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This booklet was written by The Princeton Review, the nations leader in test preparation. The Princeton Review helps millions of students every year prepare for standardized assessments of all kinds. Through its association with McGraw-Hill, The Princeton Review offers the best way to help students excel on the SAT-9.
Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Copyright 2000 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. Send all inquiries to: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 8787 Orion Place Columbus, OH 43240-4027 ISBN 0-07-820603-0 Printed in the United States of America 23456789 024 03 02 01 00
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Preparation and Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Reading Vocabulary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Reading Comprehension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Study Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Language SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Complete this booklet. Complete the practice exercises throughout the year, complete the Practice Test under simulated test conditions, and learn the test-taking tips and techniques. Practice the questions and sections that give you the most trouble. Get comfortable using test-taking techniques to answer difficult questions. Practice completing some SAT-9 exercises under timed conditions. The SAT-9 is a timed test, although different versions of the test have different time limits. Wear a watch to keep track of how fast or slow youre working. Take the Practice Test seriously. This is your chance to confront the SAT-9 without the pressure of the real test. Youll be able to evaluate your test-taking strengths and weaknesses and change your habits before the day of the real test. Learn from your mistakes. This booklet includes extra practice. Think about your weakest areas in advance, and make sure to allot extra study time for strengthening your weaknesses. Dont be afraid to ask questions. Ask your teacher if you dont understand why an answer is wrong. Read books that challenge you. When you come across words you dont understand, look them up in a dictionary. Carry note cards with you. Whenever you hear a word that is new to you, jot it down and look it up. This test has a strong emphasis on reading comprehension and vocabulary. Practice using word parts to figure out words. You can often figure out the meaning of a word by concentrating on its root, prefix, or suffix. Eliminate wrong answers. If you dont know the answer to a question, eliminate as many answers as you can; then guess! Generally, it is better to guess than to leave a question blank. Practice good study habits. Eat a good breakfast every morning because your brain doesnt like to work on an empty stomach. Also, take short breaks when you study to keep your mind refreshed. Dont try to prepare for the whole test at once. You will learn more if you only study one section of the test at a time. Focus on the parts of the test that cause you the most trouble.
Stanford 9 Introduction
In the meantime, keep these five tips in mind as you complete the practice exercises:
Tip No. 2: Read the questions and answer choices slowly and carefully
If you read carelessly, you may misunderstand a question or answer choice and pick a wrong answer. It is especially important to read all of the answer choices, even if you think one of the first choices is correct! Sometimes you will find a better answer as you read on.
r
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For example, lets use POE to find the answer to the question below.
Look at the underlined word. Do you know what it means? If not, heres what you should do:
1.
Decide if there are any parts of the word that you can define or recognize as parts of other words. In this case, you may know the prefix ex- from the words extra and extend. Keep those words in mind as you look at all of the answer choices.
2. 3. 4.
Look at answer choice (A). Does tiresome have anything in common with extra or extend? No. Tiresome means boring. Get rid of this answer. Look at answer choice (B). Does defensive have anything in common with extra or extend? No. Defensive means protective. Eliminate answer (B). Look at answer choice (C). Does thorough have anything in common with extra and extend? Yes! If you do a thorough search for something, it means that youve looked everywhereeven in extra places other people may not have thought to look. Keep answer choice (C). Now look at answer choice (D). Does irritating have anything in common with extra and extend? No. Irritating means annoying. Get rid of this answer. By thinking about what you know about part of the underlined word, youve determined that answer (C) is your best answer choice.
5. 6.
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Think only about the question you are working on at any given time. Read each question once slowly and carefully to make sure that you understand it.
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Try to eliminate answers you know are wrong. If you can eliminate only one answer, take your best guess and move on. You can always come back to the question if you have time. Try not to read a question more than twice.
Dont be fooled!
Some wrong answer choices are included just to confuse you! These answer choices are called distractors. If you had not been careful in answering the question above, you might have been tricked into choosing wrong answer (B) because the word defensive ends in -ensive just like the word extensive.
Reading Vocabulary
DIRECTIONS Mark the answer that means the same or almost the same as the underlined word. 1 A person who is prudent is A B C D proper quiet fearful careful
A B C
DIRECTIONS Read the sentence in the box. Mark the answer in which the underlined word is used the same way as in the sentence.
The terms of the agreement were vague. In which of the following does terms mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F They negotiated extensively regarding the terms of the contract. G He consulted a medical dictionary to understand the terms of the procedure. H He had studied college literature for two consecutive terms. J They shook hands to signal that they were still on good terms.
The captain declared the craft ready for sailing. In which of the following does craft mean the same thing as in the sentence above?
A Building homes was his craft for decades. B The radar could not identify the mysterious craft. C She preferred the craft of sculpture to other hobbies. D The editor helped the author craft a title for her novel.
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A B C
The nurse dressed the soldiers wound. In which of the following does dressed mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F He dressed himself for the rain. G She dressed the cut on her leg before applying a new bandage. H The clerk dressed the store window with seasonal items. J We dressed our dolls for the makebelive tea party.
DIRECTIONS Read each sentence. For each question, mark the answer that means the same, or almost the same, as the underlined word. The need to find shelter from the storm was paramount in the campers minds. What does paramount mean? F G H J 11 Weaker Larger Uppermost Attractive
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The government announced that it would harbor refugees. In which of the following does harbor mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A The ship avoided the storm by staying in the harbor. B The nature center will harbor the injured birds until they can be returned to the wild. C He was known to harbor doubts about what happened. D A home can be a safe harbor from some dangers in life.
The dog would not relinquish the ball after struggling to win it for so long. What does relinquish mean? A B C D Get Abandon Notice Chase
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The audience members could not help but be convinced by the candidates cogent speech. What does cogent mean? F G H J Brief Courageous Dull Persuasive
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Not until she knew the steps and had practiced for weeks could the dancer appear unfettered. What does unfettered mean? A B C D Inhibited Clumsy Free Talented
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Reading Comprehension
DIRECTIONS Read the passage before reading the questions about the passage. Mark the best answer for each question.
A Lucky Break
Kelly and Karen Lange had been running every morning before school in hopes of making the New Hope High cross-country team. The sisters ran along a broad path that was flanked on one side by the Delaware River and on the other by long stretches of woodland broken by the appearance of an occasional cottage. The girls liked running by the houses. They were friendly havens of civilization along the picturesque and somewhat secluded route. Except for old Mrs. Darbys house. It was a rambling place surrounded by a high wooden fence. Every time the girls ran by, they could hear large dogs barking as they raced along the other side of the confine. The girls always sprinted along this stretch. Ill race you! shouted Kelly one morning as the girls approached the Darby property. She charged ahead, but stopped short when she heard her sister cry out. She turned around to see Karen lying in the path, holding her ankle. Kelly quickly returned to her sisters side. I tripped and sprained my ankle, explained Karen as Kelly helped her up. I cant walk on it. Youll have to get me to Mrs. Darbys house. No way! Those dogs will tear us to shreds! Well go to the front of the house. The dogs are in the back. Karen was becoming impatient. Come on, Kelly, this really hurts. We have to call Mom to come get us. The girls made their way to the front of the house. When Mrs. Darby saw them from her window, she met them and helped get Karen inside. While Kelly called home, Mrs. Darby poured cups of tea for herself and each of the girls. I hope you didnt fall because the dogs frightened you, she said kindly. Every morning I have a devil of time with them. When you go by, they want to run along. The girls were startled as two large, but now quiet dogs made their way in through the open back door. Greyhounds! Kelly exclaimed. No wonder theyre so excited when we run by! Yes, continued Mrs. Darby. I adopted them from a local organization that finds homes for retired racing dogs. Since my granddaughter left for college, theres been no one to run with them. Im afraid Im not much of a jogger. Hey! said Kelly. When Karen recovers, she and I can run with them in the morning. They can get some exercise and we would sure appreciate the company. I hope your ankles not hurt too bad, she said, turning to her sister. No, its not too bad, said Karen. And it looks like this turned into a lucky break for us!
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On which team are the girls hoping to win a place? A B C D Field hockey Soccer Cross-country Swim
What is the main idea of this story? A B C D Things arent always as they seem. Dont ever go far from home. Neighbors are not trustworthy. All dogs are really friendly.
6 2 In the first paragraph, the word broken is used to mean F G H J sprained interrupted spoiled made more attractive
What probably happened next in the story? F G H J Mrs. Darby drove the girls home. The girls walked home with the dogs. Mrs. Lange picked up the girls. Karen decided she would never run again.
Based on the story, we can describe Mrs. Darby as A B C D fearful and suspicious kind and helpful funny and silly angry and forbidding
The main purpose of the first paragraph is to A describe Mrs. Darbys house B let us know that the sisters are both good athletes C introduce the setting and characters of the story D teach a lesson
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When Kelly did not want to take Karen to Mrs. Darbys, Karen F G H J agreed happily became frustrated became furious was sad
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Spelling
DIRECTIONS Read each sentence. It is possible that the underlined word will be spelled incorrectly. If you discover a mistake, mark the sentence with the mistake. If you find no mistake, mark No mistake. 5
Bzzz
A You breathe through your nasal passages. B The chickens pecking was an innate behavior. C The word looked strange without a hiphen. D No mistake
A The man reeled in a fish. B The ship was supplementary to the fleet. C The janitor stoked the boiler with coal. D No mistake
F The governors response was wrong. G The sailing race commenced at noon. H Plotting a course was the navigators job. J No mistake
F He felt nothing but contemt for his enemies. G The instructor taught them patiently. H The project was mismanaged from the start. J No mistake
A The picture was croped to fit in the frame. B No one knew the strangers intentions. C The comedians impulsive response was hilarious. D No mistake
3
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A Are you learning a forein language? B Enrique hauled the potatoes across the farm. C The storys ending was ironic. D No mistake
F G H J
The artist used acrylic paint. The chess players strategy was brilliant. The shark attack was pherocious. No mistake
F We made chicken in the broyler. G Colds always make my voice hoarse. H The two ropes were bound together with a knot. J No mistake
A The painter made a duplicate of the original painting. B The business bought and sold antiques. C The farmer was worried about the quality of the soyl. D No mistake
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Bzzz
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F The child put together the ridiculous outfit. G The ingredients were blendded together in a bowl. H Everyone was moved by the tenor of the speech. J No mistake
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A The success with the new project was a feather in her cap. B Good murder mysteries are never predictable. C The two haircuts are similiar. D No mistake
16 11 A Risky decisions are often the hardest. B The dedicated police officer was rewarded for his deid. C The town crier spread the kings pronouncement. D No mistake 17
F G H J
He passes time knitting. The young botanist was amazed. She admonished the children. No mistake
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F The orange juice was fresh. G The gardener tremmed the overgrown bushes. H She unpacked her bags as soon as she returned home. J No mistake 18
A She determined the diamonds worth. B The campers slept under a cressent moon C His immunity to the illness kept him healthy. D No mistake
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A The mythical orakle could answer questions about the future. B His jackets distinct pattern made it easy to spot him in the crowd. C The concept was new and creative. D No mistake 19
F The fruit was chopped into pieces. G The courts reversed the earlier decision. H You should always introduce your guests. J No mistake
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F The student ceased the habit of studying at the last minute. G The kitten prayed on the tiny mouse. H A wrench was the only thing that could loosen the bolt. J No mistake
A The crickets nocturnal life made it a difficult pet. B The timid orangutans hid behind the bushes. C The people spoke a vernacuelar of the official language. D No mistake
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Language
DIRECTIONS Read each sentence. There may be a mistake in the underlined portion of the sentence. The mistake may be in punctuation, capitalization, word usage, or a combination of those. If you discover a mistake, mark the answer that best corrects the mistake. If you find no mistake, mark Correct as is. 4 Look out! cried Officer Lopez. F G H J out! cried Officer out! cried officer out! cried officer Correct as is
5 1 The citizens were pleased with the results of their meeting with the President. A B C D meet with the President. meet with the president. meeting with the president. Correct as is 6 2 Having locked his keys somewhere inside the offices Andy asked the janitor to let him in. F inside the offices Andy asked the Janitor G inside the offices, Andy asked the janitor H inside the offices, Andy asked the janitor J Correct as is
The poet is able to write emotional about what everyone feels. A B C D write emotionally write, emotional write emotionally, Correct as is
I want to go next door to play with Carlas new puppy. F G H J plays with Carlas new puppy plays with Carlas new puppy play with Carlas new puppy play with Carlass new puppy
There are many things you need to take to the beach, towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bathing suit. A beach, towels sunglasses sunscreen and a bathing suit B beach: towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bathing suit C beach; towels, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a bathing suit D Correct as is
Less theatergoers attended the production of Romeo and Juliet than the director had planned. A Less theatergoers attended the production of romeo and juliet B Fewer theatergoers attended the production of Romeo and Juliet C Fewer theatergoers attend the production of Romeo and Juliet D Correct as is
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DIRECTIONS Study the sentence in the box for an error in sentence structure. Mark the answer choice showing the best way to rewrite the sentence, or mark Correct as is if the sentence is correct. The musician uses a lot of fast rhythms and syncopated drum beats and she uses bass guitars. F The musician uses a lot of fast rhythms, syncopated drumbeats, and she uses bass guitars. G The musician uses a lot of fast rhythms, syncopated drumbeats, and bass guitars. H The musician uses a lot of fast rhythms and syncopated drum beats and bass guitars. J Correct as is In the ocean was Ivan, through the many choppy waves swimming quickly. A Through the many choppy waves Ivan swam quickly through the ocean. B Ivan swam quickly through the many choppy waves in the ocean. C Swimming quickly through the many choppy waves was Ivan. D Correct as is
DIRECTIONS Read the paragraph and the questions that follow. Mark the best answer for each question.
Paragraph 1
Alexander Graham Bells greatest invention was the telephone. Because Bells grandparents were speech experts and his mother was deaf, he was very aware of the value of sound and hearing. After making the first telephone, Bell went on to research other devices and to share them with the world. At the time of his death on August 2, 1922, all telephone service in the United States was stopped for one minute to honor his memory. Which of these sentences is the best topic sentence for this paragraph? F Alexander Graham Bells other inventions were not as important as the telephone. G Telephone service in the United States has only been stopped for one reason. H Alexander Graham Bell had a tremendous impact on modern communication. J People become most involved in issues that affect them personally.
Stanford 9 Preparation & Practice
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Which is the main purpose of this article? A To describe Bell as a person B To help understand Bells other inventions C To learn about Bells wife D To learn about sound and hearing
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Study Skills
DIRECTIONS Read each question and mark the best answer. 4 Which of the following might be found in a thesaurus? F G H J A synonym for the word symposium A famous speech A timeline of historic events Information about the solar system
Below are guide words from a page in a dictionary. period periscope Which of these words would be found on this page? A B C D peripheral periwinkle peril perimeter
In a books index you can find A B C D the books title, author, and publisher the titles of all the chapters keywords and page numbers words and their meanings
Below are guide words from a page in a dictionary. merchandise mercury Which of the following would be found on the page? F G H J mercantile merchant mercy mercenary 6 An anthology includes F G H J photographs of famous people selected works by different authors maps, charts, and graphs descriptions of plants and flowers
Which of the following might be found in an atlas? A An article about recycling in your area B A report of the mayors inaugural speech C A poem by a local poet D A map of your state
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Use this dictionary and pronunciation guide to answer questions 7 through 10.
academic \ a-k -'de-mik\ n 1 : a member ' of an institution of learning 2 : one who is academic in background, outlook, or methods accept \ik-'sept\ vb 1 : to receive willingly 2 : to give admittance or approval to 3 : to endure without protest or reaction 4 : to make a favorable response to Pronunciation Guide map, d te, fther, red, sy, rip, s te, nd, b ne, sch l, n k, under, ab se, trn, rle; = a in about, o in collect, u in suppose.
accessory \ik-'se-s -r \ n 1 : a person not actually or constructively present but contributing as an assistant or investigator to the commission of an offense 2 : a thing of secondary or subordinate importance : ADJUNCT accompany \ -'k mp-n \ vb 1 : to go with as an associate or companion 2 : to perform an accompaniment to or for 3: to cause to be in association
The pronunciation of the letter e in accept most resembles the e in A B C D learn be noise pet
The pronunciation of the letter e in accessory most resembles e in A B C D be them noise idle
Which of the definitions of the word accept best describes its use in the following sentence? The police will accept his explanation because he is highly respected. F G H J 1 2 3 4
10
Which of these is the correct way to hyphenate accompany at the end of a line? F G H J acco-mpany accomp-any acc-ompany accompa-ny
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Language SA
DIRECTIONS Read each passage and the questions that follow. Mark the best answer for each question.
SA
Before starting his research, Jose is most likely to A make a few telephone calls to friends B write down what he already knows about telephones C list some rules of common telephone courtesy D sketch pictures of several different types of telephones
What is the best place for Jose to look for a magazine article about telephones? A The Readers Guide to Periodical Literature B An encyclopedia C His English book D A magazine in his house
4 2 To find information about Alexander Graham Bell in a book about the history of the telephone, where should Jose look? F G H J On the copyright page In the introduction In the index In an atlas
Jose wanted to learn when the first transcontinental telephone call took place. What is the best place for Jose to look? F G H J An almanac A newspaper An encyclopedia An atlas
Use the dictionary entry to answer question 5. 5 patent \pat-'nt\ n : a grant made by a government to an inventor assuring the sole right to make, use, and sell the invention for a certain period of time <Latin, patens, to be opened> The word patent is derived from another word that means the same as A B C D Latin to be opened a grant made by a government licensed
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SA
A rough draft of Joses report is below. Use the rough draft to answer questions 6 through 8. The telephone is a device that sends and receives sounds and data. (1) The device works by converting sound and data to electrical signals. (2) These signals can be transmitted along wires for long distances. All (3) (4) of the telephones are connected to switching systems. They determine (5) the pathway that information follows to reach its destination. Although the telephone may be an easy-to-use invention, its (6) history is difficult to trace. Sending signals over wires, many (7) inventors in the late 1800s tried to transmit voices. The telephone (8) is now used worldwide. The first person to use the telephone (9) successfully was an American inventor named Alexander Graham Bell. Bell realized that vibrations could be used to recreate speech. Bell (10) (11) was experimenting with a telegraph, but then a part came loose and began to make an odd sound. When this loosened part was allowed to (12) vibrate, it made a noise.
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Which of these is the best way to rewrite sentence 7? F Many inventors in the late 1800s tried to transmit voices by sending signals over wires. G Many inventors in the late 1800s, sending signals over wires, tried to transmit voices. H Sending signals over wires, the many late 1800s inventors tried to transmit voices. J To transmit voices, many inventors in the late 1800s tried, sending signals over wires.
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P r a c t i c e Te s t
Pay attention to the directions and sample questions. Read the questions and answer choices slowly and carefully. Eliminate wrong answer choices first. If you dont know an answer, guess! Dont spend too much time on one question.
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A B C
Reading Vocabulary
5 A person who is obtuse is A B C D 6 cruel obvious insensitive understanding
DIRECTIONS Mark the answer that means the same or almost the same as the underlined word. SAMPLE A person who is eager is A B C D 1 young disinterested enthusiastic thoughtful
Something that is exempt from a rule is F G H J excused from it attached to it covered by it happy about it
To indulge a person is to F G H J lie to him or her move him or her humor him or her ignore him or her
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A B C
DIRECTIONS Read the sentence in the box. Mark the answer in which the underlined word is used the same way as in the sentence.
13
The children wore themselves out. In which of the following does wore mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A Carlos quickly wore down the heels of his new shoes. B Julia wore a new dress to the party. C Ling wore a hole in the elbow of his favorite sweater. D Staying up late every night wore me out.
SAMPLE I charge five dollars an hour. In which of the following does charge mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F G H J There was an extra charge on the bill. How much do you charge? Tito opened a charge account. Alice is in charge of the entire group. The singer was happy to treat her audience to another song. In which of the following does treat mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A When we go to the movies, we each have one treat. B Dont treat your sister badly, my mother always told me. C We treat our water with minerals. D If I get good grades, my mom promised to treat me to a day at the zoo. If you stand the sign on a hill, it will look crooked. In which of the following does stand mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F The bald eagle and the flag are symbols that stand for the U.S.A. G Stand the vase in the corner. H The park is mostly flat, except for a stand of trees in the corner. J Defendants always stand when the jury announces the verdict.
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It is fair to say that no one was surprised by the news. In which of the following does fair mean the same thing as in the sentence above?
11
F G H J
The weekend weather was fair. She was a fair student until college. Avani didnt think the rule was fair. I think I have a fair chance of winning the race.
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Each new worker is taught how to safely work the machinery. In which of the following does work mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A The poet did his best work in his late forties. B If we work until dusk, we might finish. C He couldnt figure out how to work the new microwave. D The lawyer could always be found hard at work in her office.
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A B C
DIRECTIONS Read each sentence. For each question, mark the answer of the word that means the same, or almost the same, as the underlined word. SAMPLE The meal was cooked with just enough salt to give it a tinge of flavor. What does tinge mean? A B C D Trace Abundance Surge Absence
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Every time a new player joined, the team found itself with a deficient number of uniforms. What does deficient mean? F G H J Abundant Inadequate Minimal Varied
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The players cheating was so overt that the judges asked him to leave the tournament. What does overt mean? A B C D Obvious Sly Cowardly Accidental
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Since he had already packed a candle, matches, and a flashlight, adding a kerosene lamp seemed redundant. What does redundant mean? F G H J Ill-advised Odd Unnecessary Satisfactory
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Painters and sculptors must all have a natural aesthetic sense to succeed. What does aesthetic mean? F G H J Sophisticated Opinionated Artistic Colorful
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Employees and employers must have a reciprocal relationship to work well together. What does reciprocal mean? A B C D Agreeable Helpful Mutual Frustrating
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Reading Comprehension
DIRECTIONS Read each passage and then read the questions about the passage. Mark the best answer for each question. SAMPLE
Sergei cast his fishing line to A B C D try to catch fish make room on the boat throw away the fishing line show his frustration
II.
Which of the following belongs on line II? F G H J The fish started to bite. Sergei casts off a fishing line. He would soon have enough fish. Sergei finds medium-sized walleye.
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Boehm Birds
Edward Marshall Boehm (pronounced beam) was a great American naturalist and porcelain artist. He captured many different types of subjects in porcelain, but he probably is best known for his sculptures of birds. Boehm birds, as they are commonly called, can be found not only in the White House, but also in Englands Buckingham Palace, Russias Hermitage, and Chinas Great Hall. Boehm was born in 1913 in Baltimore, Maryland to a poor family. When he was seven years old, his mother died and his father sent him to live at an orphanage. Perhaps because he had no family, Edward turned his attention to animals. He often spent hours studying and sketching them. To pursue a career in art, however, must have seemed impractical to the boy; at age sixteen he left school and took a job in a local dairy where he worked until he enlisted in World War II. While in the service, he met and married Helen Franzolin, who would later play an instrumental role in Boehms success. After he returned from the war, Boehm took a job as a veterinarys assistant. His love of animals inspired him to create clay sculptures that soon filled the young couples small apartment. Helen Boehm was convinced that her husband possessed an extraordinary talent. With his wifes encouragement and support, Boehm decided to try to recreate his work in porcelain. For nearly ten years, Boehm worked to perfect his sculpting process.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Boehm had little interest in promoting his work, but luckily Mrs. Boehm was as dynamic and dedicated a businesswoman as her husband was an artist. In 1954, she sent a letter and some sketches of her husbands work to Mamie Eisenhower, wife of then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mrs. Boehm suggested to Mrs. Eisenhower that a Boehm piece might make an appropriate gift for the president. The first lady agreed. Boehm porcelain soon became the gift of choice from American presidents to foreign dignitaries and heads of states. Edward Boehm died in 1969, but thanks to the talent and hard work of Mrs. Boehm, the Boehm Studio continues to thrive. Mrs. Boehm now promotes the work of the studio artists who studied under her husband. Boehm pieces remain White House favorites and can be seen in museums throughout the world.
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How did Mamie Eisenhower learn about Mr. Boehm? A President Eisenhower asked for a Boehm sculpture for his birthday. B Mrs. Boehm wrote her a letter. C She had seen Mr. Boehms work in museums. D Mr. Boehm called her on the telephone.
Which of these is an opinion expressed in this story? F For nearly ten years, Boehm worked to perfect his sculpting process. G When he was seven years old, his mother died . . . H Edward Marshall Boehm was a great American naturalist and porcelain artist. J While in the service, he met and married Helen Franzolin . . .
There is enough information to show that Mr. Boehms work gained recognition because F Mr. Boehm came from a wealthy family that helped him start his business G no one had ever made a bird sculpture from porcelain before H Mr. Boehm spent as much energy promoting his sculptures as he did creating them J Mrs. Boehm worked hard to make sure that others were aware of her husbands talent
From the story, we learn that Mrs. Boehm is A B C D resourceful jealous not a good artist very shy
This passage is most likely to be published in a F magazine called Birds of the Southwest G book about decorating a small apartment H bibliography of American craftsmen J book about American artists
The second paragraph mainly provides A B C D biographical information definitions of technical terms descriptions of specific pieces reasons for Mr. Boehms success
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This story is probably most accurately categorized as A B C D a fable science fiction a news story a biography
10
At the end of the story, the cat probably feels F G H J embarrassed angry worried grateful
Why didnt the cat eat the mouse? F Because the mouse was too thin to make a good meal G Because the cat was impressed by the mouses courage H Because the mouse tied her up in yarn J Because the mouse scurried away
11
What would you do if you were asked to find the moral of this story? A Skim it quickly. B Think about what the cat learned. C Make an outline of the events as they occurred. D Decide who is the more important character in the story.
9
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Of the following events in the story, which happens last? A The mouse finds the cat tangled in yarn. B The cat chases the yarn ball into the garden. C The cat releases the mouse. D The mouse makes a promise to the cat.
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In the ninth paragraph, the word mesh refers to F G H J the underbrush a net snare the fence the yarn
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We know from the descriptions that A students may not be allowed to take certain courses B every student is guaranteed a place in the class she or he wants most C only students who take ballet or costume design will participate in the talent show at the end of the year D Basic Photography is the most popular course
16
Why do students who do not have a camera but wish to take Basic Photography need to see Mr. Sennet as soon as possible? F Because he can sell them a camera at a discounted price G Because only a few school cameras are available to be borrowed H Because only a few students are allowed to take this course J Because they must submit a portfolio in order to be considered for this course
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Which word best describes the tone of the description for Square Dancing ? F G H J Urgent Apologetic Formal Friendly 17 Signed permission slips for Stained Glass allow students to A B C D go on a trip to the state museum submit portfolios for consideration use a particular tool participate in the talent show at the end of the year
15
9:00 A.M. . . . . . . . Decoupage 10:00 A.M. . . . . . . Stained Glass 11:00 A.M. . . . . . . Lunch 12:00 P.M. . . . . . . Ballet
18
After the Ballet class auditions, the first thing Mrs. Belardo will probably do is F verify that each student has submitted a permission slip G post a list of those chosen for the class H choreograph the dance for the endof-the-year talent show J send the class for costume fittings for the talent show at the end of the year
If Larry wants to substitute another class for Stained Glass without changing any other item on his schedule, which of the following can he choose? A B C D Basic Photography Advanced Photography Square Dancing Costume Design
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19
According to the passage, why do most people picture the pilgrims wearing only plain gray clothing? A Because our parents told us they wore only plain clothes B Because historians made mistakes when they first read the pilgrims clothing inventories C Because we have often seen artwork showing the pilgrims dressed in plain clothes D Because our teachers did not want us to know what the pilgrims really wore
22
In this article, the author hopes to give the reader a feeling of F G H J anger sorrow enlightenment puzzlement
23
What type of literary structure does the author use in the paragraph on mens clothing? A B C D Step-by-step instructions Compare and contrast Theory and support for that theory A list of possible solutions to a problem
20
What information does the second paragraph provide? F A description of some of the colors that the pilgrims wore and why G An outline of the pilgrims dress code requirements H A description of the particular items worn by women J A list of the clothing worn by men in pilgrim times
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Which paragraph should you read if you are mostly interested in what pilgrim women wore? F G H J The first The second The third The fourth
21
The article tells us about all of these items of womens dress except A B C D hats skirts shoes shirts
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Your Activities:
Indicate which, if any, of the following activities you participated in from January of last school year to January of this school year. (First-year students should ONLY indicate activities in which they participated from September to January of the CURRENT school year.) Please check all that apply:
Sports:
1. Soccer 2. Track 3. Basketball 4. Volleyball 5. Field Hockey 6. Softball 7. Baseball Girls ___ Girls ___ Girls ___ Girls ___ Girls ___ Girls ___ Girls ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Boys ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Junior Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___ Varsity ___
Arts:
1. Drama Club ___ 2. Ceramics ___ 3. Modern Dance ___ 4. Band ___ 5. Orchestra ___ 6. Other ___
Clubs:
1. French ___ 2. German ___ 3. Russian ___ 4. History ___ 5. Photo ___ 6. Other ___
Student Government:
Please indicate whether you participated as a volunteer or as an elected official. If you were an elected official, please indicate your titlepresident, vice president, etc.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
School Newspaper:
Please indicate whether you participated as a volunteer or as a writing staff member. If you were a writing staff member, please indicate your titleeditor, reporter, etc.:
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25
If you wanted to include the lyrics from your favorite song in your yearbook entry, where should you include them? A In the space by your name B In the section listing student activities by the word Arts C In the section requesting your favorite memory of the school year D On the lines provided for your yearbook quote
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Your Activities provides special instructions pertaining to F G H J seniors first-year students teachers yearbook quotes
29
The form indicates that student quotes may not be published if they are A B C D fewer than twenty-five words long from first-year students not school-related thought inappropriate
26
The information provided by the student on this form most resembles F G H J an autobiography a science report a job application a script for a play 30
An anecdote about the French Clubs trip to Paris should be submitted under the section for F G H J clubs school government yearbook quotes favorite memories
27
The form does not indicate that there is an organized school activity for students with an interest in A B C D foreign language music acting science
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STOP
Language
DIRECTIONS Read each sentence. There may be a mistake in the underlined portion of the sentence. The mistake might be in punctuation, capitalization, word usage, or a combination of those. If you discover a mistake, mark the answer that best corrects the mistake. If you find no mistake, mark Correct as is. SAMPLE The Washington Monument is a celebrated American treasure. A B C D washington monument Washington monument washington Monument Correct as is 3 He and her felt that the decision was fair to everybody. A B C D Him and her Him and she He and she Correct as is
Four things are necessary for any valid contract offer, agreement, terms, and consideration. F G H J contract, offer agreement, terms contract: offer, agreement, terms contract; offer, agreement, terms Correct as is
By the time Alison finished reading the short story aloud, everyone was laughing, comic stories were their favorites. A B C D laughing comic stories laughing: comic stories laughing; comic stories Correct as is 5 The general recruited less men than he did for his first campaign.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
A B C D
The General recruited less men The general recruited fewer men The General recruited fewer men Correct as is
The submarine continued quietly, heading North. F G H J quietly heading North quietly, heading north quietly heading, north Correct as is
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Their cats and dogs, cute as they may be, has not been vaccinated. F dogs cute as they may be has not been G dogs, cute as they may be, is not H dogs, cute as they may be, have not been J Correct as is
10
The report contained great news, and principal Jones happily shared it with the school. F G H J news and principal Jones happily news, and principal Jones happy news, and Principal Jones happily Correct as is
The pelican catches the tailwind, slow gliding over the waves. A B C D tailwind, slowly gliding tailwind slow gliding tailwind slowly gliding, Correct as is
11
Ten gallons of water was the goldfishs entire universe. A B C D Ten gallons of water, Ten gallons of water Ten gallons of water Correct as is
As part of last weeks training exercise, the army distributed their forces rapidly. F G H J Army distributed their army distributes its army distributed its Correct as is
12
The children played gleefully in the park; their laughter warmed their parents. F G H J park and their laughter had warmed park and, their laughter warmed park, and their laughter warming Correct as is
Willie was only five when he started Kindergarten. A B C D he starts Kindergarten. he starts kindergarten. he started kindergarten. Correct as is
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13
What will we do now? asked Senator Marquez. A B C D now? asked Senator now? asked senator now? asked senator Correct as is
DIRECTIONS Study the sentence in the box for an error in sentence structure. Mark the answer showing the best way to rewrite the sentence, or mark Correct as is if the sentence is correct. SAMPLE At night, was afraid. I thought bears were everywhere.
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Her wallet was filled with french francs and British pounds. F G H J french francs and british pounds. French Francs and British Pounds. French francs and British pounds. Correct as is
F At night, I was afraid because I thought bears were everywhere. G At night, I was afraid, I thought bears were everywhere. H I was afraid at night bears were everywhere. J Correct as is
16 15 Although the chicken is no longer sizzling, the Chef lifts the rack of barbecued chicken using oven mitts. A sizzling, the chef lifts the rack of barbecued chicken B sizzling, the Chef lifts the rack of Barbecued Chicken C sizzling the chef lifts the rack of barbecued chicken D Correct as is
I want to dive first, said the boy, as he hopped onto the diving board and jumped into the pool. F I want to dive first. Said the boy, as he hopped onto the diving board and jumped into the pool. G I want to dive first, said the boy. As he hopped onto the diving board and jumped into the pool. H I want to. Dive first, said the boy, as he hopped onto the diving board and jumped into the pool. J Correct as is
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17
Schonda, even with the more experienced violinists played gracefully. A Even with the more experienced violinists Schonda played gracefully. B Schonda played gracefully even with the more experienced violinists. C Playing gracefully even with the more experienced violinists was Schonda. D Correct as is
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Corn is a popular vegetable, and is a cooking ingredient, and it is also used to make oil and sweeteners. F Corn being a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient, and it is also used to make oil and sweeteners. G Corn, a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient, is also used to make oil and sweeteners. H Corn, it is a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient. It is also used to make oil and sweeteners. J Correct as is
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The new classroom will be equipped with computers, color printers, and fast modems. F The new classroom will be equipped with computers and color printers, and it will have several fast modems. G The new classroom will be equipped with computers, color printers, fast modems. H The new classroom will be equipped with computers, printers that print in color, and there are fast modems. J Correct as is 21
Having roasted two enormous turkeys, Tyrone had made more than enough food. A Tyrone had made more than enough food, having roasted two enormous turkeys. B Tyrone had made more than enough food having roasted enormously, two turkeys. C Having roasted two enormous turkeys, more than enough food Tyrone had made. D Correct as is
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My brother is the teacher who teaches at Dr. King High School. A A teacher, her brother teaches at Dr. King High School. B Teaching at Dr. King High School, her brother is a teacher. C My brother is a teacher at Dr. King High School. D Correct as is 22
Working hard will make an improvement in your grades. F An improvement in your grades, by working hard, will be seen. G In your grades, an improvement will be made by working hard. H In your grades, working hard, an improvement will be made. J Correct as is
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DIRECTIONS Read each paragraph and the questions that follow. Mark the best answer for each question.
SAMPLE Dinosaurs were large reptiles that ruled the Earth for more than one hundred million years. Among them were the largest land animals, such as the planteating Brachiosaurus and the meat-eating Tyrannosaurus rex. All dinosaurs became extinct about sixty-six million years ago. Many other land and sea animals did, too.
Which of the following is the best way to make the last two sentences into one sentence? A All dinosaurs became extinct about sixty-six million years ago, as did many other land and sea animals. B All dinosaurs became extinct about sixty-six million years ago, many other land and sea animals did, too. C All dinosaurs became extinct about sixty-six million years ago, so did many other land and sea animals. D All dinosaurs became extinct about sixty-six million years ago and many other land and sea animals became extinct at that time as well.
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Paragraph 1
If you have ever read a science fiction story, you have enjoyed a genre. It dates back about four thousand years. It was about that time in ancient Babylon that the Gilgamesh Epic first appeared. The epic is about Gilgameshs adventures as he searches for knowledge and immortality. Science fiction stories can be about events that have not yet happened, but must deal with those events in a logical manner.
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Which of the following would go best following the last sentence of the paragraph? A Science fiction books and stories are a genre. B Today, this tradition continues with stories about trips to distant planets, spaceships, and robots. C Lots of readers around the world enjoy both ancient and modern nonfiction. D Events that have not happened yet can include discoveries, invasions, or disasters.
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Which of these is the best way to combine the first two sentences of the paragraph? A If you have ever read a science fiction story, you have enjoyed a genre, dating back about four thousand years. B If you have ever read a science fiction story, you have enjoyed a genre that dates back about four thousand years. C If you have ever read a story of science fiction, you have enjoyed a genre, which dates back about four thousand years. D If you have ever read a science fiction story, you have enjoyed a genre, and one that dates back about four thousand years.
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Which of the following would be the best way to start the last sentence of the paragraph? F G H J Therefore, Basically, However, For example,
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Paragraph 2
As part of their work with the Drama Club, Jose and Lynn spent every weekend for a month working on a script. They edited the plays dialogue, worked with other club members, selected actors, designed a set, including making costumes. They would work together in the drama room until they had to leave to make curfew. Full of excitement and anticipation, Lynn would imagine how wonderful their final production would be.
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Which are the best words to use instead of the underlined portion of the paragraph? F G H J and made and were making then were making but they made
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What is the main purpose of this passage? F G H J To describe Jose and Lynns hard work To explain how a script is made perfect To list the steps to make a play To inform the reader about the Drama Club
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Which of the following would not belong in the paragraph? A Script writing is hard because the script has to be changed many times. B The work of the many drama club students is needed to make even just one show possible. C Most theatergoers like to sit close to the stage and in the middle of the row. D Part of the challenge is making a set and costumes that are right for the script.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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Paragraph 3
Dive Right Club Have you ever dreamed of seeing the wonders at the bottom of the sea? Many have made their dreams come true by joining the Dive Right Club. We offer classes, low-cost rentals, and diving trips. You could be enjoying the undersea world of water and living things. For details, prices, and class schedules, call or just drop by Club Headquarters. We look forward to seeing you at the bottom of the sea!
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Which of the following is the best way to write the underlined portion of the paragraph? A the undersea world of shapes and colors B the undersea world of rocks and sand C the undersea world of plants and animals D Best as is
30
What is the best topic sentence for this paragraph? F The seas are filled with sights to see. G The undersea world can be photographed with the right training. H Classes, rentals, and trips are important to divers. J Low-cost diving lessons and trips are available.
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STOP
Ten Days to the SAT-9 covers the following six test sections in detail:
Each section tests different skills. The following pages will walk you through the types of questions you will find in each section of the SAT-9. If you take advantage of this study guide and pay attention in class, you will be ready to tackle the SAT-9!
Reading Vocabulary
How to Prepare for Reading Vocabulary
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A B C
Read every book, newspaper, and magazine you can get your hands on. Look up the definitions of all the words you dont know. Always try to carry index cards with you. When you see or hear a word you dont know, write it down and look it up when you get home.
Write the primary definition of each word you dont know on the back of an index card. Write a sentence using each word under the definition to help you remember. Save your index cards and test yourself with them every so often.
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A wise man hears one word and understands two. ancient proverb
1.
Cover the answer choices so you are not confused by words that are similar to the underlined word. For example, even though the words eager and earnest both begin with ea, they do not mean the same thing. Some wrong answers are included just to confuse you. These answer choices are called distractors. Try to come up with your own definition or synonym for the underlined word. For the above question, you might think: An eager person is someone who is excited. Uncover the answer choices and get rid of the choices that you know are wrong. Look at answer (A). Does the word young mean about the same as excited? No, it doesnt. Eliminate answer (A). Go on to answer (B). Does disinterested mean the same as excited? No, it doesnt. Disinterested and excited are antonyms, or opposites. Eliminate answer (B). Now look at answer (C). Does enthusiastic mean the same as excited? Yes, it does. Keep answer (C). Look at answer (D). In step one, we determined that (D) is probably there to distract you, but we should consider it anyway. Does earnest meant the same thing as excited? Earnest means truthful. Eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that answer (C) is correct!
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8.
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1. 2.
Cover the answer choices. Ask yourself if the underlined word has any parts that you recognize. In this case, you might recognize the ob- part of the word, which is a prefix that means in the way of. Think about where you have seen the prefix ob- before. You might remember it from the word obstruct. Keep the word obstruct in mind as you choose your answer. Uncover the answer choices. Eliminate the answers that are obviously wrong. First, you can rule out answer (A). The word cruel has nothing in common with obstruct.
3.
4.
When I use a word, Humpty Dumpty said in a rather scornful tone, it means just what I choose it to meanneither more nor less. Lewis Carroll
5.
Look at answer (B). Does obvious have anything in common with obstruct? Watch out! These words begin with the same prefix, but they do not mean the same thing. This answer is a distractor. Get rid of answer (B). Look at answer (C). Does the word insensitive have anything in common with the word obstruct? Yes, it does. An insensitive person is obstructed from understanding people. This is probably the correct answer. However, always read the rest of the answers even if you are certain about a words meaning. Look at answer (D). Does understanding have anything in common with obstruct? No, it does not. Eliminate this answer also. Now you can be sure that answer (C) is correct!
6.
7. 8.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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Sam will charge twenty dollars per hour to do this work. In which of the following does charge mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A There was an extra charge on the bill to cover the tax. B How much will they charge to paint the room? C Tito opened a charge account at the department store. D The cows charge scared the dog.
Helpful Hint
If the sample word is a noun, the answer will be a noun. If the sample is a verb, the correct answer will be a verb. If the sample word is an adjective, the correct answer will be an adjective.
1.
Look at the underlined word in the sample sentence and decide if it is used as a noun, verb, or adjective. Ask yourself these questions:
Is the word an object? If so, it is a noun, meaning cost, or attack. Is the word an action? If so, it is a verb, meaning to bill. Does the word describe? If so, it is an adjective, meaning of credit.
In the above example, the sample sentence uses the word charge as a verb, meaning to bill. Make a mental note of thisit will help you find the correct answer.
2. 3. 4. 5.
Read the sample sentence again. Imagine someone performing the action that the sample sentence describes. Look at each answer choice. Decide if each underlined word is used the same or differently from the word in the sample sentence. Since charge is used as a verb in the sample sentence, the correct answer choice will also use it as a verb. Start with answer (A). In this sentence, charge is used as a noun that refers to the price of something. Since you know that the correct answer must be a verb, you can eliminate answer (A). In answer (B), charge is used as a verb, meaning to ask a price. Does answer (B) use charge in the same way as the sample sentence? Yes, it does. Keep answer (B). Even though you think youve found the correct answer, you should always read the remaining answers just to be sure. Look at answer (C). In this sentence, charge is used as an adjective that describes a type of account. Eliminate answer (C). Now look at answer (D). In this sentence, charge is used as a noun that refers to a threatening move. Eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that choice (B) is correct!
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
6. 7.
8.
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Words in Context questions ask you to determine the meaning of an underlined word in a sentence by looking at the words around it. Many of these words will seem unfamiliar to you, but dont let that scare you. There will always be a clue in the sentence to help you figure out the meaning of the word. Look for the clues!
For example, you will never see this type of sentence on the test:
The players cheating was overt. What does overt mean? There is no way to tell from looking at this sentence. On the test, there will always be a clue.
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Painters and sculptors must all have a natural aesthetic sense to succeed. What does aesthetic mean? A Sophisticated B Opinionated C Artistic D Colorful
All my life Ive looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time. Ernest Hemingway
1. 2.
Cover the answer choices so they dont confuse you. All of the answer choices seem to fit, but only one of them is correct. Search the sentence for clues to the meaning of the underlined word. From the above question, you know that the word aesthetic refers to painters and sculptors. These are important clues! Based on the clues, try to think of your own word or phrase for the underlined word. In this case, you might think: Good painters and sculptors are very creative. Look at answer (A). Do you think the creative painters and sculptors need to be sophisticated? Sophisticated means worldly. Creative people are not necessarily sophisticated. Eliminate answer (A). Go on to answer (B). Do you think the creative painters and sculptors need to be opinionated? No, its not necessary to be opinionated to be creative. Get rid of answer (B). Look at answer (C). Do you think the creative painters and sculptors need to be artistic? Yes, they do. They are artists, after all. Keep answer (C). Although you think this is the correct answer, remember to read the other answer choices before making your decision! What about answer (D)? Do you see any clues in the sentence that tell you the creative painters and sculptors need to be colorful? No. Eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that (C) is the correct answer. If painters and sculptors are creative, they need to have an artistic sense. The phrase painters and sculptors is the clue that leads to this answerbut you have to recognize it!
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
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Helpful Hint
Some words or phrases automatically make us think of other words. These are called association words. Association words are another kind of distractor. If you had not been careful in the example above, you might have associated colorful with painters and sculptors. Watch out for association words!
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Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension portion of the SAT-9 asks you to read a variety of passages and to answer questions based on what you read. The passages appear roughly in order of reading difficulty. This means that each passage you read will be a little harder than the one before it.
Read, read, read. As with the Reading Vocabulary portion of the test, the best way to prepare is by reading as much as you can.
Put more effort into understanding what you read. Stop to summarize while you are reading. Ask yourself: What is the main idea of this passage? When you see a word you dont know, try to learn its meaning from its context. After youve guessed at the words meaning, look the word up to see if your definition is correct. Write your new word on the front of an index card and write its definition on the back. Study your vocabulary index cards. See if you can look at the words on the fronts of your index cards and tell yourself the correct definition. Then really challenge yourself and do the reverse! The more words you know, the more likely you are to understand what you read.
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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Narrative Passages
A Narrative Passage is a type of story. Narrative Passages will always sound like fictional stories, but sometimes they will be based on historical events or people.
1.
Read the title before reading the story. Sometimes the title will help you focus on the main idea of a story. Remember, however, that sometimes the title is not the best summary of the story. Read the entire passage slowly and carefully. Dont just skim the passage for answers. When you just scan a passage for bits and pieces of information, you will miss very important details! Ask yourself these questions as you read:
2.
3.
4.
What happens in the story? What happens first? What happens last? When do major events happen? Where does the story take place? Who are the characters? How does the story end?
Be sure that you go to the author to get at his meaning, not to find yours. John Ruskin
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Who is the narrator? Is the narrator related to the characters? If so, how? What point is the author trying to make by having this person tell the story?
5. 6. 7.
Make a mental note of the main idea of each paragraph. It will help you to locate answers when you need them. If there is print at the bottom of the page about the author and illustrator, ignore it. You will not be questioned on this, so dont waste your time reading it. Think about the passages theme or lesson. What was the author trying to get across to the reader?
Informational Passages
Informational Passages discuss real-life people, places, or things. These passages contain many facts and are very much like the contents of a textbook.
1.
Read the title. This will tell you the topic of the passage.
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2. 3. 4.
Read the entire passage slowly and carefully. Ask yourself the same questions as you would when reading a narrative passage to make sure that you understand what you have read. Make a mental note of the main idea of each paragraph. Read the topic sentence of a paragraph again if you get stuck. Dont try to memorize every single detail. Youre not a computer! Just try to remember where blocks of facts are located in the passage so you can go back and find them when you need them. As with the narrative passage, ignore the print about the author and illustrator.
5.
Functional Passages
Functional Passages look like writing you see in everyday life, like flyers, advertisements, letters, schedules, and posters. Functional Passages often provide information about things, places, or events.
1. 2. 3.
Read the title. Read the entire passage carefullydont just scan it, but dont try to memorize it. Ask yourself these questions as you read:
4.
What is the purpose of this passage? Does the passage inform you about something? If so, what? Does the passage try to persuade you to do something? If so, what?
Dont ignore the small print in functional passages. It is often very important, and you might be questioned on it!
1. Stated Information questions. These questions ask you to recall things that
were mentioned in the passage.
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Helpful Hint
In the Reading Comprehension sections, almost all the wrong answer choices are distractors. This means that most of the wrong answer choices will contain some fact or detail from the passage that is taken out of context just to trick you. Always look back at the passage to check the information and avoid being fooled by distractors!
Here are some Stated Information questions from the Practice Test:
How did Mamie Eisenhower learn about Mr. Boehm? Signed permission slips for Stained Glass allow students to The form indicates that student quotes may not be published if they are
Here are some things to consider when faced with Stated Information questions: Even if you think you know the answer, always refer to the passage to double-check the facts. Dont rely on your memory.
Once youve found the answer, repeat it to yourself in your own words. Then look at the answers. The correct answer choice will often be worded a little differently than it appears in the passage. Dont let that confuse you! Sometimes questions will require you to combine two or more pieces of information from different places in the passage. Remember to scan the entire passage for all details that might apply. Keep an eye out for questions that use the words except and not. For example:
All of the following answers are true except which one? Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage?
These questions can be confusing, so read them carefully! Remember to eliminate the answers that are obviously wrong first. If you are confused by a question, restate it in your own words to make it clearer.
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Here are some types of Drawing Conclusions questions from the Practice Test:
Some questions ask you to decide on the main idea of the passage or to pick another good title for the passage. Here are some examples:
?
1. 2. 3.
What is another good title for this passage? What is the main idea of the third paragraph?
4.
Some questions will ask you to determine the meaning of a word or phrase in the passage. Here are some examples:
?
1. 2. 3. 4.
In the last sentence, the word ingrained most nearly means In the second paragraph, what does pursue mean?
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Heres how you should answer questions that ask you to determine the meaning of a word or phrase:
Find the word or phrase where it appears in the passage. Reread a few lines above and a few lines below the word or phrase to understand the context. Look for clues in the surrounding text that will help you decide what the word means. Rememberthere will always be a clue! Eliminate the answers that you know are wrong, and pick the best answer from what is left.
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Here are some things to consider when faced with Drawing Conclusions questions:
For some of these questions, none of the answer choices will seem to answer the question really well! Just eliminate the worst answers and choose from what is left. You will sometimes be asked questions about an advertisement, a flyer, or a schedule. For these questions, you may have to look for clues in more than one place and combine the information to come up with the answer. Some questions ask you to draw conclusions about a characters personality in the passage. For these questions, you may have to do a little thinking on your own. The answer is not always stated, but it is always supported by evidence from the passage.
Some different types of Passage Analysis questions are described below: Most often, you will be asked to draw a general conclusion based on what you have read in the passage. For example:
?
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Several general statements will follow as answer choices. Eliminate the wrong answers first. With passage analysis questions, eliminating wrong answers is very important!
You will be asked questions that test your ability to tell the difference between facts and opinions. For example:
For these questions, remember that an opinion is based on someones thoughts or feelings and a fact is a piece of information that is true regardless of anyones thoughts or feelings.
Helpful Hint
In fact and opinion questions, the correct answer will always be in the story. Dont be fooled by facts and opinions that you recognize but that are not included in the story.
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A few questions will ask you about the authors purpose for writing the story. For example:
Think about the passage as a whole and ask yourself: Is it intended to persuade the reader? Does it give a lot of information about a subject? Does it explain a historical event? Look at the answer choices and find the one that is closest to your own.
Some Reader Approach questions ask where you should look to learn more about the subject of the passage.
What would you do if you were asked to find the moral of this story? A Skim it quickly. B Think about what the cat learned C Make an outline of the events as they occurred. D Decide who is the more important character in the story.
Helpful Hint
The moral of a story is the lesson that it gets across through the characters and the plot. Most often, the moral of a story will not be stated directly.
1. 2. 3.
Decide what you would do to learn the moral of a story. Uncover the answer choices and look at (A). Would you skim a story to find its moral? Skimming is when you read a passage quickly to get the main points. You would probably have to read a passage carefully to find its moral. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Would you think about what a character learned to find the moral of the story? What someone learns is a lesson, and a lesson is a moral. This is probably the correct answer. Look at answer (C). Would you make an outline to find a storys moral? An outline is a diagram of the plot of a story. Would a storys plot help you find its moral? Maybe, but probably not. Look at answer (D). Would you decide who was the most important character in a story to find its moral? Definitely not. You can be pretty sure that answer (B) is correct!
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Some Reader Approach questions involve interpreting graphic organizers, like flow charts, outlines, schedules, or word clusters. These graphics will organize some information from the passage into a visual form. Many graphic organizer questions will leave out one piece of information and ask you to fill it in. Others, like the example below, ask you to read a block of information and answer a question based on it.
If Larry wants to substitute another class for Stained Glass without changing any other item on his schedule, which of the following can he choose? 9:00 A.M. . . . . . . . Decoupage 10:00 A.M. . . . . . . Stained Glass 11:00 A.M. . . . . . . Lunch 12:00 P.M. . . . . . . Ballet A B C D Basic Photography Advanced Photography Square Dancing Costume Design
For these questions, you must decide which of the answer choices goes in the blank spaceeven if the graphic is a flow chart, word cluster, or schedule. Always remember to refer to the passage to find your answer!
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Spelling
Bzzz
The goal of the SAT-9 Spelling Test is to assess your spelling skills based on what you have learned about the phonetic and structural principles of words. The misspelled words on this test reflect the most common spelling errors for ninth-grade students.
All the Spelling questions look the same. They look like this one:
A I saw an advertisement for your store in the newspaper. B This chair blocking the door is a hindrance to my quick exit. C We asked the jeweler for an evaluatetion of the diamonds worth. D No mistake
In this question, evaluatetion should be spelled evaluation, so the correct answer choice is (C).
Look up every word you misspell or arent sure about. Make your own Common Mistakes list. Pay attention! Some people are great spellers naturally and some are not. But even people who arent great spellers can improve if they make it a priority. Check yourself. Every time you write something, go back and check your spelling.
Helpful Hint
There is never more than one spelling error in each question. Sometimes, though, all of the underlined words are spelled correctly. Look closely at each word. If you cant find a mistake, choose No mistake.
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What is a Homophone?
Homophones are words that are pronounced alike but have different meanings and spellings. For example, the words to, too, and two are homophones. Since each underlined word is part of a sentence, the test will always give you a clue to help you find the incorrectly used homophone. Look at this sentence, for example: The eggs were on sail. The word sail is a real word, but if you read the sentence, youll notice that the word is used incorrectly. The word that should be used in this sentence is sale. The two wordssail and saleare homophones. They sound the same but mean different things.
A Who runs faster, the tortoise or the hare? B We went on a slay ride in the freshly fallen snow. C The lawn was covered with morning dew. D No mistake
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Look at answer (A). Is the underlined word used correctly? Yes, it is. You may have noticed that the word hare is a homophonethe words hare and hair sound the same but mean different things. In this case, however, hare is used properly. This homophone was included to trick you. Eliminate answer (A), and watch out for correctly used homophones! Now look at answer (B). Is the underlined word used correctly? No, it is not. In this sentence, the word slay, which means to kill, is used in the wrong context. Your clue, freshly fallen snow, should have told you that the right word for this sentence is sleigh. A sleigh is used to transport people over snow; slay is what medieval knights did to unfortunate dragons. Keep answer (B). Even though you think you have found the correct answer, always read all of the answer choices. Is the underlined word used correctly in answer (C)? Yes, it is. Eliminate answer (C). Since you have found a sentence that contains a mistake, you can eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that answer (B) is correct.
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Vowel Sounds
It is important to know when vowels have long sounds and when they have short sounds. Here are some examples of long vowel sounds and short vowel sounds:
Long a in aviator Short a in apple Long e in elope Short e in elephant Long i in island Short i in install Long o in over Short o in onto Long u in unite Short u in until
Some combinations of vowels make different sounds than you might expect. Here are some examples of words with unusual vowel combinations: aerobic \ r bik\ a o' aesthetic \es thet' ik\ bivouac \biv' ak'\ maneuver \m n 'v r\ It is also important to remember that sometimes vowels make no sounds at all. For example: cake \k k\ tirade \t r d'\
A That man is the chief of police. B She did a comparativ study on their similarities. C The team came in fourth place at the competition. D No mistake
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Look at answer (A). Is chief spelled correctly? Yes, it is. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Is comparativ spelled correctly? No! Correctly spelled, the word should be comparative. Watch out for words with a silent ethey can be tricky! Keep answer (B). Look at answer (C). Is fourth spelled correctly? Yes, it is. Eliminate answer (C). Since you already know that there is an error in one of the sentences, you can get rid of answer (D). Now you can be sure that answer (B) is the correct choice.
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Consonant Sounds
Some consonant sounds change depending on the word in which they appear. Here are some examples of words containing hard and soft consonant sounds:
Hard c in cracker Soft c in financial Hard g in glance Soft g in giraffe Hard sc in score Soft sc in scientist
Sometimes a combination of consonants can make three different sounds. For example: chagrin \sh grin'\ chaos \ka' os\ cheap \ch p\ Sometimes adding a suffix will change the way a consonant sounds. electric \i lek' trik\ electrician \i lek' trish' n\ music \m zik\ u' musician \m zish' n\ u It is also important to remember that sometimes consonants can be silent. Here are some examples of words containing silent consonants: doubt \dout\ knowledge \nol' ij\ pneumonia \n m n' y \
A His overseas training has given him training in foreign affairs. B A daily workout is an important discipline for an athlete. C The stories of your adventures are fasinating. D No mistake
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Look at answer (A). Is foreign spelled correctly? Yes, it is. This is a tricky word because of the silent g and the exception to the i before e rule. However, this word is spelled correctly. Get rid of answer (A). Now look at answer (B). Is discipline spelled correctly? Yes, it is. The word might look a little strange because the c is not pronounced, but this is the correct spelling. Eliminate answer (B).
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Look at answer (C). Is fasinating spelled correctly? No, it isnt! Like discipline in sentence (B), fascinating has a c that is not pronounced. Keep answer (C). Since you have found a mistake, you can eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that (C) is the correct answer.
Endings
Many common spelling errors are due to improperly added word endings. There are quite a few questions that test your knowledge of word endings on the SAT-9. Look at these Endings rules. If you dont understand any of the examples, ask your teacher for help.
Drop the e when the word ends in e and you add -ing, -ion, -ive
hope hoping impulse impulsive make making repulse repulsion
When you add -ly, -ment, or -able, some words drop the e and some do not.
achieve achievement argue argument desire desirable dispense dispensable extreme extremely forcible forcibly judge judgment notice noticeable peace peaceable whole wholly
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When a word ends in a consonant, dont add another consonant before -ance, -ation, -ed, -ious, -ity, -ize, -ly, -ment, -ous
acquaint acquaintance enchant enchantment humid humidity interpret interpretation linger lingered rigid rigidity spontaneous spontaneously synonym synonymous uproar uproarious vapor vaporize
Exceptions to the double consonant rule: when you add -ed, or -ing, double the consonant if the word ends in a single consonant preceded by a single vowel. This also applies to two-syllable words when the accent is on the second syllable.
permit permitted refer referred run running swim swimming
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Change y to i when you add -cal, -cation, -hood, -ly, -ness, -ous, or make plural
fallacy fallacious happy happily holy holiness likely likelihood lonely loneliness ordinary ordinarily responsibility responsibilities strawberry strawberries tyranny tyrannical vilify vilification
A My counselor is providing me with career guidence. B The downtown development project has really improved the area. C Despite our daily correspondence, the letters were not enough. D No mistake
Prefix or Suffix
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Spelling words that contain a prefix or suffix can be a little confusing. There will be some questions that test your ability to spell prefix and suffix words on the SAT-9. The following lists show the correct spellings of words that are often misspelled.
-tion explanation
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A I ordinaryly wake up at six oclock, but today I woke up at seven. B He camouflaged the tent so that we could not see it. C The effects of the tornado were disastrous. D No mistake
Helpful Hint
Did you know that the word misspelled is often misspelled? Many people dont realize that there is a double s.
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Look at answer (A). Is ordinaryly spelled correctly? No, it isnt! When adding -ly to a word that ends in y, you must first change the y to an i. Keep answer (A). Even though you think youve found the correct answer, you should always read the other answers just to be sure. Look at answer (B). Is the word camouflaged spelled correctly? Yes, it is. Get rid of answer (B). Now look at answer (C). Is the word disastrous spelled correctly? Yes, it is. Eliminate answer (C). Since you already know that one of the answers contains a mistake you can eliminate answer (D). Now you can be sure that (A) is the correct answer.
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No Mistake
It is important to keep in mind that sometimes all three of the underlined words will be spelled correctly. When you find one of these questions, you should choose the No mistake option. These questions often try to trick you by including words that look strange, but are spelled correctly. For example:
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A The flowers in the garden produce a very pleasant odor. B It is not only the end of the century, but also the end of the millennium. C Nowadays people are in a big hurry. D No mistake
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Remember, sometimes all the underlined words in a question are spelled correctly. If you dont see an error, remember to choose No mistake. Read all the underlined words before choosing an answer. If you are running short on time, read only the underlined words and ignore the sentences. Do this only if you are very short on time, because it will be difficult to spot Sound Error mistakes without reading the complete sentences. If you arent sure about a word, compare it to a similar word. For example, if the underlined word is hideing, think about gliding, chiding, or siding. These similar words are spelled correctly and do not include the e.
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Language
How to Prepare for Language
Read, read, read! Rememberthe more you read, the more you learn! Pay attention to punctuation. Notice how commas, colons, and semicolons are used, and practice using them properly in your own writing. When you read, pay attention to how things are worded. Notice how colorful wording adds excitement to what you read. Use a thesaurus to help you choose colorful words. Practice using colorful language when you write and avoid using the same words repeatedly. Have someone you trust read your writing and help you make it clearer. Ask them to look for mistakes in organization, unnecessary information, run-on sentences, and sentence fragments.
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1. 2.
Cover the answer choices so they do not confuse you. Read the sentence and decide what the error is. Remember, there is either one error or no error in the sentence. In the above sentence, you might have noticed that the words principal Jones looked strange to you. Why? The word principal is a title that precedes a persons name, so it should be capitalized. Think about how you would correct the mistake. Now look at the rest of the answer choices. Eliminate choices that repeat the error. Answer choice (A) repeats the capitalization error and deletes a necessary comma. Eliminate answer (A). Now look at answer (B). This answer choice does not correct the capitalization error and introduces a new error in grammar. The phrase news, and Principle Jones happy wrongly uses the word happy, which is an adjective, where the word happily should appear. Happily is an adverb which modifies the verb shared in the sentence. Now you have one answer left. news, and Principal Jones happily corrects the capitalization error and does not introduce any other errors. The correct answer is (C).
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Capitalization Tips
Capitalize proper nouns such as names of people, places, nationalities, and languages.
For example:
T.S. Eliot, Mount Rainier, Algeria, Irish
For example:
Main Street, Carson City, Kettle Moraine State Park, Lake Okeechobee
For example:
Greta looked at Lisa and said, Are you really going to wear that?
For example:
President Woodrow Wilson, Governor Storch, Aunt Edna
For example:
Monday, February, Groundhog Day
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Four things are necessary for any valid contract offer, agreement, terms, and consideration. A contract, offer agreement, terms, B contract: offer, agreement, terms, C contract; offer, agreement, terms, D Correct as is
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Cover your answer choices. Read the sentence and decide what the error is. In the above sentence, you may notice an error in punctuation. The phrase contract offer, agreement, terms, is difficult to understand, because it contains a lists of items that is not preceded by a colon. Think about how you would correct the mistake, then look at answer (A). This sentence improperly uses a comma instead of a colon to set off the list, and omits a necessary comma. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Replace the underlined words in the sample sentence with answer (B). Does the phrase contract: offer, agreement, terms, use the proper punctuation? Yes, it does. A colon is used to separate an independent clause from a list in a sentence. Keep answer (B). Even though you think you know the answer, you should always read all of the answer choices just to be sure. Look at answer (C). This answer improperly uses a semicolon in place of a colon to set off the list. A semicolon should be used to separate two independent clauses. Get rid of answer (C). Now you can be sure that choice (B) is the correct answer.
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Mechanics Tips
The subject and verb must always agree in the sentence. If the subject is singular, the verb should also be singular. By the same token, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural.
For example:
I am scratching. (singular) They are scratching. (plural) He is scratching. (singular)
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Watch out for indefinite pronouns! Make sure they agree with the verb. For example: All of us are eating pie. The word all is a plural because it refers to several people. This means the helping verb are must also be plural. Lets look at another one: All of the jelly is oozing out of my doughnut. In this case, the word all is singular because it refers to one part of the doughnut. This means that the helping verb is must also be singular.
Never use two negative words in one sentence. Heres an example of a double negative: She isnt paying no attention. Properly written, the sentence should read: She isnt paying any attention.
Remember that its only has an apostrophe when it is a contraction for it is. The apostrophe replaces the missing letter i. For example: Its going to snow on Monday. The cat played with its toy.
Remember that possessive pronouns never have apostrophes. For example: The bologna sandwich is hers. The word hers is incorrect because it actually means her is. Properly written, the sentence should read: The bologna sandwich is hers.
Always make sure that pronouns are written in the correct case. For example: She threw the ball at me. (subject case) I threw the ball at her. (object case)
Is the ball hers? (possessive case) If there is more than one subject in the sentence, it might be harder for you to decide which pronoun case to use. Heres an example of a pronoun written in the wrong case: Becky and him fixed the tire. A good way to tell whether something is written in the proper case is to separate the two subjects into their own sentences like this: Becky fixed the tire. Him fixed the tire. As youve probably noticed, the word him is the wrong case to use. Heres how you would correct it: He fixed the tire.
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Now you can put it all together: Becky and he fixed the tire.
What will we do now? asked Senator Marquez. A now? asked Senator B now? asked senator C now? asked senator D Correct as is
Punctuation Tips
Use commas to
Set off subordinate clauses when they begin a sentence. Subordinate clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction and contain a subject and a verb. They are followed by a comma and a main clause. For example: Although the meal was delicious, I could not finish it. In the sentence above, the word although is a subordinating conjunction. Some other subordinating conjunctions are after, as, because, before, since, until, and whatever.
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Separate items in a series. For example: She wants a doll, a bike, and a basketball for her birthday. Set off words that explain a preceding noun if the explanation is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. For example: My mother, a nurse, always insists that I wash the germs off my hands before I eat. Use apostrophes to show possession. For example: This is Erics shirt. Use quotation marks to set off dialogue. For example: Jose said, I didnt mean to break your window. Use a colon before a list. For example: We have the option to study four different foreign languages: French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Use a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. (A clause is independent if it is a complete sentence.) For example: Doug liked to read books; he could read a whole book in a single afternoon.
Sentence Structure and Clarity questions test your ability to construct sentences that are grammatically correct, easy to understand, and not redundant. Your goal is to determine if the sentence contains a mistake and, if so, decide how to fix it. Keep in mind that sometimes the sample sentence is correct the way it is.
At night, I was afraid. Because I thought bears were everywhere. A At night, I was afraid because I thought bears were everywhere. B At night, I was afraid, I thought bears were everywhere. C I was afraid at night bears were everywhere. D Correct as is
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Cover the answer choices. Read the sentence and decide what the error is. Remember that there is either one error or no error in the sentence. In the sample above, you may notice that the second sentence is actually a fragment. Think about how you would correct the mistake. Now read the answer choices. Answer choice (A) combines the first sentence and the fragment into one coherent sentence. There appear to be no mistakes in this sentence, so keep answer (A). Remember that even though you think this sentence is correct, you should always read all of the answer choices. Look at answer choice (B). This answer choice wrongly combines the first sentence and the fragment by replacing the period with a comma and deleting the word because. This error creates an awkward, run-on sentence. Get rid of answer (B). Answer choice (C), is also awkwardly worded. Eliminate answer (C). Now you can be sure that choice (A) is the correct answer.
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Corn is a popular vegetable, and is a cooking ingredient, and it is also used to make oil and sweeteners. A Corn being a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient, and it is also used to make oil and sweeteners. B Corn, a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient, is also used to make oil and sweeteners. C Corn, it is a popular vegetable and cooking ingredient. It is also used to make oil and sweeteners. D Correct as is
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Cover the answer choices. Read the sentence and decide what the error is. Remember that there is either one error or no error in the sentence. In this case, you may notice that the sample sentence is is a run-on. Think about how you would correct the mistake. Now look at the answer choices and eliminate the answers that repeat the mistake. You probably had a hard time understanding answer choice (A) because it is also awkwardly worded. Eliminate answer choice (A). Go on to answer choice (B). Is the sentence written clearly? Yes, it is. However, even though you think answer (B) is the correct choice, you should read the other answers just to be sure. Read answer choice (C). This answer divides the sample sentence into two short, poorlyworded sentences. Although run-ons can sometimes be corrected by dividing one long sentence into two shorter sentences, answer (C) is not the way to do it. Get rid of answer (C). Now you can be sure that answer (B) is the best choice.
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Caesar fell off his bike when the front tire hit a pothole, trying to ride without using his hands. A When the front tire hit a pothole, trying to ride without using his hands, Caesar fell off his bike. B Trying to ride without using his hands when the front tire hit a pothole, Caesar fell off his bike. C Trying to ride without using his hands, Caesar fell off his bike when the front tire hit a pothole. D Correct as is
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There is one type of difficult to catch because it is a language problem, not a grammar problem. Can you see a problem in this example?
My brother is a teacher who teaches at Dr. King High School. A A teacher, my brother teaches at Dr. King High School. B Teaching at Dr. King High School, my brother is a teacher. C My brother is a teacher at Dr. King High School. D Correct as is
Avoid run-on sentences. Sometimes a long thought can be stated more clearly when you add a period, a comma and conjunction, or a semicolon. Here is an example of a run-on sentence: My baby brother embarrasses me he screams and cries when things dont go his way. Did you notice how hard that sentence was to understand? Here is how you would fix it with a period: My baby brother embarrasses me. He screams and cries when things dont go his way. Here is how you would fix it with a comma and conjunction: My baby brother embarrasses me, and he screams and cries when things dont go his way.
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Here is how you would fix it with a semicolon: My baby brother embarrasses me; he screams and cries when things dont go his way.
Use a period, a comma and conjunction, or a semicolon to fix this one:
My mom wont let me have a dog she thinks I wont take care of it.
Avoid comma splices. Here is an example of a comma splice: In the basement, I discovered the missing piece, it was needed to the complete the puzzle.
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Here is how you would correct it: In the basement, I discovered the missing piece that was needed to complete the puzzle. Watch out for fragmented sentences that dont form a complete thought. Sometimes two incomplete thoughts can be combined to make one complete sentence. Make sure that all sentences have parallel structure, which means that in any series, all verbs are in the same form. Remember that repetitive wording adds unnecessary clutter to a sentence. Always think about how you could reword a sentence to improve its clarity. Try saying it in your head. Your spoken language can help you hear awkward sentences.
Read the paragraph below, and answer the questions that follow:
Paragraph 1
As part of their work with the Drama Club, Jose and Lynn spent every weekend for a month working on a script. They edited the plays dialogue, worked with other club members, selected actors, designed a set, including making costumes. They would work together in the drama room until they had to leave to make curfew. Full of excitement and anticipation, Lynn would imagine how wonderful their final production would be.
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Which of these is the best phrase to use instead of the underlined portion of the paragraph? F and made G and were making H then were making J but they made
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Skim the paragraph quickly. Read the first question. Every question will ask you to change or add to the paragraph. The above question asks you to find a better way to state the underlined words in the paragraph. You may notice that the underlined wording is awkward. The words including making costumes are supposed to refer to designed a set, but making costumes has nothing to do with the actual set design.
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Before you look at the answer choices, think about how you would improve the underlined phrase.
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Now read answer (F). Does it make sense? Yes it does. This sentence corrects the wording error by treating the phrases designed a set and made costumes as two separate actions. Even though you think this might be the correct answer, make sure you read the other answer choices. You may find a better answer if you read on.
Style and structure are the essence of a book; great ideas are hogwash. Vladimir Nabokov
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Answer (G) unnecessarily shifts the sentence from the simple past to the past progressive verb form. Get rid of answer (G). Now read answer (H). This answer is awkward and also shifts the last verb to past progressive form. All verbs should be in the same form to have parallel structure. Eliminate answer (H). Answer (J) is confusing because it uses an inappropriate conjunction. What does the word but refer to? It isnt clear. Eliminate answer (J). Because answer (F) is the most clearly written answer choice, it is the correct answer.
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Which of the following would not belong in the paragraph? A Script writing is hard because the script has to be changed many times. B The work of many drama club students is needed to make even just one show possible. C Most theatergoers like to sit close to the stage and in the middle of the row. D Part of the challenge is making a set and costumes that are right for the script.
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Read the question and skim the paragraph again. This question asks you to choose a sentence that does not belong in the paragraph. Be especially careful on questions that contain the words except and not. These questions can be tricky! Read answer choice (A). Does this sentence fit into the paragraph? Yes, it does. Eliminate answer choice (A). Answer choice (B) could also be added to this paragraph. Eliminate answer (B). Now read answer (C). Rememberyour correct answer will be the sentence that does not fit into the paragraph. This sentence does not fit in, because the entire paragraph focuses on the work of the Drama Club, and not on the audience. Keep answer (C).
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Even though you think youve found the correct answer, you should read answer (D) just to be sure. Does answer (D) fit into the paragraph? Yes, it does. Get rid of answer (D). Now you can be sure that (C) is the correct answer.
Use transitions to make your sentences flow smoothly. Transitions are words that show relationships between sentences. Read the following example: Marlene loves horses. She does not know how to ride them. The above sentences read better when they flow into each other like this: Marlene loves horses. However, she does not know how to ride them. Some other transition words are although, except, meanwhile, and therefore.
You can also combine thoughts with conjunctions. Conjunctions are words that connect phrases in a sentence. Read the following example: The movie had ended. A few of us stayed to see the next picture. These two sentences flow better when they are combined like this: The movie had ended, but a few of us stayed to see the next picture.
Notice how figurative language is used to make a sentence more interesting. Read the following sentence: White clouds floated across the sky. The sentence above isnt very interesting, is it? Here is the sentence written using figurative language:
White, billowy clouds drifted lazily across the sky like a herd of grazing sheep. While the first sentence is not incorrect, the second one is certainly better. Colorful language is an important part of good writing.
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Study Skills
The Study Skills section of the SAT-9 tests your ability to find information in such places as reference books, newspapers, and library catalogs.
Here are two types of questions that you will be expected to answer:
1. General. These questions ask you about finding
information in reference books like a dictionary, a thesaurus, and Books in Print.
A dictionary gives the pronunciations and meanings of words. A thesaurus is used for finding synonyms, or words with similar meanings. An atlas contains maps. Encyclopedias contain articles in alphabetical order about different things from a wide variety of subjects. as in-depth as an encyclopedia.
An almanac contains general data, including numbers and statistics. It is not Newspapers contain up-to-date information about current events. A telephone directory contains telephone numbers and addresses. Books in Print contains information about all of the books currently being
printed and sold.
The Readers Guide to Periodical Literature is used for finding recent magazine
articles about different subjects.
Visit a library to practice finding information in the sources listed above. Learn the purpose of each part of a dictionary entry. Practice writing a sample dictionary entry. Then look up the word to see how close you came. Practice finding books by using a library catalog. This will help you on questions that refer to an entry in a library catalog. Learn how to use a books index and table of contents. Practice looking up specific topics in the index.
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Below are guide words from a page in a dictionary. merchandise mercury Which of the following would be found on this page? A mercantile B merchant C mercy D mercenary
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Look at the word in answer (A). Compare each letter in mercantile with each letter in merchandise. The word mercantile would appear first. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Compare the words merchant and merchandise as you did with answer choice (A). Since merchant fits alphabetically between the two guide words, you know it belongs on this page in the dictionary. Although you think answer (B) is correct, read the other answer choices to make sure. (You can skip this step if you are very short on time.) Look at answer (C). Does the word mercy appear on this page in the dictionary? No, it appears on a page after this one. Eliminate answer (C). Does the word mercenary appear on this page in the dictionary? No, it appears on a page before this one. Now you can be sure that (B) is the correct answer.
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Heres a Hint
In a books index you can find A the books title, author, and publisher B the titles of all the chapters C keywords and page numbers D words and their meanings
A books title page tells you the books title, author, and publisher. A books Table of Contents lists chapters and page numbers. A books glossary contains a list of terms and definitions.
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Which of the definitions of the word accept best describes its use in the following sentence? The police will accept his explanation as accurate. A B C D 1 2 3 4
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Read the sample sentence and think of your own definition for the underlined word in the sentence. In this case, you may have decided that the word accept means about the same as believe in this sentence. Look at answer (A). Compare your definition to the first definition for the word accept in the dictionary entry provided. Does definition 1 mean about the same as believe? No it does not. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Does definition 2 mean about the same as believe? Yes, it does! If the police approved a statement, that means they believed it. This is probably the correct answer. Keep answer (B). Even though you think answer (B) is correct, you should always read the rest of the answers in case you find a better one. Look at answer (C). Does definition 3 mean about the same as believe? No, it does not. Get rid of answer (C). Look at answer (D). Does definition 4 mean about the same as believe? No, it doesnt. Now you can be sure that answer (B) is the correct choice.
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Which of these is the correct way to hyphenate accompany at the end of a line? A acco-mpany B accomp-any C acc-ompany D accompa-ny
1.
Look at answer (A). Is this the proper way to hyphenate accompany? No, it is not. Why? A hyphen is always placed between syllables when a word is divided. The dictionary entry provided above the question shows you how the syllables in ac-com-pa-ny are divided. Always compare each answer choice to the dictionary entry. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Is this the proper way to hyphenate accompany? No, it is not. Why? Because answer (B) wrongly divides the syllable -pa- into two parts. Eliminate answer (B). Does answer (C) properly hyphenate the word accompany? No. Answer choice (C) wrongly divides the syllable -com- into two parts. Get rid of answer (C). Look at answer (D). Is this the proper way to hyphenate accompany? Yes! This answer choice properly places the hyphen between the syllables indicated by the dictionary entry. The correct answer is (D).
2. 3. 4.
Eliminate the answers that you know are wrong first. Always refer back to the sample information entries with each new answer choice. Dont rely on memory! Be sure to read each question slowly and carefully. Careless reading will result in mistakes! If you dont know the answer to a question, guess and move on.
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Review the Spelling section of this book. Look up all of the words that you misspell on homework assignments. Review the Study Skills section of this book. Learn about all of the information source books and practice using them. Review the Language section of this book. Practice using proper grammar, punctuation, and figurative language in all of your homework assignments.
Study Skills
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You will be presented with a short description of a situation faced by a student. For instance, the student might be writing a story, a letter, or a report. You will then be asked a couple of questions about where the student should go to find information or how the student should organize the project.
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To find information about Alexander Graham Bell in a book about the history of the telephone, where should Jose look? A B C D On the copyright page In the introduction In the index In an atlas
1. 2.
Read the passage and question slowly and carefully. Look at answer (A). Should Jose look on the copyright page to locate information about Alexander Graham Bell? No. The copyright page lists the books publisher and where and when the book was published. Eliminate answer (A). Look at answer (B). Would Jose find the information he needs by looking at the introduction? No, the introduction only gives general information about how the book was written. Get rid of answer (B). Look at answer (C). Would Jose find his information by looking at the index? Yes! The books index will list the page numbers on which Alexander Graham Bell is mentioned. Keep answer (C). Look at answer (D). Would Jose find his information by looking at an atlas? No, he wouldnt. An atlas is a book of maps. Get rid of answer (D). Now you can be sure that (C) is the best answer.
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Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
To write or even speak English is not a science but an art. George Orwell
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The telephone is a device that sends and receives sounds and data. (1) The device works by converting sound and data to electrical signals. (2) These signals can be transmitted along wires for long distances. All (3) (4) of the telephones are connected to switching systems. They determine (5) the pathway that information follows to reach its destination. Although the telephone may be an easy-to-use invention, its (6) history is difficult to trace. Sending signals over wires, many (7) inventors in the late 1800s tried to transmit voices. The telephone (8) is now used worldwide. The first person to use the telephone (9) successfully was an American inventor named Alexander Graham Bell. Bell realized that vibrations could be used to recreate speech. Bell (10) (11) was experimenting with a telegraph, but then a part came loose and began to make an odd sound. When this loosened part was allowed to (12) vibrate, it made a noise.
Which of these is the best way to rewrite sentence 7? A Many inventors in the late 1800s tried to transmit voices by sending signals over wires. B Many inventors in the late 1800s, sending signals over wires, tried to transmit voices. C Sending signals over wires, the many late 1800s inventors tried to transmit voices. D To transmit voices, many inventors in the late 1800s tried, sending signals over wires.
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1. 2. 3. 4.
Cover the answer choices so they dont confuse you. Look at sentence 7 and decide how you would rewrite it. Now look at answer (A). Is this sentence written correctly? Yes, it is. Keep answer (A). Even though you think you have found the correct answer, you should always read all of the answer choices just to be sure. Answer (B) is incorrect because the wording is awkward. Get rid of answer (B). Look at answer (C). Is this sentence written correctly? No, this sentence is awkward. Eliminate answer (C). Look at answer (D). This answer is also worded awkwardly. Get rid of answer (D). Now you can be sure that answer (A) is the correct choice.
5. 6. 7.
Here is another question based on the same passage. Try to answer it on your own.
Spelling
Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
You will be given a sentence with three underlined words and you will be asked if one of them is misspelled.
Here is an example:
?
1. 2. 3.
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4.
If you have time, you should always read the rest of the answers to be sure that you have chosen correctly. Look at answer (C). Is the word college spelled correctly? Yes, it is. Get rid of answer (C). Now you can be sure that (B) is the correct answer.
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