Scholastic Assessment English Test
For each question in this section, select the best answer from among the choices given and fill in the corresponding circle on the answer sheet. You will get your score at the end of the quiz, share it on social media and with your friends. All the best for the Test
- 1.
As a child, Mary ------- her stringent upbringing; however, as she grew older she began to appreciate her grandmother’s strict -------.
- A.
Tolerated . . autonomy
- B.
Despised . . discipline
- C.
Embraced . . authority
- D.
Disavowed . . abstinence
- E.
Loathed . . liberality
Correct Answer
B. Despised . . disciplineExplanation
Mary despised her grandmother's strict discipline as a child, but as she grew older, she began to appreciate it. This suggests that Mary initially did not like the strict rules and regulations imposed on her, but over time, she recognized the value and importance of discipline in her life.Rate this question:
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- 2.
His mouth stinging and burning, Virgil hurried to the kitchen for water to wash away the dish’s ------- taste.
- A.
Earthy
- B.
Exotic
- C.
Cloying
- D.
Acrid
- E.
Succulent
Correct Answer
D. AcridExplanation
The word "acrid" means having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell. In this context, Virgil's mouth is stinging and burning, indicating that the taste is very unpleasant. Therefore, he hurries to the kitchen for water to wash away the dish's acrid taste.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Since other seabirds customarily nest in colonies on ocean cliffs and islands, the marbled murrelet’s ------- nesting in forests many miles from the sea must be considered -------.
- A.
Ambivalence about . . hypothetical
- B.
Indifference to . . bold
- C.
Insistence upon . . evident
- D.
Aversion to . . dangerous
- E.
Predilection for . . atypical
Correct Answer
E. Predilection for . . atypicalExplanation
The correct answer is "predilection for . . atypical". This is because the sentence states that other seabirds customarily nest in colonies on ocean cliffs and islands, while the marbled murrelet nests in forests many miles from the sea. This behavior is considered "atypical" or not typical for seabirds, indicating a preference or predilection for nesting in a different habitat.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The cause of Mozart’s ------- is a long-standing medical -------: over the years, physicians have suggested more than 100 possibilities, including poisoning, malnutrition, kidney disease, and heart failure.
- A.
Mortality . . phenomenon
- B.
Bereavement . . controversy
- C.
Genius . . enigma
- D.
Demise . . mystery
- E.
Death . . trial
Correct Answer
D. Demise . . mysteryExplanation
Mozart's death has been a subject of mystery for a long time. Many physicians have suggested various possibilities for the cause of his death, including poisoning, malnutrition, kidney disease, and heart failure. The word "demise" accurately describes Mozart's death, and "mystery" accurately describes the unknown cause of his death.Rate this question:
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- 5.
At first the children were -------, but as the morning progressed they began to laugh and talk eagerly.
- A.
Ostentatious
- B.
Myopic
- C.
Solicitous
- D.
Puerile
- E.
Reticent
Correct Answer
E. ReticentExplanation
The word "reticent" means being quiet or reserved, not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily. In the given context, it suggests that the children were initially quiet or hesitant, but as the morning progressed, they became more comfortable and started laughing and talking eagerly.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Oren missed the play’s overarching significance, focusing instead on details so minor that they would best be described as -------.
- A.
Pragmatic
- B.
Indelible
- C.
Moribund
- D.
Picayune
- E.
Impervious
Correct Answer
D. PicayuneExplanation
Oren missed the play's overarching significance, focusing instead on details so minor that they would best be described as "picayune." This means that Oren was overly concerned with insignificant or trivial details, completely overlooking the bigger and more important aspects of the play.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. In the opening paragraph, the author assumes that the “meaning” (line 8) is
- A.
Culturally determined
- B.
Intensely personal
- C.
Essentially moralistic
- D.
Permanently inscrutable
- E.
Uniquely artistic
Correct Answer
A. Culturally determinedExplanation
The author assumes that the "meaning" mentioned in the opening paragraph is culturally determined. This means that the interpretation or understanding of the meaning of something is influenced by the culture or society in which it is being perceived. The author suggests that different cultures may have different interpretations or understandings of the meaning of something, indicating that meaning is not universal or fixed, but rather shaped by cultural context.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In the context of the passage, which “expression of art” (line 9) would be the most difficult to interpret?
- A.
A contemporary play written by a prolific playwright
- B.
A fable from a nonliterate society with which anthropologists are very familiar
- C.
A single text produced by a previously unknown society
- D.
A sitcom from the early days of television
- E.
A single myth from an ancient culture
Correct Answer
C. A single text produced by a previously unknown societyExplanation
The most difficult expression of art to interpret would be a single text produced by a previously unknown society. This is because it is a completely unfamiliar and potentially unique form of art, making it challenging to decipher its meaning and context without any prior knowledge or understanding of the society that created it.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How does the author respond to the question posed in lines 3-9 ?
- A.
By proposing an innovative strategy
- B.
By confirming the futility of such analysis
- C.
By describing a personal experience with the problem
- D.
By illustrating his point within a particular context
- E.
By documenting a traditional approach to the problem
Correct Answer
D. By illustrating his point within a particular contextExplanation
The author responds to the question posed in lines 3-9 by illustrating his point within a particular context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The author discusses Tanaina culture from the perspective of
- A.
A concerned parent
- B.
A bewildered visitor
- C.
A performance artist
- D.
An informed outsider
- E.
An indignant reader
Correct Answer
D. An informed outsiderExplanation
The author discusses Tanaina culture from the perspective of an informed outsider. This suggests that the author is knowledgeable about the Tanaina culture but is not a part of it. They may have conducted research or have personal experiences that have given them insight into the culture. This perspective allows the author to provide an objective view of the culture and share their understanding with others.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The sentence in which "difficult" appears (lines 54-55) indicates that the author considers the word to be
- A.
An exaggeration
- B.
An estimate
- C.
An understatement
- D.
A contradiction
- E.
A preconception
Correct Answer
C. An understatementExplanation
The sentence in which "difficult" appears suggests that the author believes the word to be an understatement.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. In relation to the passage, the statements in lines 59-65 serve a function most similar to which of the following items?
- A.
A menu in a restaurant
- B.
The key or legend to a map
- C.
A department store directory
- D.
The outline of a term paper
- E.
An illustration of a fairytale
Correct Answer
B. The key or legend to a mapExplanation
The statements in lines 59-65 serve a function similar to the key or legend of a map because they provide important information that helps to understand and interpret the passage, just like a key or legend provides important information to understand and interpret a map.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Questions 7-19 are based on the following passage. Click Here to Read the Passage. The author’s analysis of the folktale offers which insight into Tanaina beliefs?
- A.
A fanciful story is most suitable for an audience of children.
- B.
A verbal exchange can establish a binding contract.
- C.
A person who behaves impulsively is most often sincere.
- D.
A shared task should be divided fairly between two people.
- E.
A painstaking plan may nonetheless fail to anticipate all problems.
Correct Answer
B. A verbal exchange can establish a binding contract.Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the author's analysis of the folktale provides insight into Tanaina beliefs regarding the establishment of a binding contract through a verbal exchange. This implies that in Tanaina culture, verbal agreements hold significance and can be considered legally binding. The analysis of the folktale likely explores the cultural values and norms surrounding contracts and agreements in the Tanaina community.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The “porcupine women of this world” (lines 76-77) are best described as people who
- A.
Plan inadequately for their own needs
- B.
Postpone necessary work in favor of leisure
- C.
Depend heavily upon help from their close friends
- D.
Return repeatedly to their favorite places
- E.
Flee quickly from any laborious task
Correct Answer
A. Plan inadequately for their own needsExplanation
The phrase "porcupine women of this world" suggests that these individuals are like porcupines, who have quills for protection. Just as porcupines may not adequately plan for their own needs because they rely on their quills for defense, the "porcupine women" in this context are likely to be individuals who do not adequately plan for their own needs because they rely on others for support and assistance. This implies that they may not take the necessary steps to ensure their own well-being and instead rely on others to take care of them.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The final paragraph (lines 76-87) suggests that the bear path mentioned in lines 51-52 is significant because it
- A.
Foreshadows the arrival of a benevolent character from Tanaina folklore
- B.
Suggests an alarming alternative to crossing the river
- C.
Marks the boundary of the beaver’s natural surroundings
- D.
Explains the porcupine woman’s fear of unfamiliar territory
- E.
Poses a new peril for the porcupine woman
Correct Answer
E. Poses a new peril for the porcupine womanExplanation
The final paragraph suggests that the bear path poses a new peril for the porcupine woman. This can be inferred from the mention of the bear path being "a shortcut that led to danger" and the description of the porcupine woman's fear and hesitation in crossing it. The author emphasizes that the bear path is a new danger that the porcupine woman has not encountered before, indicating that it poses a new peril for her.Rate this question:
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- 16.
In lines 83-87, the description of the porcupine woman emphasizes the discrepancy between her
- A.
Social position and her private feelings
- B.
Physical wealth and her moral poverty
- C.
Hostile action and her ultimate gratitude
- D.
Original goal and her actual situation
- E.
Grandiose ambition and her real needs
Correct Answer
D. Original goal and her actual situationExplanation
In lines 83-87, the description of the porcupine woman emphasizes the contrast between her initial goal and her current situation. The passage suggests that the porcupine woman had a specific goal or plan in mind, but her actual circumstances or reality turned out to be different. This is evident from the mention of her "original goal" and the phrase "her actual situation." The emphasis on the original goal and the actual situation highlights the disconnect between her initial intentions and the current state of affairs.Rate this question:
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- 17.
As a commentary on legal relations, this folktale is best described as
- A.
An example of traditional practices
- B.
An outline for social behavior
- C.
A warning about ill-conceived assent
- D.
A criticism of obsolete customs
- E.
A parody of actual situations
Correct Answer
C. A warning about ill-conceived assentExplanation
This folktale is best described as a warning about ill-conceived assent because it serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of making hasty or uninformed decisions. The story likely highlights the dangers of blindly agreeing to something without fully understanding the implications or considering the potential risks involved. By presenting a negative outcome resulting from ill-conceived consent, the folktale aims to caution individuals against making similar mistakes in their own lives.Rate this question:
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- 18.
As a commentary on legal relations, this folktale is best described as
- A.
Excitement at an unexpected discovery
- B.
Admiration of the storyteller’s performance
- C.
Appreciation of the folktale as a means of communicating values
- D.
Enthusiasm for the Tanaina culture’s concept of legality
- E.
Enjoyment of the comical aspects of the folktale
Correct Answer
C. Appreciation of the folktale as a means of communicating valuesExplanation
This folktale is best described as an appreciation of the folktale as a means of communicating values because it highlights the importance of the folktale in conveying moral lessons and cultural values to the audience. The story serves as a medium through which these values are communicated and understood by the listeners.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which statement is most consistent with the author’s argument?
- A.
Translating a literary text requires formal linguistic training.
- B.
Tales transmitted by a nonliterate society elude transcription in later eras.
- C.
Listening to a skilled storyteller is more instructive than entertaining.
- D.
Simple enjoyment of a tale is incompatible with scholarly analysis.
- E.
To read a text is not necessarily to understand it.
Correct Answer
E. To read a text is not necessarily to understand it.Explanation
The author's argument suggests that reading a text does not guarantee understanding it. This implies that there may be other factors or skills required to fully comprehend a literary text, such as contextual knowledge, critical analysis, or interpretation. The statement aligns with the idea that simply reading a text is not sufficient for complete understanding.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 20, 2010Quiz Created by
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