2016SHSAT_English

Sample Test – verbalExplanations of Correct Answers AFormScrambled ParagraphsParagraph 1 (TUSRQ)The daily meals mentioned in the opening sentence arefurther described in T—a main course (a thick stew) anda starch. U continues the distinction between the maindish and the starch. The main dish is served on individualplates, while diners take the starch from a sharedplate. S explains what the diners do with the starch—they scoop up a portion of the main dish. R says that thestarch serves another purpose–to cool the spicy taste ofthe main dish. (Q).Paragraph 2 (UTRSQ)The two definitions of “bluegrass” given in the openingsentence are connected by U, which introduces bluegrassmusic and its founder, Bill Monroe. The description ofMonroe’s traditional bluegrass sound, including itsinstruments, is in T. R mentions two instruments not ina bluegrass band. A bluegrass band that does not performtraditional music on traditional instruments ismentioned in S—“newgrass” music, a combination of thewords “new” and “bluegrass.” “Newgrass” is not heard attraditional bluegrass festivals (Q).Paragraph 3 (TRUQS)Either R or T could follow the given sentence. Try bothpossibilities and compare the results. When R followsthe opening sentence, it continues the discussion of volcanoes,including Kilauea. U follows R with its referenceto “that volcano,” referring to Kilauea, and describes itsactivity. U also names Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.“In the same park” (in Q) logically follows that reference.Q also mentions a second volcano, Mauna Loa. S mustfollow Q because it refers to two volcanoes (“Both of these. . . ”). The remaining sentence, T, ends the paragraph onan awkward note. The definition of the paragraph’s topic(volcanoes) appears after, not before, further discussion ofthe topic. RUQST is neither well-organized nor cohesive.For comparison, place T after the given sentence. Now,the given sentence is followed with another reference toVulcan, and the definition of a volcano appears early inthe paragraph. The logic and flow of thought that formedRUQS remain the same. TRUQS creates a well-organized,cohesive paragraph, and it is the correct answer.example of such behavior, eating clay in river mud. Whydo they eat mud? Not to satisfy their hunger, accordingto R. Q follows with a theory to explain the behavior:macaws ingest the clay to counteract toxins found in thefruit seeds they have eaten. T provides further evidenceto support the theory.Paragraph 5 (UTRQS)The given sentence introduces the topic, how an abandonedsettlement called Nan Madol was built. U followsbecause it refers to the “structures” of Nan Madol andcomments on the size of its stone columns. U also mentionsthat the local people told anthropologists about theconstruction of Nan Madol. The rest of the paragraphdescribes how the columns were quarried and transportedto the building site. The “local people” in U connectsto “the islanders” in T, which explains how the stone columnswere formed. Next, R describes how the columnswere split from the surrounding rock. Q explains howthe columns were transported to the site, and S describesthe placement of the columns in their present positions.Logical Reasoning11. (C) Draw a diagram with four spaces beside Quil,using the initials D, N, S, and T to represent the namesof the planets. Needer is closest to Quil (Statement 1),so write “N” in the first space. The orbit of planet Sly isfarthest from the orbit of Needer (Statement 3), so write“S” in the last space.Quil____ N ____ ____ ____ SWe can stop here. The question asks for the planet thattravels fastest, which is also the planet farthest fromQuil. That planet is Sly (Option C).12. (J) The problem says that either of two circumstances,snow or darkness, will prevent me from ridingmy bike. We do not know whether these are the onlytwo circumstances, because the information given doesnot say so. Therefore, you can rule out Options F and G.Option H is not mentioned, and K incorrectly combinestwo pieces of information. J is correct. If I ride my bike,then it is not snowing; otherwise I cannot ride my bike.Nor is it dark; if it was, I cannot ride my bike.Paragraph 4 (SURQT)The given sentence introduces macaws as large, beautifulbirds. S is next, referring to an additional attributeof macaws, their intelligence, and claiming that somemacaw behaviors are not well understood. U gives an58