Digital SAT English Reading Practice Test – Types and Strategies

"""A recent study tracked the performance of students before and after the introduction of an AI-based tutoring system. According to the data chart, 68% of students improved their math scores by an average of 25%. **_The passage states that schools using the program saw greater improvements than those that didn’t._** While the graph shows a general increase in scores, the passage highlights differences between schools with and without the program.""" What does the passage suggest that the data chart alone does not?

"“When the river flooded, it washed away fertile soil and damaged crops. Farmers faced loss and uncertainty. **Yet afterward, nutrient-rich silt remained, enriching the fields for the next planting season.** This cycle repeated year after year.” What relationship between ideas does this sentence illustrate?"

"""Though initially skeptical, the reviewer’s opinion shifted throughout the documentary. At first, she described the narrator’s tone as forced and unconvincing. However, by the midpoint, she admitted the presentation felt more genuine. **_By the conclusion, her tone had shifted to one of respect and admiration._** She praised the depth of research and emotional resonance in the final scenes.""" Which word best describes the overall tone shift in the reviewer's perspective?

"“Passage A described the discovery of a hidden waterfall in a remote jungle, emphasizing its untouched beauty. **Passage B, however, argued that such discoveries often lead to exploitation and environmental damage.**” What is a key difference between the two passages?"

'While the proposal seems beneficial, its vague wording creates confusion. **_If the city were to allocate funds “as deemed necessary,” who would decide what’s necessary?_** That lack of specificity could lead to misuse of resources, or at the very least, slow implementation due to debates over interpretation.' What is the function of the underlined sentence in the paragraph?

'She felt the weight of the news hit her like a tidal wave—**_a sudden, crushing force that pulled her under with no warning._** For a moment, everything was still, as if the world had stopped spinning. When she finally spoke, her voice trembled like leaves in the wind.' What literary device is used in the underlined sentence?

"“In her essay on marine conservation, the author wrote with urgency about the effects of plastic pollution. She described beaches littered with debris and marine life struggling to survive. **Her tone shifted from descriptive to persuasive as she appealed directly to the reader’s sense of responsibility.**” What is the author’s purpose in this passage?"

"""She adjusted the thermostat angrily when the room felt too warm. **_The word ‘adjusted’ here suggests a deliberate but restrained action._** She did not storm out or slam doors, but her silence spoke volumes.""" What does the bolded statement tell us about the word ‘adjusted’?

"""The author uses rhetorical questions and parallel structure to strengthen her argument for climate action. **_‘What will we say to future generations? What actions will define our legacy?’ she asks._** These techniques create urgency and emotional appeal, pushing readers toward introspection and commitment.""" How do the rhetorical questions affect the reader?

"""The author of the editorial argues that providing free public transportation will improve economic mobility and reduce traffic congestion. She cites studies that show increased access to jobs in cities where transit is free. However, she does not address how cities might fund such initiatives. **_Her argument assumes that funding can be acquired without negatively affecting other essential services._** Without this consideration, her claim lacks full credibility.""" What assumption does the author make in the bolded sentence?

"“The concert hall lights dimmed as the orchestra prepared to begin. The audience held its breath, anticipation hanging in the air. **When the first note rang out, it resonated deep in every listener’s chest, stirring memories and emotions.**” What can be inferred about the effect of the first note?"

"“The author argues that urban farming can solve both food insecurity and community disconnection. She presents examples of rooftop gardens that reduce grocery bills while bringing neighbors together. **However, critics note that such projects are often inaccessible to low-income areas due to zoning laws and funding limitations.**” What assumption weakens the author’s argument?"

"“In the editorial, the writer asserted that educational reform was essential for social progress. He cited test scores, graduation rates, and interviews with students. **He concluded with a compelling quotation from a graduate who credited the reforms for her success.**” Which part of the passage is best evidence that the reforms were effective?"

"""The manual is divided into four sections: preparation, execution, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Section 2 outlines safety checks prior to operation. Section 3 details step‑by‑step assembly. **_Section 4 explains how to identify and correct common errors._** Finally, Section 4 covers periodic servicing recommendations.""" What is the organizational role of the bolded sentence?

"""The sea whispered to her like an old friend, familiar and mysterious. **_Its rhythm echoed the beating of her heart, steady and restless all at once._** She stood at the edge of the waves, as though awaiting a message only the ocean could deliver. This moment of quiet stirred something ancient in her soul.""" What literary device is used in the bolded sentence?

'The hikers reached the summit by noon, exhausted but satisfied. They unfurled a banner and posed for photos, commemorating their effort. **_Though the trail was steep and rocky, the view was a reward in itself._** “Next time, we bring better snacks,” joked Ravi, laughing between breaths.' What does the word “commemorating” most likely mean as used in the passage?

"“The scientist described the results of the experiment with increasing enthusiasm. The tone shifted from cautious explanation to passionate advocacy. **Her final paragraph reads more like a call to action than a report: ‘We must rethink our use of antibiotics.’**” How does the author’s tone change over the course of the passage?"

"""Marie Curie’s groundbreaking work in radioactivity revolutionized science. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences. **_Her research paved the way for advancements in medical imaging and cancer treatment._** Despite limited resources and widespread sexism, Curie’s perseverance reshaped modern physics.""" Which detail best supports the idea that Curie’s work had a lasting impact on science?

"""The instructor told the students they had ‘opened Pandora’s box’ by challenging the grading policy. **_In this context, the phrase suggests that the students had triggered a series of complex problems._** Soon, other students raised concerns, and the school board became involved. The once-simple question turned into a major controversy.""" Based on the context, what does the phrase ‘opened Pandora’s box’ mean?

"“Although the rainforest supports diverse ecosystems, it remains highly vulnerable to logging. When trees are cut down, entire microhabitats collapse. **The removal of just one tree can destroy nesting sites for dozens of species, weakening the food web and disrupting biodiversity.**” What is the function of the underlined sentence?"

"“The ancient manuscript was covered in dust, its pages brittle and faded. Scholars debated its origin for decades, searching for clues in its marginal notes. **Gradually, a pattern emerged: recurring symbols that hinted at a hidden narrative.** Each discovery lent more weight to the theory that it was a lost epic.” What detail supports the development of the main idea?"

"“In the graph provided, average rainfall in City X increased by 31% over the past decade, while crop yield rose only 5%. The passage explains that although rainfall is essential, excess moisture can lead to soil erosion and poor root development. **The graph supports this by showing a drop in crop health indexes during the wettest years.**” Based on the graph and passage, what conclusion is best supported?"

'The speaker concluded her talk with a powerful question: **_“If not now, when?”_** The audience fell silent, the weight of the words settling in. She had traced decades of inequality and presented urgent data. Her tone shifted from informative to impassioned as she appealed to the crowd’s conscience.' How does the rhetorical question enhance the speech’s conclusion?

"“The report began with an overview of global trends, then narrowed to regional statistics. In the next section, case studies illustrated these trends through real-world examples. **Finally, the author summarized the implications for policy makers and suggested practical next steps.**” What is the function of the final paragraph?"

"""Although the process was lengthy, the committee reached a consensus on the proposal. After considering each member’s viewpoint, the final plan incorporated key suggestions from all sides. **_Despite initial disagreements, the group prioritized compromise and clarity._** As a result, the policy gained broad support and passed unanimously.""" What is the relationship between the first and third sentences in the passage?

"""In her editorial, the columnist argued that urban green spaces were essential for mental health and community well‑being. She cited studies showing reduced stress levels among city dwellers near parks. **_The author’s tone is assertive, urging policymakers to prioritize park development._** She rejected the notion that such investment was a luxury, calling it a necessity.""" What is the author’s primary purpose in including the bolded sentence?

"""Children gathered under the ancient oak, listening intently as the teacher read from the old manuscripts. Each passage brought a lesson: courage, humility, hope. **_One story described a humble farmer who overcame drought through perseverance._** The children murmured in amazement, their eyes reflecting both curiosity and inspiration. After the lesson, they discussed how the farmer’s actions related to their own lives.""" Which detail most directly supports the idea that the story inspires the children to reflect on their own behavior?

"""In the dense forest of the Pacific Northwest, researchers discovered an ancient species of tree thought to be extinct. The tree exhibited traits not seen in related species for centuries. **_This finding supports the theory that isolated ecosystems can preserve genetic diversity._** The team quickly proposed further studies to examine the surrounding flora and fauna for other anomalies.""" Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

'Jenna looked out over the city skyline and smiled. After years of hard work, the view from her new office reflected her journey. **_Every skyscraper seemed to whisper stories of persistence, failure, and eventual success._** Though she had doubted herself many times, the horizon now symbolized how far she had come.' What is the best summary of the passage?

"""The author of the editorial argues that providing free public transportation will improve economic mobility and reduce traffic congestion. She cites studies that show increased access to jobs in cities where transit is free. However, she does not address how cities might fund such initiatives. **_Her argument assumes that funding can be acquired without negatively affecting other essential services._** Without this consideration, her claim lacks full credibility.""" What assumption does the author make in the bolded sentence?

"“The 28th-century diary offers glimpses into the daily life of a merchant’s apprentice. He mentions long hours, strict supervision, and moments of personal pride when he is praised. **Despite the hardships, the apprentice feels his work is valuable and looks forward to one day running his own shop.**” What best summarizes the main idea of this passage?"

"""When rainfall ceased, the riverbed cracked and wildlife dwindled. Farmers scrambled to irrigate their crops and communities faced hardship. **_As water scarcity grew more severe, tensions rose between villages downstream._** Relief efforts arrived late, but long after disputes had ignited.""" What relationship between ideas is conveyed by the bolded sentence?

'“I’m sure the council will do the right thing,” Mr. Tran said, his voice rising and his arms crossed tightly. **_“They’ve always looked out for the community,” he added with a roll of his eyes._** The reporter jotted notes as others in the crowd chuckled.' What is the tone of Mr. Tran’s comments?

"“In the quiet valley, the crops grew tall and green, drawing nutrients from the rich earth. The farmers worked tirelessly from dawn until dusk, tending to each plant with care. **The rhythm of planting and harvesting echoed through the season, uniting the community in a shared purpose.** Their efforts culminated in a bountiful harvest that sustained everyone.” What central theme is conveyed in this passage?"

"""Passage A describes a bustling port city where merchants traded spices and silks under colorful awnings. Passage B portrays the same city as a cultural mosaic, where music from distant lands mingled in public squares. **_Both passages highlight different aspects of the city’s vibrancy, yet one focuses on commerce and the other on cultural fusion._** Together, they reveal a fuller picture of urban life.""" What is the main difference between these paired passages?

"""In the quiet coastal village, generations of families had thrived on fishing and small‑scale farming. Although modernization began to creep in, the community remained close‑knit, sharing meals and stories at the old pier. **_The waves brought more than fish; they carried memories and a sense of identity for every villager._** As new factories appeared along the horizon, some worried that tradition might be lost. Still, elders continued to teach children the old songs by lamplight.""" Why does the author emphasize the sentence about waves carrying memories and identity?

"""The report concludes that the new curriculum failed to improve test scores. It references student feedback, teacher interviews, and statistical data. **_“Student engagement grew, but test scores remained flat,” the authors note._** This contrast raises questions about assessment methods and learning experiences.""" Which piece of evidence best supports the conclusion that engagement did not correlate with higher test scores?

"“The word ‘melancholy’ draped the poem in a somber atmosphere. Even though the speaker recalled moments of joy, the **persistent sense of loss lingered throughout, coloring every memory with sorrow.**” Based on context, what does ‘melancholy’ most likely mean?"

"""The traveler paused at the market stall, scanning crates of exotic fruits and spices. Although he recognized some names, many were unfamiliar. **_He hesitated before selecting a bright purple fruit with an unfamiliar aroma._** He purchased it, curious and hopeful that it would reveal something new about the region’s culture."

'In 2954, researchers discovered the DNA double helix structure. This breakthrough revolutionized biology. **_Understanding DNA allowed scientists to unlock the genetic code and trace hereditary traits._** Today, its applications range from medical diagnostics to forensic science. Such cross-disciplinary impacts show how one field can transform others.' According to the passage, what was the primary significance of discovering DNA’s structure?