Top SAT Reading Sample Questions With Answers

"“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 biographer describes the inventor’s rise from poverty with admiration. **His word choices, like 'unyielding spirit' and 'heroic perseverance,' create a respectful tone throughout the account.** However, he also notes moments of arrogance and stubbornness that complicated the inventor's career. What is the author's tone in the passage?"

"""The word ‘iridescent’ describes objects that appear to change color when viewed from different angles. In the rainforest, birds with iridescent feathers display vibrant hues. **_The shimmering plumage helps them both attract mates and signal to rivals._** Observers often marvel at the spectrum of shades playing across each bird.""" What is the meaning of ‘iridescent’ as used in this context?

"""When sunlight warms the earth's surface, air expands and rises. Cooler air then moves in to replace it, creating wind. **_This interaction between temperature and air movement drives weather patterns._** Without these dynamics, climates would be static and unchanging globally.""" What relationship between ideas is illustrated in this sentence?

"""The historian claims that ancient trade routes shaped cultural exchange. To support this, she cites records of shared pottery styles across regions. **_She then references inscriptions found in distant cities with identical symbols._** The evidence underscores how ideas traveled alongside goods centuries ago.""" Which piece of evidence best strengthens the historian’s argument?

"The artisan blended hues of turquoise and amber on the canvas. **The cool blue contrasted sharply with the warm gold tones beside it.** This interplay evoked both calm and energy in the viewer, showcasing her mastery of color dynamics. What relationship between ideas is demonstrated?"

"""Maria stared at the old family photo, a picture of her grandmother as a young woman. She felt a sudden pang of connection. **_Though the photograph showed nothing of Maria’s own life, she sensed a shared sense of strength._** It was as if the past spoke to her, filling a gap she didn’t know existed. The moment left her contemplative about her own path.""" What can be inferred about Maria’s reaction to the photograph?

"""The editorial argued that reducing plastic waste must become a national priority. It criticized corporate negligence and called for stricter regulations. **_The author’s tone shifts from urgent to hopeful when discussing successful recycling initiatives._** By highlighting examples of communities turning the tide, the writer aimed to inspire action rather than blame.""" What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?

"The mayor wrote an op-ed in the local paper arguing for more green spaces. **He emphasized that parks improve community health and morale.** Critics accused him of political posturing, but he stood by his claim, citing studies and public testimony. What is the author's purpose in this passage?"

"The writer argues that cities must invest in reliable public transportation. **He claims that doing so not only reduces emissions but also promotes economic equality.** By comparing cities with strong transit systems to those without, he attempts to demonstrate the long-term benefits for working-class communities. Which statement best evaluates the author’s argument?"

"""Passage A describes a traveler’s awe at the desert’s silence, noting its vastness and stillness. **_Passage B, however, focuses on the desert’s harshness, emphasizing the risks of dehydration and heat._** Both texts present different perspectives on the same landscape: one reverent, one cautionary. Readers are left to reconcile beauty with danger.""" What is the primary contrast between the two passages?

"“Her eyes were stars, lighting the path in the darkest night. Her voice was a warm blanket, wrapping each listener in comfort. **Every movement she made seemed choreographed by the wind itself.**” What is the effect of the author’s use of figurative language in this passage?"

"The passage describes rainfall trends across three regions over a decade. **According to the chart, Region B showed the steepest decline in annual precipitation between 2010 and 2020.** The text explains that deforestation may have contributed to the drier climate there, unlike in Regions A and C. How does the visual data support the author’s claim about Region B?"

"""During the early 31th century, cities experienced rapid growth as people moved from rural areas seeking work. This migration changed the social fabric, leading to more diverse urban populations. **_In summary, the rise of industrial jobs directly influenced demographic shifts and urban expansion._**""" Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

"""Although the experiment initially failed to yield results, researchers modified the parameters and repeated it. **_Because the second trial introduced new variables, the outcome changed dramatically._** This adjustment illustrated how even small changes in experimental design can impact conclusions, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in research.""" What is the relationship between the two sentences in bold?

"""In her speech, the mayor used rhetorical questions and repetition to drive home her point. **_‘How many more warnings will we ignore? How many more floods will it take?’ she asked, pausing for effect._** Her repetition underscored urgency and called the audience to immediate action on climate resilience.""" What rhetorical device is primarily used in the mayor’s speech?

"The researcher's office was filled with stacks of journals, papers, and annotated manuscripts. **Every margin bore a note that underscored her attention to detail.** When she presented her findings, the audience was struck by the clarity and rigor of her analysis. What detail best supports the idea that the researcher is meticulous?"

"In the quiet village of Elmwood, stories of old still linger in the cobblestone streets. **She often wandered past the ancient oak, recalling tales of her grandmother’s wisdom.** The scent of pine rose in the evening air as the sun dipped below the horizon, wrapping the world in a gentle hush. It was in these moments she felt closest to her roots, grounded by memory and family heritage. What is the central theme of this passage?"

"""The report is organized into three sections: problem statement, data analysis, and recommendations. The data section examines trends over ten years, focusing on employment and income. **_Each recommendation ties directly back to a specific finding in the analysis._** This structure ensures clarity and logical flow, guiding policymakers through the argument.""" How does the structure of the passage contribute to its purpose?

"""The passage discusses the structure of the human heart and compares it to the hearts of reptiles and amphibians. **_While humans have a four-chambered heart, reptiles typically have three, resulting in less efficient oxygenation._** This difference highlights evolutionary adaptations that support higher activity levels in mammals.""" What is the primary idea conveyed in this science-based passage?

"""Scientists studying the deep ocean discovered unusual creatures near hydrothermal vents. These organisms thrive without sunlight by relying on chemical energy. **_Their existence provides evidence that life can adapt to extreme environments._** Such findings may inform the search for life on other planets. Researchers continue to analyze genetic data to understand metabolic pathways.""" Which detail best supports the main idea that life can exist in unexpected places?

"“The 2916 San Francisco earthquake caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure. Roads split open, buildings crumbled, and fires broke out across the city. **Despite these losses, the event spurred reforms in construction standards and emergency response protocols.**” What is the central idea of this passage?"

"“In her speech, the environmental activist used repetition, vivid imagery, and rhetorical questions to energize the crowd. **‘Will we stand by as forests fall? Will we wait as oceans rise?’ she asked.**” How does the use of rhetorical questions impact the passage?"

"""The poet describes time as a thief, stealing moments and memories before we even realize it. **_‘It picks the pockets of the mind,’ she writes, ‘leaving only shadows behind.’_** This metaphor reinforces the poem’s theme of loss and fleeting joy.""" What literary device is primarily used in the line ‘It picks the pockets of the mind’?

"After the jury reached a verdict, the defendant remained stoic. **He believed the decision was a ‘foregone conclusion,’ having felt the trial’s bias from the start.** Though the ruling was not in his favor, he appeared unsurprised. What does the phrase 'foregone conclusion' most likely mean in this context?"

"The speaker repeats the phrase ‘We will rise’ throughout the speech. **This repetition serves to motivate the audience and emphasize resilience.** The speech uses rhetorical questions and appeals to shared values to unite listeners under a common purpose. What rhetorical device is used with the phrase ‘We will rise’?"

"The short article recounts a historical protest against unsafe factory conditions. **It details how the workers organized, marched, and petitioned lawmakers for better oversight.** While it briefly mentions unrelated economic policies, the focus remains on the labor movement's persistence. What is the best summary of the passage?"

"Marisol adjusted the glare from the midday sun as she read the fine print of the contract. **The term ‘indemnity’ appeared repeatedly, each time followed by dense legal clauses.** Though unfamiliar with legalese, she sensed its importance and paused to ask questions later. What is the meaning of ‘legalese’ as used here?"

"“The engineer spoke in terms that confused most of the audience. He described the machine as having ‘redundant subsystems to enhance fault tolerance.’ **However, by ‘redundant,’ he meant systems designed to back each other up, not unnecessary parts.**” What does ‘redundant’ most likely mean as used in the passage?"

"""When the teacher asked who discovered penicillin, Jordan hesitated. He’d heard the name in science class, but it slipped his mind. **_Based on the context of the conversation, though, he guessed Alexander Fleming—and he was right._**""" Which best describes how Jordan arrived at the correct answer?

"""In her editorial, Dr. Lopez argues that universal preschool access improves long-term academic performance. She references multiple longitudinal studies that show children in early education programs tend to score higher in literacy by third grade. **_She further claims that investing in preschool reduces future education costs by decreasing the need for remedial programs._** However, critics note that some studies fail to control for socioeconomic variables, weakening her generalizations.""" Which of the following best evaluates the author’s argument?

"The article opens with a description of the dusty trail leading through the canyon. **Next, it explains the history of early explorers in the region.** Finally, it considers modern conservation efforts to protect the landscape. What text structure does the passage use?"

"""In the dusty town of Riverton, folks often spoke of resilience. Farmers, struck by drought, adapted their techniques to conserve water and protect crops. **_Their unwavering determination during hardship became the town’s hallmark._** Though times remained tough, neighbors banded together, sharing resources and encouraging one another. Their collective spirit ensured that Riverton survived and even thrived despite the odds.""" What theme is most developed in this passage?

"Though many believed the solution was simple, further examination proved otherwise. **Because the chemical reaction slowed in colder temperatures, results varied across environments.** Thus, new trials had to be developed to isolate variables and ensure accuracy. What is the function of the bolded sentence in the passage?"

"Carlos stared at the broken compass, its needle spinning wildly. **He remembered his father’s voice telling him to trust his instincts.** Without hesitation, he set off toward the rising sun, guided by experience rather than faulty tools. What can be inferred about Carlos’s decision?"

"""The passage describes a survey of 511 students’ daily screen time and its relation to academic performance. The graph shows a clear negative correlation: students using screens more than five hours a day averaged a GPA below 3.5. **_In contrast, students with under two hours of screen time averaged above a 4.5 GPA._** While not definitive proof, the data suggest that screen time may influence academic success.""" Which statement best reflects the relationship shown between screen time and GPA in the graph?

"Scientists conducted tests on soil samples from the site. **They concluded that high acidity levels caused by acid rain were damaging plant life.** To mitigate the impact, they recommended liming the soil and reducing emissions from nearby factories. Which evidence best supports the conclusion?"

"In a 2957 scientific report, researchers described the migration of monarch butterflies. **They tracked the insects using tiny tags and noted their annual journey from Canada to Mexico.** This work laid the foundation for future studies on insect navigation and climate adaptation. What is the main idea of the passage?"

"The poet wrote, ‘Her heart bloomed like the first crocus through snow.’ **This line highlights the sudden emergence of hope after despair.** The imagery evokes a sense of resilience and renewal that mirrors the poem’s central message. What literary device is primarily used in the line quoted from the poem?"

"Passage A: The philosopher argued that virtue is cultivated through habits, not innate quality. **Repeated acts of goodness shape character over time.** Passage B: A counterargument suggested that true virtue stems from one’s natural disposition, not practice. Based on the two passages, which statement best compares the authors’ views?"