SAT Writing : Rewriting a Single Word
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Example Questions
Example Question #701 : Improving Paragraphs
1 Old fashioned candy also known as penny candy or pick ‘n’ mix was once sold in bulk at soda fountains and five-and-dime stores across the United States and England. 2 Penny candy includes many varieties of convections. 3 These varieties, such as lollipops, string licorice, ribbon candy, jelly beans, chocolate coins, taffy, wax lips, sour balls, and candy cigarettes and necklaces. 4 Many people think fondly on their childhood candy stores with wistfulness.
In Sentence 2, what word should replace “convections”?
conventions
convections (no change)
conflagration
conflations
confections
confections
Another word for candy is “confection.” A “convection” is a process of heat transference, a “convention” is a gathering of people or a standard of doing things, a “conflation” is the mistaken combination of two or more things into a single thing, and a “conflagration” is a large fire.
Example Question #74 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word
1 Many cultures have a tradition of mythical creatures.2 Some malicious, others benefactors, with a variety of powers and special attributes. 3 The ancient Greeks had centaurs and harpies, the Assyrians had mermaids, and the German elves. 4 These creatures remain prevaricate today, to appear in fantasy novels, movies, and even university courses.
In Sentence 2, what word should replace “benevolent”?
benediction
benevolent
benefaction
beneficiaries
benefactors (no change)
benevolent
We’re looking for a word that’s an antonym for “malicious” or intending to do harm. “Benevolent” means well-meaning, so it’s a better choice than “benefactors” (people who give money to support a person or cause), “benefaction” (an act of benefitting or a received donation), “beneficiaries” (people who benefit from something such as an inheritance), and “benefaction” (a blessing or prayer).
Example Question #101 : Rewriting A Single Word
1 Many cultures have a tradition of mythical creatures.2 Some malicious, others benefactors, with a variety of powers and special attributes. 3 The ancient Greeks had centaurs and harpies, the Assyrians had mermaids, and the German elves. 4 These creatures remain prevaricate today, to appear in fantasy novels, movies, and even university courses.
In Sentence 4, what word should replace “prevaricate”?
precarious
predatory
precious
prevalent
prevaricate (no change)
prevalent
“Prevaricate,” a verb meaning to deceive through evasiveness, does not fit the part of speech or the meaning of the sentence. “Prevalent,” an adjective meaning widespread, fits both the sentence’s construction and sense.
Example Question #711 : Improving Paragraphs
1 Old fashioned candy also known as penny candy or pick ‘n’ mix was once sold in bulk at soda fountains and five-and-dime stores across the United States and England. 2 Penny candy includes many varieties of convections. 3 These varieties, such as lollipops, string licorice, ribbon candy, jelly beans, chocolate coins, taffy, wax lips, sour balls, and candy cigarettes and necklaces. 4 Many people think fondly on their childhood candy stores with wistfulness.
In Sentence 4, what word should replace “wistfulness”?
wistfulness (no change)
wishfulness
wisteria
wiseacre
wisdom
wistfulness (no change)
“Wistfulness,” which means fondness or nostalgia, is the best word for the sentence. A "wiseacre" is an old-fashioned term for a witty and disrespectful person. "Wisdom" is knowledge or good sense.
Example Question #712 : Improving Paragraphs
1 One of the most famous modern dancers of all times, the choreography of Martha Graham had a profound influence of the ballet world. 2 Based on “contraction and release,” the Graham technique, creating theatrical dramatic tension and deeply impassioned routines for audiences to see. 3 Graham used her inconsiderate flexibility to develop many innovative moves originating from the abdomen, back, and pelvis.4 Graham’s work rejected not only the tenants of classical ballet but instead the reactionary rebellions of early modern dance. 5 Like the work of dancer choreographers Helen Tamiris and Agnes de Mille. 6 After age forced her to retire from the stage; Graham sank into a deep depression and had difficulty watching other ballerinas dance her choreography. 7 Today, the Graham technique is taught almost universally between various dance academies, clinics, and universities. 8 Without it the world of modern day dance would indubitably not be the same.
In Sentence 7, which word needs to be changed?
between
Today
universally
various
Graham
between
“Between” is a word used for linking two and no more than two items. “Among” is the word we need to link three or more items, as is the case in this sentence.
Example Question #101 : Rewriting A Single Word
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
In Sentence 6, which word needs to be changed?
while
beneficial
affects
already
implemented
affects
The proper word in this case is “effects,” not “affects.” Usually, “affects” is a verb and “effects” is a noun, although the opposite can be true in certain sentences. The best thing to remember is that “effects” means results.
Example Question #3253 : Sat Writing
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
In Sentence 1, what word should replace “counterproductive”?
counterproductive
counterintelligence
counterinsurgency (no change)
countermand
counterintuitive
counterintuitive
“Counterintuitive,” which means against logic or expectations, makes sense in a sentence describing a seemingly nonsensical proposal to legalize drugs. A "counterinsurgency" is a military campaign against guerilla or rebel forces.
Example Question #711 : Improving Paragraphs
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
In Sentence 2, what word should replace “schemata”?
stipple
scheme
schema
stigma
stigmata
stigma
“Stigma,” which means shame or disgrace, is the word that makes most sense in the context of Sentence 2. (“Stigmata” are religious wounds associated with Jesus, a “schema” is a model or outline of a plan, a “scheme” is a detailed plan, and a “stipple” is a pattern of small dots or specks.)
Example Question #86 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
In Sentence 4, what word should replace “revue”?
revenue
reverie
reverberation
revenant
revue (no change)
revenue
“Revenue,” which means income or money, is what would arise from the government’s taxation of legalized drugs. A “revue” is a genre of theatrical performance, a “reverie” is a daydream, a “reverberation” is a sonic effect similar to an echo, and a “revenant” is a ghost who comes from the dead. None of these words are the results of taxation.
Example Question #3255 : Sat Writing
1 It may seem counterinsurgency, but people all around the world are now proposing the legalization of dangerous recreational drugs. 2 Advocates argue that legalization could reduce the schemata of drug addiction, as well as the incarcerated population in jails. 3 If drugs were sold in stores, the government could tax them and benefit from the revue. 4 Whereas, the incidence of drug-related malfeasance and crime could decrease as well. 5 However there are also dangers to legalization; with opponents asserting that it would only lead to more addiction. 6 While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have already implemented drug decriminalization with positive affects, only time will tell if such a policy could be beneficial in the United States.
In Sentence 4, which of the following words could not replace “decrease”?
ebb
diminish
invigorate
abate
wane
invigorate
“Wane,” “diminish,” “abate,” and “ebb” would all be good replacements for “decrease” in this sentence. Only “invigorate,” which means to strengthen or energize, is not a synonym.
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