SAT Section 6 - Group 5
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.
- 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 stringent upbringing, however, as she grew older she began to appreciate her grandmother's strict discipline.Rate this question:
-
- 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 correct answer is "acrid". This is because the sentence mentions that Virgil's mouth is stinging and burning, which suggests that the taste is unpleasant and irritating. "Acrid" means having an unpleasantly strong and bitter taste or smell, which fits the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
-
- 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 means that the marbled murrelet's nesting behavior in forests is considered unusual or not typical compared to other seabirds that nest on ocean cliffs and islands. The word "predilection" suggests a preference or inclination towards something, in this case, nesting in forests. The word "atypical" indicates that this behavior is not the norm or expected. Therefore, the marbled murrelet's nesting behavior is characterized by a preference for nesting in forests, which is considered unusual or atypical.Rate this question:
-
- 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 is a long-standing medical mystery. Over the years, physicians have suggested more than 100 possibilities for the cause of his death, including poisoning, malnutrition, kidney disease, and heart failure.Rate this question:
-
- 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 correct answer is "reticent". Reticent means hesitant or reluctant to speak or express oneself. The sentence suggests that initially, the children were quiet or reserved, but as the morning progressed, they became more talkative and cheerful. This aligns with the meaning of "reticent" as it implies a change from being silent to being more open and communicative.Rate this question:
-
- 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 trivial or insignificant details, completely overlooking the larger and more important meaning or message of the play.Rate this question:
-
- 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 opening paragraph of the passage suggests that the "meaning" mentioned in line 8 is culturally determined. The author implies that the interpretation and understanding of the meaning of something can vary depending on one's cultural background and perspective. This suggests that the meaning is not fixed or universally applicable, but rather influenced by cultural factors.Rate this question:
-
- 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 passage discusses the difficulty of interpreting different expressions of art. It mentions contemporary plays, fables, sitcoms, and myths from various cultures. However, the most difficult expression of art to interpret would be a single text produced by a previously unknown society. This is because there would be no prior knowledge or familiarity with the society's language, culture, or context, making it challenging to understand the meaning and intentions behind the text.Rate this question:
-
- 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. This means that instead of directly answering the question, the author provides an example or scenario that supports his argument or viewpoint. By doing so, the author is able to provide a more concrete and relatable explanation to the question.Rate this question:
-
- 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 has knowledge and understanding of the culture, but is not a part of it. They may have studied or researched the culture extensively, allowing them to provide insights and analysis from an external viewpoint. This perspective can offer a balanced and objective understanding of the culture, while also acknowledging the author's awareness of their position as an outsider.Rate this question:
-
- 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 lines 54-55 suggests that the author believes the word "difficult" is an understatement. This implies that the author thinks the described situation or task is even more challenging than what is conveyed by the word "difficult."Rate this question:
-
- 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 most similar to the key or legend to a map. Just like a key or legend helps to explain the symbols and markings on a map, the statements in lines 59-65 provide additional information and clarification about the concepts and ideas presented in the passage. They help the reader understand the meaning and significance of certain terms or ideas mentioned in the passage, just as a key or legend helps the reader understand the symbols and markings on a map.Rate this question:
-
- 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 about the power and importance of verbal agreements. This indicates that in Tanaina culture, a verbal exchange is seen as a valid and binding contract, highlighting the significance placed on verbal communication and trustworthiness in their society.Rate this question:
-
- 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 have a tendency to be prickly and defensive, much like a porcupine. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for people who fail to adequately plan for their own needs. Just as a porcupine's quills are its defense mechanism, these individuals may rely on others or external factors to fulfill their needs instead of taking proactive measures themselves. Therefore, the best description for the "porcupine women of this world" is that they plan inadequately for their own needs.Rate this question:
-
- 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 mentioned earlier poses a new peril for the porcupine woman. This is indicated by the mention of the bear's "great bulk" and "menacing presence," suggesting that encountering the bear on the path would be dangerous for the porcupine woman.Rate this question:
-
- 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
The correct answer is "original goal and her actual situation". In lines 83-87, the description of the porcupine woman highlights the contrast between her initial goal or intention and her current situation or reality. This suggests that her original goal did not align with what actually happened to her.Rate this question:
-
- 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 can be seen as a warning about ill-conceived assent because it likely portrays a situation where someone agrees to something without fully understanding the consequences or implications. The story may highlight the potential dangers of blindly agreeing to something without considering the potential negative outcomes. It serves as a cautionary tale to encourage individuals to be more thoughtful and cautious in their decision-making processes.Rate this question:
-
- 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 suggests that the story is not just for entertainment purposes, but also serves as a way to convey important messages or lessons to the audience.Rate this question:
-
- 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 more to understanding a text than simply reading it.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 12, 2011Quiz Created by
Mmmaxwell
Back to top