SAT^® Pop Quiz

If a + 2 > 5 and a − 4 < 1, then which of the following could be a value for a ?

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

Which of the following is the best estimate for the slope of the line that best fits the data shown in the figure? (Assume that the blackbordered area is a square and that the scale of measurement is the same on every side.)

A. -2

B. -1/2

C. 1/2

D. 2

As cars became more popular, their effect on population distribution was likewise profound. Unlike railroads, which helped concentrate the population in cities, the automobile contributed to urban sprawl and, eventually, to the rise of suburbs. People no longer needed to live near public transportation lines or within walking distance of their jobs, and so were drawn to outlying areas with less congestion and lower property taxes. Business districts became less centralized for similar reasons. Sadly, this movement toward suburbs exacerbated social stratification. Since cars were initially affordable only to wealthier people, the upper and middle classes moved out of cities. Many businesses followed, attracted by the educated, well-trained workforce. As good jobs also moved out of cities, the people who remained were further disadvantaged and even less able to leave. Though few anticipated it in the heady early days of suburban growth, by the century’s end cars had helped to further entrench social divisions in America by making possible great physical distances between rich and poor.

In the bolded lines above, what distinction does the author draw between the two types of transportation?

A. Railroads are a more efficient mode of transportation than automobiles.

B. Automobiles allow greater flexibility, while railroads operate on a fixed schedule.

C. Railroads promote clustered populations, while automobiles promote dispersed populations.

D. Automobiles replaced railroads as the preferred American mode of transportation.

As cars became more popular, their effect on population distribution was likewise profound. Unlike railroads, which helped concentrate the population in cities, the automobile contributed to urban sprawl and, eventually, to the rise of suburbs. People no longer needed to live near public transportation lines or within walking distance of their jobs, and so were drawn to outlying areas with less congestion and lower property taxes. Business districts became less centralized for similar reasons. Sadly, this movement toward suburbs exacerbated social stratification. Since cars were initially affordable only to wealthier people, the upper and middle classes moved out of cities. Many businesses followed, attracted by the educated, well-trained workforce. As good jobs also moved out of cities, the people who remained were further disadvantaged and even less able to leave. Though few anticipated it in the heady early days of suburban growth, by the century’s end cars had helped to further entrench social divisions in America by making possible great physical distances between rich and poor.

As bolded above, "profound" most nearly means

A. absolute

B. unintelligble

C. far-reaching

D. thoughtful

In recent years, many parents have expressed concern that the atmosphere of violence propagated by the American entertainment industry may be having a harmful effect on their children. Certainly these parents are correct that (1) violent acts such as murder, have become the pervasive theme of everything from feature films to television cartoons. But is this kind of depravity altogether new to the world of the (2) child. Haven’t parents for centuries been exposing their children to fairy tales that are at least as gory and violent?

(1)

A. NO CHANGE

B. violent acts; such as murder; have become

C. violent acts, such as murder have become

D. violent acts, such as murder, have become

In recent years, many parents have expressed concern that the atmosphere of violence propagated by the American entertainment industry may be having a harmful effect on their children. Certainly these parents are correct that (1) violent acts such as murder, have become the pervasive theme of everything from feature films to television cartoons. But is this kind of depravity altogether new to the world of the (2) child. Haven’t parents for centuries been exposing their children to fairy tales that are at least as gory and violent?

(1)

A. NO CHANGE

B. child?

C. child!

D. child;