Test Prep SAT Test Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

Which option most accurately reflects the underlying message about family dynamics presented in the passage?

A Father knows best
B Father holds the authority in household decision-making
C Mother’s input influences the father's choices
D Both parents equally share authority over the children
E Every family member, including the sisters, has a say in decisions

Answer: B

Explanation:

The passage offers a clear social commentary on the traditional family structure, particularly highlighting the father’s role as the final decision-maker. It is evident that Rob’s father supports his electrical experiments wholeheartedly, even though they cause significant disturbances to the rest of the household. The father's strong insistence that Rob be granted full freedom to experiment reinforces his position as the dominant figure in the family. His unwavering support, despite the complaints from the mother and sisters, demonstrates that his authority surpasses that of other family members when it comes to shaping Rob’s upbringing and opportunities.

Option A, "Father knows best," may seem appropriate at first glance, but it implies a moral correctness or wisdom that is not central to the theme. The passage is less about the father being inherently right and more about him having the power to make decisions regardless of others’ opinions.

Option B, "Father holds the authority in household decision-making," is the most precise interpretation. It accurately reflects the social dynamic in which the father's views dictate outcomes, as shown in how he unilaterally overrides the concerns of the mother and sisters.

Option C suggests the mother's input has influence, but the passage does not support this. While she voices her dissatisfaction, her perspective does not alter the father’s decisions, indicating her limited power.

Option D is incorrect because it implies shared parental authority, which contradicts the father's overriding influence described in the passage.

Option E, about equal family voting rights, misinterprets the structure shown. Although the sisters complain, their opinions do not translate into influence or change. The father’s authority clearly outweighs all other family input.

In sum, Option B best encapsulates the passage’s social commentary: the father is positioned as the unquestioned head of the household, controlling decisions and outcomes within the family.

Question 2:

What is the author's primary goal in writing the second paragraph of the passage?

A To demonstrate Rob’s creative thinking
B To suggest Rob had unlimited resources
C To highlight the extent and spread of Rob’s experiments
D To emphasize the father's role in granting Rob freedom
E To show the disruptions caused by Rob’s inventions and the family’s displeasure

Answer: C

Explanation:

The second paragraph serves primarily to illustrate just how far-reaching Rob’s experiments with electricity became within the household. The author describes how Rob installed a wide array of devices—bells, alarms, telephones—throughout the home. This vivid portrayal underscores the extent and pervasiveness of his activities. His innovations are not confined to a single room or isolated hobby; they span the entire house and affect nearly every aspect of daily life for the other family members.

Option A, while partially true, misses the mark as the paragraph’s main focus is not to celebrate Rob’s creativity but to describe the physical and social reach of his inventions.

Option B, suggesting that Rob had limitless supplies, is mentioned briefly but not central. The reference to the availability of materials serves more as context than a central theme.

Option C, which centers on the breadth of Rob’s experimentation, most accurately captures the paragraph’s purpose. The details provided are intended to showcase the vastness and influence of Rob’s electrical network throughout the house, not just its ingenuity or its inconvenience.

Option D diverts attention to the father’s permissiveness. While this aspect is touched on, it’s not the main subject of the second paragraph. The father's role is more prominent in the first paragraph, which discusses his support and authority.

Option E brings attention to the family’s frustration, which is evident but secondary. The primary intent is to emphasize the scale and impact of the experiments, not merely the annoyance they caused.

Thus, the most accurate interpretation of the paragraph’s purpose is Option C. The author uses detailed descriptions to demonstrate the impressive and widespread nature of Rob’s experimentation, making clear how thoroughly his innovations permeated the household.

Question 3:

What primary idea is conveyed in paragraph three of the passage?

A. Highlights the appreciation for the mother and sisters' opinions
B. Emphasizes the father's openness to modifying his stance
C. Suggests the idea that the experiments may have become excessive
D. Reinforces the father's dominant authority in the household
E. Promotes reconsideration of the continuous supply of materials to Rob

Answer: C

Explanation:

Paragraph three portrays rising tension in the household due to Rob's relentless scientific experimentation. His mother and sisters are clearly exasperated, expressing that his constant tinkering has become a significant nuisance. The paragraph offers a stark contrast to the father's enthusiastic support of Rob’s endeavors. Rather than celebrating Rob’s ingenuity, the women in the house regard his experiments as disruptive and irritating, emphasizing the intrusive nature of bells ringing and gadgets sounding off throughout the home.

This shift in tone introduces the possibility that Rob’s experiments are not just harmless hobbies anymore—they may have gone too far. The mother and sisters’ reaction suggests that the balance between support and tolerance is beginning to tip. This is not merely background noise; it's a subtle warning that unchecked indulgence might be affecting the household's peace and harmony.

Option C is correct because it best encapsulates this shift from admiration to discomfort. The paragraph raises the possibility that the family's tolerance has reached its limit, indirectly questioning whether the continuation of Rob’s projects is still appropriate.

Option A is incorrect because the mother and sisters are not praised or honored; instead, their concerns appear dismissed, highlighting their lack of influence rather than their value.

Option B misrepresents the father’s reaction. Rather than being receptive, he remains staunch in his support of Rob and shows no inclination to adjust his behavior in response to the complaints.

Option D overstates the father’s influence. While he supports Rob, the paragraph focuses on the discomfort of others rather than on the father’s authority.

Option E is inaccurate since there's no mention that the materials supplied to Rob are being reconsidered or reduced.

Ultimately, Option C best matches the paragraph’s purpose: it questions whether Rob's experiments may have reached a disruptive or excessive stage.

Question 4:

Based on the first paragraph, what is the closest meaning of the word "solicitude"?

A. interest
B. curiosity
C. concern
D. anger
E. fear

Answer: C

Explanation:

In the first paragraph, the term “solicitude” is used to describe a state that the sailor completely abandons due to his overwhelming fear. The specific phrase, “gladly abandoning, in his terror, all solicitude about the fate of the Ourang-Outang,” indicates that he no longer feels emotionally invested or worried about what happens to the ape. This shift implies that "solicitude" refers to a prior state of worry, care, or emotional concern.

Concern fits best in this context because it captures the emotional weight and attentiveness that the sailor initially had toward the ape's well-being. His fear of legal consequences overcomes his earlier worry, leading him to abandon that emotional concern. The word implies more than simple interest; it involves a deeper, perhaps even moral, engagement with another's fate.

Option A, interest, falls short because it lacks the emotional depth tied to solicitude. Being interested in something doesn’t require emotional investment or care, which solicitude implies.

Option B, curiosity, suggests a desire to know or learn, but again, does not capture the anxiety or protective instincts that come with solicitude.

Option D, anger, is entirely off base. Anger is an emotional reaction, but one based on hostility or frustration, not on care or worry.

Option E, fear, while present in the sentence, is not the meaning of “solicitude.” The sailor’s fear is what causes him to abandon his solicitude, indicating they are separate emotional states.

Thus, Option C is correct because it precisely aligns with the intended meaning of “solicitude” in this context—it refers to a state of concern or worry that is eventually overwhelmed by fear.

Question 5:

In the context of the passage, what does the word “brute” most accurately refer to?

A. the fiend
B. the sailor
C. the Ourang-Outang
D. the party
E. the Frenchman

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The term “brute” in the passage specifically refers to the Ourang-Outang, the animal responsible for the gruesome actions described. The passage narrates the sequence of violent events: the ape first kills the young woman, stuffing her body up the chimney, and then throws the old woman through a window. These acts of savagery clearly align with the nature of a wild, uncontrollable animal rather than a human. The phrase “fiendish jabberings of the brute” helps clarify the reference — it connects the term “brute” to the creature making disturbing, non-human noises, reinforcing that the subject is an animal rather than a person.

Looking at the answer options, A, “the fiend,” is a figurative description. While it might appear to match “brute” in tone, it doesn't directly refer to any character in the scene and is too abstract. B, “the sailor,” is an observer and clearly frightened by the events — not the perpetrator of them. There is no suggestion in the narrative that he acted in a brutal or savage way. D, “the party,” refers to those who overheard the sounds from the staircase; they are only witnesses, and there is no indication they were involved in the violence. E, “the Frenchman,” is another human present, but he too is characterized by shock and fear, not violence.

By contrast, the ape is described performing all the brutal acts — killing, throwing bodies, and creating horrific noise. Additionally, the sailor's terrified retreat when he sees the ape shows that even he considers it dangerous and unpredictable. Therefore, the term “brute” most accurately describes the Ourang-Outang, whose actions embody savagery and chaos in the passage.

Question 6:

Which of the following most accurately conveys the meaning of the phrase “I have scarcely anything to add” as used in the second paragraph?

A. I only have a little bit more to tell.
B. I’m afraid of what I have left to tell.
C. I’m concerned I can’t add much more.
D. I don’t know anything else to add.
E. I’ve told you everything I know.

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

The phrase “I have scarcely anything to add” implies that the speaker has already explained everything significant and has very little, if anything, left to contribute. It’s a way of concluding the narrative, signaling that all relevant facts have been covered and there is nothing further of importance to share. Among the options, E, “I’ve told you everything I know,” best captures this finality and completeness in tone and meaning.

Let’s examine why the other choices are less accurate. A, “I only have a little bit more to tell,” still implies that there is additional information yet to be shared, which contradicts the near-final tone of the original sentence. B, “I’m afraid of what I have left to tell,” introduces an emotional layer of fear or hesitation that isn’t present in the straightforward declaration made by the speaker. C, “I’m concerned I can’t add much more,” suggests some level of doubt or uncertainty, again deviating from the confident conclusion in the original text. D, “I don’t know anything else to add,” while somewhat close, suggests a knowledge gap — that the speaker doesn’t know more — whereas the original indicates that the speaker has said all that is worth saying, not that they lack knowledge.

Only E cleanly expresses the intended sentiment: that the narrator has completed their account, and there is no more meaningful information to provide. It reflects confidence and completeness, which matches the context and tone of the narrative.

Question 7:

What does the phrase "break of the door" in the second paragraph most accurately refer to?

A. The door was forcefully opened using a rod.
B. The group of people knocked down the door.
C. The group entered through a door previously broken by the beast.
D. The Ourang-Outang smashed the door to get inside.
E. The sailor forced the door open, letting the Ourang-Outang enter behind him.

Answer: D

Explanation:

The expression “break of the door” in the second paragraph refers directly to the moment when the Ourang-Outang broke through the door, likely using its brute strength. In the context of the passage, this phrase describes a specific event—an act of forced entry initiated by the ape, not by any human character. The description centers on the havoc created by the animal, pointing clearly to the idea that it was responsible for physically breaking the door.

Let’s analyze each option.
A suggests a rod was used to break in, but the passage provides no evidence or mention of a rod being involved. This interpretation introduces an object that is not present in the text.
B claims the door was broken down by a party, presumably a group of people. However, the paragraph does not describe any group action. The text focuses on the Ourang-Outang and its destructive behavior, not on a coordinated effort by humans.
C hints that the party entered through a previously broken door. While this might be partially true later in the narrative, the phrase "break of the door" is meant to highlight the actual moment of forced entry—again, clearly caused by the ape.
D is the most fitting answer. It reflects the idea that the Ourang-Outang used its physical power to smash the door, which aligns directly with the wording and tone of the paragraph.
E implies that the sailor broke the door open, allowing the ape to follow. This misplaces the action and the focus, which in the passage is centered entirely on the animal's own capability and initiative.

Thus, D best captures the meaning and implication of “break of the door” as written in the passage.

Question 8:

What is the predominant emotional tone conveyed in this passage?

A. tentative
B. humorous
C. mocking
D. inquisitive
E. outraged

Answer: E

Explanation:

The emotional tone of the passage is best described as angry or outraged, as the narrator expresses clear frustration toward the constraints placed on English novelists by societal expectations and narrow-minded critics. Throughout the text, the author challenges the restrictive norms that prevent writers from exploring certain social topics. This tone of irritation is reinforced by direct language criticizing the influence of a “narrow-minded minority,” as well as the critics who pander to their biases.

The writer’s discontent is evident in both word choice and the structure of the argument. Phrases like “wantonly assigned” and “imposed in no other civilized country” indicate that the author feels unjustly confined by an artificial standard not seen elsewhere. The use of emotionally charged language emphasizes a deep dissatisfaction with the limitations on artistic freedom. Rather than offering a measured or analytical critique, the author’s comments convey personal irritation and passionate defiance.

While there are undercurrents of conviction and a sense of professional integrity—especially in the claim that time and readers will ultimately validate the author's work—the dominant mood is not one of wit, sarcasm, or curiosity.
A, tentative, is inaccurate because there is no hesitation in the author’s tone.
B, humorous, does not apply as there is no playfulness or levity.
C, mocking, is not quite right; the tone is direct and impassioned, not satirical.
D, inquisitive, would suggest a questioning or reflective tone, which is also not present.

E, angry or outraged, most accurately describes the overall mood, capturing the sense of rebellion and resistance that drives the author’s perspective throughout the passage. This mood aligns with the writer’s core message: frustration with limitations on literary expression and a call for greater artistic freedom.

Question 9:

Which of the following statements least reflects the author’s overall opinion about English literary critics?

A. They lack the education necessary to grasp the societal importance embedded in literature.
B. They prioritize superficial elegance over engaging with meaningful societal matters.
C. They are incapable of handling forward-thinking writers and therefore ban their works.
D. They deliberately aim to keep society closed off and outdated by limiting authors’ freedoms.
E. They impose the same rigid restrictions on authors as they do on public speakers in other forums.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The author clearly expresses frustration with English critics who impose narrow restrictions on literature, particularly in areas dealing with significant social issues. These critics are portrayed as rigid, prejudiced, and resistant to change, preferring to maintain a certain social decorum rather than support artistic freedom. The author objects to their reluctance to allow literature to address contemporary social themes and equates their limitations with an unjust constraint on freedom of expression.

While all the answer choices describe various critical behaviors, option C is the least aligned with the author’s true criticism. It claims that the critics "do not know how to deal with enlightened authors so they forbid the reading of them," implying a lack of skill or comprehension as the cause of censorship. However, the author's critique is not based on incompetence or ignorance but rather on willful suppression rooted in bias and a desire to uphold societal norms. The passage does not indicate that critics are overwhelmed by modern ideas, but rather that they are intentionally limiting what is acceptable in literature.

In contrast, options A, B, D, and E more accurately reflect the author’s sentiments. A and B highlight the critics' failure to engage meaningfully with literature's role in addressing societal matters. D suggests that critics are deliberately keeping society "backward," which mirrors the author's condemnation of their regressive attitudes. E captures the author’s frustration that critics restrict authors in the same way they do public figures, revealing their broader intent to suppress freedom across platforms.

Ultimately, option C minimizes the conscious role of critics in curbing progress and misrepresents the author’s more pointed criticism, making it the least accurate portrayal of the author’s views.

Question 10:

Based on the passage, how does the author expect to be justified or recognized over time?

A. When a large number of people begin advocating for more open-minded thinking
B. When society’s traditional morals fade with time
C. When the author gains enough status to earn widespread approval
D. When time passes and more readers engage with his work
E. When the restrictive cultural environment becomes more accepting of authors

Answer: D

Explanation:

The author’s belief in eventual validation is closely tied to the idea that appreciation for his work will grow gradually as more readers engage with it over time. He writes with the conviction that “the increase of readers and the lapse of time will assuredly do me justice,” indicating that his current critics may not appreciate his efforts, but future audiences—armed with more perspective—will understand the value of his contributions.

This belief suggests that the author sees time and exposure as the great equalizers. He does not rely on immediate recognition or the approval of the present establishment. Instead, he trusts that as society progresses and more individuals explore his writings, the integrity and importance of his ideas will be acknowledged. This long-view perspective emphasizes resilience and confidence in the enduring relevance of his work, making option D the most accurate reflection of how the author expects to be vindicated.

Other choices offer partial truths but miss the core idea. A mentions a societal shift toward liberal values, but the author doesn’t suggest that his personal vindication hinges on political reform. B implies that his recognition would come from moral decline, a concept the author doesn’t support or mention. C touches on recognition but doesn’t incorporate the passage of time and broad readership as central elements, which are clearly emphasized in the text. E points to external societal change, but the author places emphasis not on external institutions evolving, but on the organic increase in readership and understanding.

In sum, the author’s sense of justification is rooted not in temporary trends or societal change but in the lasting power of literature to resonate with future readers. His focus is on legacy through literature, and option D best encapsulates this belief.