2016SHSAT_English

Specific StrategiesVerbalURQTS might also appear appealing, but QTS is an awkwardprogression of sentences. A well-organized paragraph wouldnot place Q (which assumes that you are leaving) prior to S(which suggests that you should leave). Another problem is thatthe phrase “after your repetitions” in S does not have a clearreferent in T. It refers back to U and R, and placing it at the endof the paragraph creates a gap in the flow of ideas.Logical ReasoningThis section consists of 10 questions that assess your ability toreason logically, using the facts, concepts, and information presented.You must guard against jumping to conclusionsthat are not warranted from the information given. Thereare different types of questions: figuring out codes, determiningthe relative positions of things or people, identifying correctassumptions, and drawing valid conclusions.The most important strategy is to read the information carefullyand make no assumptions that are not sup ported by the giveninformation. Certain words must be read carefully. For example,between cannot be assumed to mean between andright next to; other things may be between these two objectsas well. The same may be true of words such as above,below, before, and after.Another good strategy is to look for information that is definitelystated, such as, “The red box is the largest,” or “Jane is notstanding next to Erik.” This information makes it easier todetermine the relative relationships.For Example 2, draw a diagram to help you determine theorder in which the students stood:ShortestTallest1st2nd3rd4th5thThe question provides information about the students’ heightsrelative to one another. It does not provide definite informationthat would allow us to place a student in any particular location.Add the information given in the three conditions about the students’heights to the diagram. Remember that the informationis relative, so don’t place anyone in a definite space yet.Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3Shortest J N PTallestG R NThe first and third conditions can be combined like this:PNJGThe diagram shows that Gina is taller than everyone else, soshe is in fifth place, which is Option D. Notice that it is notpossible to determine who is in fourth place—Jorge or Rafael—but this does not affect Gina’s place. Gina’s position can bedefinitely determined, so Option E is incorrect.Example 2Five students stood in order of height. Theshortest student stood in the first place, andthe tallest student stood in the fifth place.1) Jorge is shorter than Gina.2) Rafael is taller than Nick but shorter thanGina.3) Nick is shorter than Jorge but taller thanPriscilla.In which place is Gina?A. secondB. thirdC. fourthD. fifthE. Either fourth or fifth, but it is not possible todetermine which one.GJ23