Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s writing had a bit of both. His nonlinear style reflects fragmentation of society, which both styles embraced. Paragraph 4 details the passage writer's thoughts on Vonnegut. The writer calls Vonnegut more optimistic than his peers and says that humans fail to see the order and beauty of everything and that it's the artist's job to reveal that order.
1 0. B
Difficulty: High
This is a Global question, so you can't rely on any one part of the passage. Still, if you're unsure, you might want to skim the passage and look for anything that would confirm or deny the answer choices.
Look for the answer choice that is neutral or appreciative toward Vonnegut, doesn't contradict the passage, and is fairly general without being too vague for the contents of the passage.
Choice (A) is an opposite; in fact, half the passage is spent describing movements that fit his work. Choice (B) reflects what the passage tells us. Choice (C) is an opposite;
actually, the author seems to have quite a bit of respect for Vonnegut's work as literature. Choice (D) is distortion; the author says that some people might find Vonnegut cynical, but the author does not say he feels that way. Choice (E) is an opposite; the passage actually stresses the uniqueness of Vonnegut's style.
1 1 . D
Difficulty: Medium
This is a fairly general question, but it still refers to a particular part of the passage. Make sure to go back and reread that part so you don't get confused.
The passage states that many of the themes of Modernism are based on public attitudes after World War I. Look for the answer that agrees with this.
Choice (A) is extreme; the passage says the war was responsible for some of Modernism's themes, not virtually
every single aspect. Choice (B) is out of scope; this may
1 2 Practice Tests for the SAT I
Practice Test Fou r Answers and Explanations 377
be true, but it is never mentioned in the passage. Choice (C) is a misused detail; remember, World War I influenced Modernism, not Postmodernism. Choice (D) seems to match your prediction well. Choice (E) is out of scope;
nothing like this appears anywhere in the passage.
1 2. c
Difficulty: Medium
In a question like this one, you're going to have to figure out the function of the quotes from the surrounding context.
You know what that means-back to the passage.
This is not a direct quote or unfamiliar terminology; instead, these quotation marks seem to have the sense of a phrase like so to speak.
Choice (A) is a misused detail; cut off is actually a fairly common phrase. Choice (B) is out of scope; nothing in the passage suggests that this is a special literary usage. Choice (C) seems to fit the passage well. Choice (D) is a misused detail; nothing else in this sentence seems to convey a tone of sarcasm. Choice (E) is a misused detail; the author does not seem to be unsure about what he is saying here.
1 3. B
Difficulty: Medium
Go back and read the entire sentence surrounding this phrase-often, the correct answer choice will rely on information that comes slightly before or after the quoted material.
The author is saying here that Postmodernism was at least partly a consequence of World War II. Look for the answer choice that mirrors this.
Choice (A) is distortion; one might try to conclude this based on the passage, but this is a bit outside of the author's real point. Choice (B) matches the prediction well.
Choice (C) is distortion; one can hardly consider World War II a side effect of Postmodernism. Choice (D) is out of scope; nothing in the passage relates to this answer choice.
Choice (E) is out of scope; again, nothing that suggests this is anywhere to be found.
1 4. E
Difficulty: Medium
To correctly get the sense of the author's tone here, you need a little context-make sure you read at least the entire sentence containing the phrase in question.
The author seems to feel that such depictions were too optimistic and oversimplified the era. Look for the answer choice that reflects this tone.
Choice (A) is an opposite; the tone is actually a little negative, certainly not admiring. Choice (B) is distortion;
although this is more negative, pessimistic doesn't really make sense in this context. Choice (C) is extreme; although this is certainly negative, revolted is much too strong a term for this passage. Choice (D) is a misused detail; nothing in this sentence really suggests that the author is curious about anything. Choice (E) fits the author's tone in the sentence well.
1 5. c
Difficulty: Medium
Although no specific line is referenced, remember that questions will still go in order of their place in the passage.
Look around the right general area for a discussion of Vonnegut's uniqueness.
The passage mentions that Vonnegut's style of breaking up his prose into chunks is a unique aspect of his novels. Look for the answer choice that captures this statement.
Choice (A) is out of scope; the passage doesn't really talk about Vonnegut's characterizations. Choice (B) is out of scope; again, setting and specific plot elements aren't really mentioned. Choice (C) parallels what the author is saying.
Choice (D) is extreme; the author finds some aspects of Vonnegut unique but never says that he rejects nearly
every convention of writing. Choice (E) is a misused detail;
actually, the author would probably say that Vonnegut's vision is not as chaotic and frightening as other writers'.
1 6. E
Difficulty: High
A reasoning question like this relies on a firm grasp of what the author is saying at this point in the passage-go back and make sure you remember the content and tone correctly.
The author seems to disagree with the critics but says they are not entirely without justification-look for the answer choice that agrees with both attitudes.
Choice (A) is an opposite; actually, the author thinks these people are incorrect. Choice (B) is extreme; the author disagrees with the critics in question, but not so strongly as this. Choice (C) is distortion; the author actually takes quite a certain stance here. Choice (D) is out of scope; this answer choice is too general for a fairly specific question like this one. Choice (E) matches the author's opinion and tone nicely.
1 7. D
Difficulty: Medium
For Vocab-in-Context questions, remember that the obvious-sounding choices are frequently wrong-you need to rely on the passage rather than your gut instinct about the word itself.
The full phrase here is a single brilliant point of clarity and truth, so look for the answer choice that reflects something clear and true.
Choice (A) is distortion; this may not be far from the author's tone, but it is a stretch as a meaning for the word
brilliant. Choice (B) is out of scope; nothing here seems to indicate that the point in question is difficult to comprehend.
Choice (C) is a misused detail; this could be a meaning of
brillian� but it is not really appropriate here. Choice (D) fits well with the author's other word choices in this part of the passage. Choice (E) is distortion; revolutionary might fit a little, but headstrong is inappropriate for this sentence.
1 8. D
Difficulty: Medium
The wording of the question sounds general, but it refers to a specific part of the passage. This is your clue that the correct answer is probably going to be found near the quoted material.
The author's own words say that Vonnegut thinks the artist should reveal the order and beauty behind it all. Look for the answer choice that paraphrases this idea.
Choice (A) is a misused detail; pointlessness and drudgery
seem more appropriate for writers more pessimistic than Vonnegut. Choice (B) is out of scope; nothing in the
passage suggests this. Choice (C) is out of scope; this is certainly idealistic, but it's not explicitly mentioned in the passage anywhere. Choice (D) captures the author's words well. Choice (E) is an opposite; actually, the author believes that Vonnegut is against the nihilism of some other Postmodern authors.
1 9. c
Difficulty: High
This question asks about the organization of the passage, so it will probably help to quickly go over the main point of each paragraph to summarize the author's argument.
The author spends two paragraphs discussing Modernism and Postmodernism, and the following two paragraphs applying these ideas to Vonnegut. Look for the answer choice that fits this progression.
Choice (A) is a misused detail; the author doesn't ever reverse his overall opinion in this passage. Choice (B) is an opposite;
actually, if anything, the author begins with general topics and then becomes more specific. Choice (C) works well-the first two paragraphs provide artistic background, and Vonnegut is the extended example. Choice (D) is distortion; this passage isn't really just the same point over and over again. Choice (E) is out of scope; this really has nothing to do with the argument in the passage.
Questions 20-25
Paragraph l introduces readers to the idea that art allows people to communicate when words cannot. Therefore, art is beneficial for emotionally disturbed people. Paragraph 2 compares emotionally disturbed people to artists, saying both must learn to control the untamable creative force but allow room for expression. Art therapy teaches people to master that balance. Paragraph 3 states that being able to communicate and be understood by others is valuable to people who are emotionally disturbed. Paragraph 4 sums up the passage. The writer says art allows therapists to see into people's minds and address the issues that haunt these people.
1 2 Practice Tests for the SAT /
Practice Test Four Answers and Explanations
20. D Difficulty: Low
379
The passage starts out fairly broad and becomes more specific as it progresses. What idea does the author focus on by the end of the passage?
Avoid choices that describe minor points in the passage rather than the overall focus or theme.
The author portrays art therapy as a useful tool in helping emotionally disturbed people. Expect the answer to reflect this positive attitude about art therapy.
Choice (A) is extreme; art therapy is one effective way, but it may not be the only way to treat emotionally disturbed individuals. Choice (B) is out of scope; the author never addresses the development of art therapy across the decades. Choice (C) is distortion; making emotionally disturbed people productive is not the main focus of the passage. Choice (D) is a nice match for your prediction.
Choice (E) is out of scope; the passage does not discuss
methods by which therapists interpret art.
2 1 . D
Difficulty: Medium
What contrast is the author suggesting between the brush and the pen and voice?
To determine what a phrase signifies, research how it is used in the passage. The context will help reveal the phrase's meaning.
Before and after the cited phrase, the author discusses the value of art in helping emotionally disturbed people communicate what's in their minds. The contrast between
the brush and the pen and voice is a contrast between artistic expression and written or verbal expression. The author's suggestion is that art therapy can succeed where language-based communication fails.
Choice (A) is out of scope; the author never discusses artistic equipment. Choice (B) is out of scope; the author does not express a preferred form of communication.
Choice (C) is a misused detail; art therapy is not limited to painting. Choice (D) is a good match for your prediction.
Choice (E) is a misused detail; the brush signifies artistic creation itself, not the ideas it can be used to communicate.
22. A
Difficulty: Medium
Why does the author think art therapy can be especially valuable? Look for an idea repeated throughout the passage.
The word main indicates that the answer will be the reason most broadly supported by the passage. Look for a choice that corresponds to a point the author emphasizes.
The author repeatedly indicates that art therapy is effective when the individual cannot verbalize thoughts. You can expect the answer to reflect this emphasis.
Choice (A) matches your prediction nicely. Choice (B) is a misused detail; the therapeutic artwork shares ideas with select others, but not necessarily with the general public.
Choice (C) is out of scope; the author does not discuss appreciation of past artists. Choice (D) is a misused detail;
art removes ideas from mental isolation, but it does not necessarily remove the individual from social isolation.
Choice (E) is a misused detail; the cooperation the author mentions is between opposing forces in the patient's mind, not between the patient and others.
23. E
Difficulty: High
The cited line makes an implicit comparison between artwork and windows. In what ways might the two be similar?
When a comparison is implicit in the passage, look for qualities the compared objects share.
The author suggests that artwork grants access to the mind, just as a window grants access to a building. Look for a choice that reflects this relationship.
Choice (A) is out of scope; the artwork is never described as transparent. Choice (B) is a misused detail; a disturbed mind may be divided, but the artwork does not necessarily reflect this aspect. Choice (C) is an opposite; creating artwork is a means of communicating. Choice (D) is out of scope; the author does not discuss the fragility of some artwork. Choice (E) is a nice match for your prediction.
24. c
Difficulty: Low
What is the medium being discussed? Once you've identified what the medium is, use the context to figure out what the word itself means.
Think of a word or phrase that could be used to replace or explain the cited term without changing the meaning of the sentence.
According to the passage, art is a therapeutic medium.
The word medium is followed by the phrase through
which to understand, indicating that it is functioning as a communication tool. This interpretation is further supported by the discussion of expression in the previous sentence.
In (A), although this choice is related to a common meaning of medium, the passage does not rank or order any of the topics discussed. Choice (B) is not among the meanings of medium. Choice (C) is a nice fit given the context of the passage. Choice (D) is another meaning of the cited word, but it does not fit the context. In (E), artwork can be used to show the mind's content, but this does not imply that it has psychic powers.
25. B
Difficulty: Medium
What is the author's conclusion in this passage? Make sure you identify it before turning to the choices.
The author's conclusion is that art therapy can be especially helpful for emotionally disturbed people because it requires
facing and governing the creative force and because it provides a nonverbal means of communication. Look for a choice that would strengthen either of these effects.
Choice (A) is out of scope; evaluating the quality of art is not directly relevant to the author's conclusion. Choice
(B) is a good match for your prediction. Choice (C) is out of scope; attention span is not discussed in the passage.
Choice (D) is a misused detail; although art therapy can help disturbed individuals, the author does not claim that art has a pacifying effect in general. Choice (E) is out of scope;
the physical effects of artistic creation are not mentioned in the passage.
S ECTION 4
1 . E
Difficulty: Low
Strategic Advice: Try rewriting the equation to make both sides look like each other. Look for what number you can plug in to the left side to get the same thing on the right side-you shouldn't have to do any actual algebra.
Getting to the Answer:
If x were 7, then you'd have t + 7 on the left side as well.
2. D Difficulty: Low
Strategic Advice: Use the Pythagorean theorem to find a.
Getting to the Answer:
22 + a2 = 52
a2 = 2 1 a = v21
3. A
Difficulty: Low
Strategic Advice: You want the number that fits the conditions (divisible by 4 and 6) but not the conclusion (divisible by 8).
Getting to the Answer:
Divisible by 4 Divisible by 6 Divisible by 8
1 2 y y N
24 y y y
32 y N y
40 y N y
48 y y y