SAT Writing : Improving Paragraphs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #701 : Improving Paragraphs

1 Many people have an imminent dislike of crows, few know much at all about the bird. 2 “Crow” actually refers to a genus not a species that includes jackdaws, ravens, rooks and other birds. 3 Their dark color, striated cries, and appearance in horror movies all make it seem very omnivorous. 4 The truth about this genus is that the birds in it are incredibly intelligent – often nearly so as some apes. 5 Appearing on all continents except South America and Antarctica. 6 These perspicacious birds were once thought to predict the future, including weather and war plans. 7 Today, they are used for scientific research, hunting, or even being kept as pets.

In Sentence 6, what word should replace “perspicacious”?

Possible Answers:

perspiring

perceptive

perspicacious (no change)

perspective

perspicuous

Correct answer:

perspicacious (no change)

Explanation:

“Perspicacious,” which means keen and clever, is the best choice to describe crows’ intelligence. "Perspiring" refers to the action of sweating; "perceptive" describes an insightful person; "perspicuous" means clear or lucid; "perspective" refers to a point of view.

Example Question #702 : Improving Paragraphs

1 Many people have an imminent dislike of crows, few know much at all about the bird. 2 “Crow” actually refers to a genus not a species that includes jackdaws, ravens, rooks and other birds. 3 Their dark color, striated cries, and appearance in horror movies all make it seem very omnivorous. 4 The truth about this genus is that the birds in it are incredibly intelligent – often nearly so as some apes. 5 Appearing on all continents except South America and Antarctica. 6 These perspicacious birds were once thought to predict the future, including weather and war plans. 7 Today, they are used for scientific research, hunting, or even being kept as pets.

In Sentence 3, what word should replace “omnivorous”?

Possible Answers:

ominous

omnipotent

omniscient

omnivorous (no change)

omissive

Correct answer:

ominous

Explanation:

“Ominous,” or threatening and foreboding, fits this description of crows’ appearance much better than does “omnivorous,” or eating both plants and animals. "Omniscient" means all knowing, "omnipotent" means all powerful, and "omissive" means neglectful.

Example Question #73 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word

1 One of America’s most inflammatory early disasters, the Johnstown Flood. 2 It was occurring in 1889 after the collapse of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3 Heavy rainfall invigorated a reservoir upriver, causing the dam to burst and more than 20 million tons of water pouring down the Conemaugh River. 4 The Johnstown Flood has been immortalized in poems, novels, songs, and films. 5 The committal flood killed more than 2,000 people and it required the attention of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, and various lawsuits. 6 Compounding the disaster was the Stone Bridge, causing a fire that killed at least 80 people when burning debris caught fire. 7 Later people would fault the rich business tycoons who had weakened the reservoir for their own leisure, building cottages and a spillway along the dam to create the swarthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.8 Nearly $4 million would be donated to relief funds, for Pennsylvanians the true horror never preceded.

In Sentence 1, what word should replace “inflammatory”?

Possible Answers:

indefatigable

infamous

infectious

inflammatory (no change)

infatuated

Correct answer:

infamous

Explanation:

A flood is unlikely to be “inflammatory” (causing anger or inflammation), but it is likely to be “infamous” (famous for a bad reason). "Infatuated" means being romantically interested in someone. "Infectious" refers to having the property of or potential to cause infection. "Indefatigable" means persisting without stopping.

Example Question #74 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word

1 One of America’s most inflammatory early disasters, the Johnstown Flood. 2 It was occurring in 1889 after the collapse of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3 Heavy rainfall invigorated a reservoir upriver, causing the dam to burst and more than 20 million tons of water pouring down the Conemaugh River. 4 The Johnstown Flood has been immortalized in poems, novels, songs, and films. 5 The committal flood killed more than 2,000 people and it required the attention of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, and various lawsuits. 6 Compounding the disaster was the Stone Bridge, causing a fire that killed at least 80 people when burning debris caught fire. 7 Later people would fault the rich business tycoons who had weakened the reservoir for their own leisure, building cottages and a spillway along the dam to create the swarthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.8 Nearly $4 million would be donated to relief funds, for Pennsylvanians the true horror never preceded.

In Sentence 3, what word should replace “invigorated”?

Possible Answers:

inveigled

inured

invigorated (no change)

invoked

inundated

Correct answer:

inundated

Explanation:

Rainfall wouldn’t strengthen, or “invigorate” a reservoir; it would flood, or “inundate” it. "Inveigled" means to deceive someone with flattery. "Inured" means to make someone accustomed to something over time (usually a negative thing). "Invoked" means to have called upon something in a argument or point.

Example Question #75 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word

1 One of America’s most inflammatory early disasters, the Johnstown Flood. 2 It was occurring in 1889 after the collapse of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3 Heavy rainfall invigorated a reservoir upriver, causing the dam to burst and more than 20 million tons of water pouring down the Conemaugh River. 4 The Johnstown Flood has been immortalized in poems, novels, songs, and films. 5 The committal flood killed more than 2,000 people and it required the attention of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, and various lawsuits. 6 Compounding the disaster was the Stone Bridge, causing a fire that killed at least 80 people when burning debris caught fire. 7 Later people would fault the rich business tycoons who had weakened the reservoir for their own leisure, building cottages and a spillway along the dam to create the swarthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.8 Nearly $4 million would be donated to relief funds, for Pennsylvanians the true horror never preceded.

In Sentence 5, what word should replace “committal”?

Possible Answers:

comatose

committal

concordant

concomitant

comical

Correct answer:

concomitant

Explanation:

Based on the context of Sentences 3 and 4, we’re looking for a word that means resultant. “Concomitant” is the only choice that has that meaning. "Committal" refers to the action of sending a person into an institution (usually a mental hospital or prison). "Concordant" is to agree with, or work in concert with. "Comatose" is a medical term referring to a state of unconsciousness, usually over an extended period of time. "Comical" means funny.

Example Question #76 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word

1 One of America’s most inflammatory early disasters, the Johnstown Flood. 2 It was occurring in 1889 after the collapse of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3 Heavy rainfall invigorated a reservoir upriver, causing the dam to burst and more than 20 million tons of water pouring down the Conemaugh River. 4 The Johnstown Flood has been immortalized in poems, novels, songs, and films. 5 The committal flood killed more than 2,000 people and it required the attention of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, and various lawsuits. 6 Compounding the disaster was the Stone Bridge, causing a fire that killed at least 80 people when burning debris caught fire. 7 Later people would fault the rich business tycoons who had weakened the reservoir for their own leisure, building cottages and a spillway along the dam to create the swarthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.8 Nearly $4 million would be donated to relief funds, for Pennsylvanians the true horror never preceded.

In Sentence 7, what word should replace “swarthy”?

Possible Answers:

swathed

stalwart

swanky

smarmy

swarthy (no change)

Correct answer:

swanky

Explanation:

“Swarthy” is a word used to describe complexions. The correct choice, “swanky,” means luxurious and expensive. "Smarmy" means insincere and overly flattering. "Stalwart" means loyal or steadfast. "Swathed" means wrapped in or surrounded by.

Example Question #77 : Increasing The Contextual Relevance Of A Single Word

1 One of America’s most inflammatory early disasters, the Johnstown Flood. 2 It was occurring in 1889 after the collapse of the South Fork Dam in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 3 Heavy rainfall invigorated a reservoir upriver, causing the dam to burst and more than 20 million tons of water pouring down the Conemaugh River. 4 The Johnstown Flood has been immortalized in poems, novels, songs, and films. 5 The committal flood killed more than 2,000 people and it required the attention of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, and various lawsuits. 6 Compounding the disaster was the Stone Bridge, causing a fire that killed at least 80 people when burning debris caught fire. 7 Later people would fault the rich business tycoons who had weakened the reservoir for their own leisure, building cottages and a spillway along the dam to create the swarthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.8 Nearly $4 million would be donated to relief funds, for Pennsylvanians the true horror never preceded.

In Sentence 8, what word should replace “preceded”?

Possible Answers:

preceded (no change)

superseded

proceeded

succeeded

receded

Correct answer:

receded

Explanation:

Although they sound alike, “preceded” and “receded” have two very different meanings. To "precede" something is to come before it; to "recede" is to fade away. The latter word is the correct choice for this sentence.

Example Question #703 : 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”?

Possible Answers:

conflagration

confections

convections (no change)

 conflations

conventions

Correct answer:

confections

Explanation:

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 #704 : Improving Paragraphs

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”?

Possible Answers:

benevolent

benefactors (no change)

beneficiaries

benediction

benefaction

Correct answer:

benevolent

Explanation:

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 #705 : Improving Paragraphs

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”?

Possible Answers:

precious

prevalent

prevaricate (no change)

precarious

predatory

Correct answer:

prevalent

Explanation:

“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. 

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