Boswell's exceptional skill in immortalizing the lives and works of other writers, thereby solidifying his own place in literary history.

26. 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. The phrase "Only by tapping their last reserves of energy" is correctly followed by the auxiliary verb "were" to indicate the past tense. The phrase "to salvage" is also correctly used to show the purpose of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and is used to describe the situation that was starting to look like a lost cause. Overall, there are no errors in the sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. The phrase "Only by tapping their last reserves of energy" is correctly followed by the auxiliary verb "were" to indicate the past tense. The phrase "to salvage" is also correctly used to show the purpose of tapping their last reserves of energy. The phrase "what was beginning" is also grammatically correct and is used to describe the situation that was starting to look like a lost cause. Overall, there are no errors in the sentence.

27. 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

The given sentence is grammatically correct. The phrase "as effective as" is used correctly to compare the effects of environmental pollution described by Rachel Carson to other authors. The phrase "a model for" is also used correctly to describe Rachel Carson's work as an example for nature writers. Therefore, there is no error in the sentence.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct. The phrase "as effective as" is used correctly to compare the effects of environmental pollution described by Rachel Carson to other authors. The phrase "a model for" is also used correctly to describe Rachel Carson's work as an example for nature writers. Therefore, there is no error in the 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, the preposition "with" is used to show the relationship between the verb "mistrust" and its object "her earlier findings". It indicates that her critics' mistrust is directed towards her earlier findings.

Explanation

The correct answer is "with". In this sentence, the preposition "with" is used to show the relationship between the verb "mistrust" and its object "her earlier findings". It indicates that her critics' mistrust is directed towards her earlier findings.

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 correct answer is "lost". The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb should also be in the past tense. "Lost" is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" in this context.

Explanation

The correct answer is "lost". The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb should also be in the past tense. "Lost" is the correct past tense form of the verb "lose" in this context.