Digital SAT Standard English Conventions Questions: Punctuation #2

The following sentences are all excerpted from Jane Austin’s book “Emma”. It’s a great piece of literature that would help you improve your reading skills. If you want to read it you can find it on Project Gutenberg.

1. Mr. Knightley, a sensible man about ____________________________ not only a very old and intimate friend of the family, but particularly connected with it, as the elder brother of Isabella’s husband.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. thirty-seven or thirty-eight was
B. thirty-seven or thirty-eight, was
C thirty-seven, or thirty-eight, was
D. thirty-seven or thirty eight—was

2. Emma could not feel a doubt of having given Harriet’s fancy a proper direction and raised the gratitude of her young vanity to a very good ____________ found her decidedly more sensible than before of Mr. Elton’s being a remarkably handsome man.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. purpose, for she
B. purpose for she
C. purpose; for she
D. purpose: for she

3. The sitting was altogether very ____________  quite enough pleased with the first day’s sketch to wish to go on.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. satisfactory, she was
B. satisfactory she was
C. satisfactory; she was
D. satisfactory; and she was

4. To walk by the side of this child, and talk to and question her, was the most natural thing in the world, and by this means the others were still able to keep ahead, without any obligation of waiting for her. She gained on them, ______________________________ pace was quick, and theirs rather slow.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. however involuntarily; the childs
B. however, involuntarily: the childs
C. however, involuntarily: the child’s
D. however, involuntarily, the child’s

5. Mr. Woodhouse was rather agitated by such harsh reflections on his friend Perry, to whom he ____________ been unconsciously attributing many of his own feelings and expressions.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. had, in fact,
B had, in fact
C. had in fact
D. had in fact.

6. There was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill, which always interested her. She had frequently _________________________________________ marriage with Miss Taylor—that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit her in age, character and condition.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. thought, especially since his father’s
B. thought—especially since his father’s
C. thought; especially since his father’s
D. thought especially since his fathers’

7. The contrast between Mrs. Churchill’s importance in the world and Jane Fairfax’s _____________ everything, the other nothing.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A.struck her: one was
B. struck her, one was
C. struck her one was
D. struck her one was,

8. He had long made up his mind to Jane Fairfax’s going out as governess and could talk of it ___________________________________ going to London had been an unexpected blow.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. cheerfully but Mr. Knightley’s
B. cheerfully; but Mr. Knightley’s
C. cheerfully, but Mr. Knightley’s
D. cheerfully, Mr. Knightley’s

9. I am _________________________ hear she is to be so comfortably settled. Mrs. Elton is very good-natured and agreeable, and I dare say her acquaintance are just what they ought to be.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. very glad indeed, my dear, to
B. very glad, indeed, my dear, to
C. very glad, indeed, my dear to
D. very glad, indeed my dear, to

10. Short letters from Frank were received __________________________ all that was immediately important of their state and plans.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. at Randalls; communicating
B. at Randalls, communicating
C. at Randalls communicating,
D. at Randalls communicating

  1. B. The phrase “a sensible man about thirty-seven or thirty-eight” is extra information in the sentence and should be surrounded with dashes, parenthesis, or commas. Since the phrase starts with a comma after the word “Knightley”, we must then match the second comma to it after the word “thirty-eight”. This makes option B the best answer. Option A does not have sufficient punctuation to end the extra information. Option C incorrectly places a superfluous comma before the word “or”. Option D incorrectly ends the extra information with a dash which doesn’t match with the comma at the beginning of the extra information.
  2. A. When connecting two independent clauses, it is appropriate to use either a semicolon without one of the FANBOYS or a comma preceding one of the FANBOYS. In this situation, option A correctly connects the two independent clauses with a comma and then “for”. Option B incorrectly uses a semicolon before one of the FANBOYS. Option B is a run on sentence. Option D incorrectly uses a colon.
  3. C. When connecting two independent clauses, it is appropriate to use either a semicolon without one of the FANBOYS or a comma preceding one of the FANBOYS. In this situation, option C correctly connects two independent clauses with a semicolon and no FANBOYS. Option D incorrectly uses a semicolon with a FANBOYS. Options A and B are run-on sentences since they incorrectly connect two independent clauses.
  4. C. In this sentence the word “however” is an interrupter which requires a comma before and after it. This rules out option A. Option B is incorrect because the word “child” needs to be possessive and therefore requires an apostrophe. Option D is incorrect as it uses a comma without a coordinating conjunction to connect two complete sentences. This leaves option C which correctly punctuates the interrupter with a comma after and then connects the independent clause to the clarification with a colon.
  5. A. In this sentence, the phrase “in fact” is an interrupter which needs to be surrounded by commas. Only option A places a comma both before and after this phrase.
  6. B. The phrase “especially since his father’s marriage with Miss Taylor” is extra information. Such phrases must have the same punctuation before and after them. In this case there is a long dash after and so the only correct answer must put a long dash before it. This makes option B correct and all other answers incorrect.
  7. A. This sentence begins with an independent clause and ends with a clarification of that independent clause: an explanation of the contrast between Mrs. Churchill and Jane Fairfax. The appropriate punctuation to connect an independent clause and a clarification is a colon, making A the correct answer.
  8. C. This sentence is made up of two independent clauses which can be connected with a comma and one of the FANBOYS or by a semicolon without one of the FANBOYS. Option A includes a FANBOYS (but) but no comma. Option B includes a semicolon with one of the FANBOYS. Option D has a comma without one of the FANBOYS. Option C correctly uses a comma and “but” (the B in FANBOYS) to connect the two independent clauses.
  9. B. The original sentence here is “I am very glad to hear she is to be so comfortably settled”. Interrupting this sentence are two different interrupters. The first is the word “indeed” and the second is the phrase “my dear”. Both of these must be surrounded by commas, making option B correct and the other options incorrect.
  10. B. This sentence is made up of an independent and dependent clause. In this situation the only appropriate punctuation would be a comma, making option B the best answer. Answer A leaves the second part of the sentence as a fragment, option C fails to put the comma between the clauses. Option D is a run on sentence.

Digital SAT Practice Rhetorical Synthesis #3

1. While researching a topic a student has taken the following notes:

  • The curves of the spine are quite similar in humans and quadrupeds, but there are some distinct differences.
  • In quadrupeds, the curves in spine are turned in the supero-inferior direction, while curves in the human’s spine are in the antero-posterior aspect.
  • The human spine has a single curve through the cervical region while the quadruped generally has two: one with the convexity turned up and one with the convexity turned down. These differences help support the quadruped as gravity pulls along the length of the spine as it moves horizontal to the ground.

The student wants to educate her anatomy class as to why it is important for quadrupeds to have different spinal curves than humans. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. The human spine differs from the spine of the quadruped in that it has only one curve instead of two. The human spine is curved in the antero-posterior aspect.
B. The human spine needs more support than the spine of the quadruped and therefore has fewer curves.
C. The spine of the quadruped needs to be able to support its spine along a horizontal plane instead of a vertical one. It has different curves to provide this support.
D. Quadrupeds and humans have very similar spines with only a few key differences including the number and orientation of the curves.

2. While researching a topic a student has taken the following notes:

  • There are two types of California valley quail. They look similar, but they have very different habits which makes them easily distinguishable.
  • The type known as the California partridge loves damp underbrush while the more well known valley quail prefer sitting on bare hilltops and open places.
  • Both the California partridge and the valley quail are known for being very wily and able to outsmart most hunters by hugging the ground in patches of grass so as to be close to invisible until nearly stepped upon.

The student wants to introduce the differences in the two types of California valley quail to a group of experienced bird watchers. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. California has two types of valley quail which look very similar and yet are easily distinguished from one another.
B. Both types of California valley quail find it easy to evade those hunting it by staying low to the ground in high grass.
C. The habitats of the California valley quail types make them very simple to distinguish.
D. The valley quail makes it home in open places like on bare hilltops while the California partridge prefers low and concealed areas like damp underbrush.

3. While researching a topic a student has taken the following notes:

  • Salmon is one of the most valuable of all food fish and is best known for its fight upriver each year to spawn.
  • Salmon are neither freshwater nor saltwater fish.
  • Fish that can survive in fresh and saltwater are known as anadromous fish.
  • The Pacific Salmon is born in freshwater and then is taken by the river current to the ocean where it spends most of its life. Its life ends 3-4 years later when it returns upstream to where it was born, spawns, and then dies.

The student wants to explain to readers what constitutes an anadromous fish and give an example that most people would be familiar with. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A.The Pacific Salmon spawns in freshwater rivers, but spends most of its life in the Pacific Ocean, which is a body of salt water.
B. A fish that can live in either saltwater or freshwater is known as an anadromous fish. A salmon, for instance, spends the beginning and end of its life in rivers, but lives most of its life in the ocean.
C.  Salmon, which is neither a freshwater nor saltwater fish, is one of the most valuable of all commonly eaten fish.
D. Pacific salmon are known for their arduous journey up river from the ocean at the end of their lives. These fish return to their spawning site to reproduce prior to their deaths.

4. While researching a topic a student has taken the following notes:

  • Many people believe the beaver to be the most hardworking animal in the western hemisphere.
  • In English, the phrase “busy beaver” describes a person who is especially industrious, thus illustrating the hard work of the wild mammal.
  • The primary work of beavers, which takes place over a lifetime, is the construction of dams which beavers use as a home and which provides pools of deep water for safety from predators.
  • Beavers are thought to be motivated by the sound of running water. Any time they can hear trickling water, the are driven to seek out material to strengthen their damns and stop the flow of water.

The student wants to include in her essay a sentence that will show what motivates beavers to be so industrious in building dams. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. Beavers are known as busy and hard-working animals because of their constant efforts to stop the sound of running water which trickles around their homes and dams.
B. The hard-working nature of beavers has made its way into the English language with phrases like “busy beaver”.
C. Beavers construct their own homes over the course of a lifetime, felling trees and gathering materials in order to dam rivers and create their ideal habitat.
D. In order to create pools of deep water, beavers build dams. Deep water provides a safe space for beavers to shelter from predators.

5. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • The passenger pigeon is a now-extent species of North American bird that once existed in numbers that probably reached the billions across the continent.
  • The pigeons traveled in vast flocks that were said to blot out the sun for house as they would migrate.
  • Due to their extensive population, passenger pigeons were seen as easy prey for both human sustenance and to sell for income. This led to wholesale extinction.
  • Today, conservationists use the story of the passenger pigeon as a cautionary tale: no matter how extensive a population is, poor management can lead to extinction.

The student would like to explain to classmates already familiar with the concept of extinction what led to the extinction of the North American Passenger Pigeon. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. The extinction of a species is when all individuals are dead and the species no longer exists. The passenger pigeon is one extinct species, its population having dropped from several billion to zero.
B. The passenger pigeon of North America was one time known for its massive flocks and billions of individuals. It is now extinct.
C. The passenger pigeon, once ubiquitous in North America, is now a cautionary tale of wildlife management.
D. The extinction of the passenger pigeon was because of its abundance. Humans thought that this easy food bird could never be extinguished because of its enormous population. They consequently hunted it to extinction.

6. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • Frogs of the genus Ptychohyla live in central America and are generally not well known. They are small and have minimally webbed hands.
  • Ptychohyla can sport a range of colors including yellow, reddish brown, and green with white stripes on the lips and flanks. Most Ptychohyla lack bright flashy colors.
  • As tadpoles, Ptychohyla live in mountain streams and sport streamlined bodies; they have low fins upon long tails.

The student would like to explain how a young biologist might identify frogs of the genus Ptycholyla while collecting specimens. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. Ptychohyla in their tadpole stages have streamlined bodies which feature low fins and long tails. They can be found in mountain streams.
B. Central American streams are the homes for tadpoles of the genus Ptychohyla which are relatively unknown.
C. Ptychohyla can be difficult to find because they do not have bright markings that make them stand out from their surroundings.
D. In looking for Ptychohyla, key features include white stripes on the lips and flanks and a range of muted colors.

7. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • In 1946 a party from the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History discovered a new species of turtle in Beaver County, Oklahoma.
  • Belonging to the genus Chrysemys, the newly discovered turtle is extinct and was only discovered through fossilized remains.
  • It is believed that this species of soft-shell turtle abounded in the early Pliocene.
  • When compared to similar species of the same era, differences are seen in the size of the anterior margin, the more concave anterior end of  the carapace, and the longer vertebrae.

The student wants to emphasize that this new species of turtle has no extant individuals. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. While the turtle species is new to scientists, it is actually quite ancient. So ancient, in fact, that it is completely extinct.
B. The newly-discovered species of soft-shell turtle is believed to be from the Pliocene era and was discovered through fossilized remains.
C. This species of turtle differs from its near relatives in the size of its anterior margin and vertebrae.
D. Discovered by the University of Kansas Museum of Natural History, the fossilized remains were dug up in Beaver County, Oklahoma.

8. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • Snakes in the species Pituophis deppei are tan with dark blotches and spots which may form stripes or paired spots along the anterior of the body.
  • P. deppei is found throughout Central and southern Mexico and can have regional variations in coloring and scale covering.
  • P. deppei are different from other snakes in their genus in their possession of two rather than four prefrontal plates.
  • P. deppei has been known to scientists and under study since the mid-19th century.

The student wants to explain the external features of P. deppei as well as their unique skeletal feature. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. Known to scientists since the mid 19th century, P. deppei have just two prefrontal plates rather then the four that are found in other species of their genus.
B. P. deppei are generally tan with dark blotches and spots; they are unique in that they have fewer prefrontal plates than other similar species.
C. With stripes formed from dark blotches on tan scales, P. deppei have been studied by scientists since the mid-19th century.  
D. P. deppei look different depending on the region in which they live. Both coloring and scale cover differ between individuals in the species.

9. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

  • Given the lengthy history between humanity and cattle, there is much wisdom in how we care for cows; however, there are some old wives’ tales that persist in the husbandry of this animal.
  • “Hollow Horn” is a supposed illness that can impact most types of cattle, yet the horns of most cattle are naturally hollow, making the diagnosis of such a condition by drilling into the horn an unnecessary procedure.
  • Cattle’s horns can be a diagnostic tool for illness other than “hollow horn”.
  • When a cow’s horn is warm to the touch it is evidence of a fever and when it is cold the animal may be suffering from impaired circulation.

The student wants to give an overview of cattle health as it relates to the horns of cattle. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. Humans have been tending cattle for centuries. However, there are still mistakes that are made in caring for sick cattle.
B. Hollow horn is known as an illness that can impact many types of cattle. It is diagnosed by drilling a hole into the horn of the animal.
C. The horns of cattle can be used as a diagnostic tool. If the horn is hot the individual has a fever while if it is cool the animal likely has bad circulation.
D. Old wives’ tales can impair the ability of farmers and specialists in caring for their livestock, including cattle.

10. While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes.

  • In caring for the equine species, a good horseman must pay special attention to the food offered to each horse as needs may differ from individual to individual.
  • Some individuals may refuse to eat large meals in which case they should be offered smaller portions several times a day. Other individuals may bolt their food, eating so fast that they don’t properly chew. These individuals should be fed away from the rest of the stable and should have small amounts of straw mixed into their feed to encourage proper chewing.
  • Proper care for the dentistry of all horses is important, as their method of chewing often leads to irregular wear which can cause issues with the ability to eat.

The student wants to explain to a friend the best feeding practices for a horse that is eating too fast. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

A. The food offered to horses is very important in maintaining health. Different individuals may have different needs such as smaller portions, more frequent feedings, or isolation feeding.
B. When a horse tends to bolt his or her food, feedings should occur away from other horses and straw should be mixed into the food.
C. Chewing improperly or too quickly may lead to irregular wear in horses, so carers should be careful to avoid bolting.
D. A horse that refuses to eat a sufficient amount of food should be fed several small meals throughout the day to increase their intake.

  1. C. The question asks for information about why the different spinal curves are important for quadrupeds (four legged animals). The final bullet point provides information about how the differences in the curves, as discussed in the second and third bullet points, provides support for the quadruped as the spine moves horizontally to the ground. This makes option C the best answer. Answer options A and D are incorrect as they discuss difference, but not why those differences are important for quadrupeds. Option B is incorrect as it misreads the fourth bullet point.
  2. D. The question is asking for the difference between the two types of birds. Only answer option D clarifies what those differences are. Answer options A and C both state that they are easy to distinguish but don’t explain what the differences are. Answer option B only explains the similarities between the two types of bird.
  3. B. The question requires both a definition of what an anadromous fish is and an example. Answer option B is the only option which fulfills both of these requirements.
  4. A. Since the student wants to explain why beavers are so driven, the answer must include information about beavers needing to stop the sound of running water. This means that only option A is correct and the other options are incorrect.
  5. D. Answer option A explains extinction in general, but not the extinction of the passenger pigeon. Answer Options B and C give details about the passenger pigeon, but not about how it became extinct. This only leaves option D which gives clear details about the end of the passenger pigeon.
  6. D. The question asks how these frogs might be identified. Answer option A explains how the tadpoles could be identified and is therefore incorrect. Answer option B describes where they live, but not how to identify them within that habitat. Answer option C explains why they are hard to identify, but gives no clear information on how to do so. This leaves answer option D which explains what to look for in searching for Ptycholyla.
  7. A. The question asks for an answer that emphasizes that there are no “extant” (surviving) individuals. Answer option A is the only choice which makes it clear that the turtle is extinct.
  8. B. The question requires two things: a description of external features and information on their unique skeletal feature. The skeleton of this snake is different in the number of prefrontal plates and the exterior features are described in the first bullet point. The only answer that discusses both of these things is option B.
  9. C.  Options A and D do not discuss how the horn of the cattle relates to its health. Option B gives incorrect information about hollow horn. The notes explain that hollow horn is not a real illness. Option C discusses how the horn of the cattle relate to health.
  10. B. Bolting is when a horse eats their food so quickly they don’t properly chew it. Answer option B explains what feeding practices should be used in order to help prevent bolting. This best answers the question. Answer option A is too general. Answer option C cautions against bolting, but does not explain best practices to avoid it. Answer option D discusses best practices for horses that don’t eat enough, not horses that eat too quickly.

Digital SAT Text Structure and Purpose Reading Practice Questions #2

1. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. In it, Mrs. Bennet seeks to get to know her new neighbor, Mr. Bingley:

An invitation to dinner was soon afterwards dispatched; and already had Mrs. Bennet planned the courses that were to do credit to her housekeeping, when an answer arrived which deferred it all. Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town the following day, and consequently unable to accept the honor of their invitation. Mrs. Bennet was quite disconcerted. She could not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear that he might always be flying about from one place to another, and never settled at Netherfield as he ought to be. What choice best describes the function of the third sentence in the overall structure of the text?

A. It explains Mrs. Bennet’s reaction to the dishes that were planned for dinner that evening.
B. It connects the description of Mr. Bingley’s actions to an explanation of his trip out of town.
C. It shows Mrs. Bennet’s feelings about her invitation to dinner being rejected.
D. It highlights the variety of emotions which Mrs. Bennet is known for.

2. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

The village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meryton; a most convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually tempted thither three or four times a week, to pay their duty to their aunt, and to a milliner’s shop just over the way. The two youngest of the family, Catherine and Lydia, were particularly frequent in these attentions: their minds were more vacant than their sisters’, and when nothing better offered, a walk to Meryton was necessary to amuse their morning hours and furnish conversation for the evening; and, however bare of news the country in general might be, they always contrived to learn some from their aunt. At present, indeed, they were well supplied both with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia regiment in the neighborhood; it was to remain the whole winter, and Meryton was the head-quarters.

What choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the overall structure of the text?
A. It paints a cruel picture of the abilities of Catherine and Lydia that is then qualified by a description of their meaningful trips to Meryton.
B. It addresses one reason why Catherine and Lydia so enjoy their time in Meryton which is then further explained in the subsequent sentences.
C. It shows the author’s general disregard for the shopping, gossip, and visiting that often occupy the time of young women.
D. It shows that the two girls in question have a greater capacity for learning than their sisters, as they haven’t filled their minds with the silly things that are described before and after.

3. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

She did at last extort from her father an acknowledgment that the horses were engaged; Jane was therefore obliged to go on horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many cheerful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were answered; Jane had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued the whole evening without intermission; Jane certainly could not come back.

What choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the overall structure of the text?
A. It uses a seeming contradiction to foreshadow what many might see as bad luck, but what the mother sees as a very positive turn of events.
B. It shows the mother’s general lack of care for her daughters and the outcome of their day it then transitions into a description of that poor day.
C. It highlights the lack of understanding the mother has as to the weather and her daughter’s lack of safety on horseback.
D. It sets up a paradox which is further built upon in subsequent portions of the passage.

4. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was worse, and that she could not leave her. Bingley urged Mr. Jones’s being sent for immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no country advice could be of any service, recommended an express to town for one of the most eminent physicians. This she would not hear of; but she was not so unwilling to comply with their brother’s proposal; and it was settled that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning, if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper; while he could find no better relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions that every possible attention might be paid to the sick lady and her sister.

What choice best describes the function of the final sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It completes the description of the dinner party by describing the after-supper entertainment taken up by the guests.
B. It explains the two very different ways that Bingley and his sisters deal with the illness of Miss Bennet.
C. It clarifies the prior description of the search for a good physician for the sick woman.
D. It explains Mr. Bingley’s orders to the housekeeper and her skill in working to heal the young lady who is ill.

5. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

As a clergyman, moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures of good-will are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch. I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologize for it, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends.

What choice best describes the function of the first sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It explains the profession of the speaker so that the reader can empathize with the speaker’s situation.
B. It shows the speaker’s mission to find a way to bring peace to all families which is then followed up with a description of his plan.
C. It explains why the speaker feels it is his duty to make amends by offering up an olive branch.
D.  It introduces the idea of the speaker as a man of authority who each reader should do well to listen to.

6. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

In describing to her all the grandeur of Lady Catherine and her mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of his own humble abode, and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily employed until the gentlemen joined them; and he found in Mrs. Philips a very attentive listener, whose opinion of his consequence increased with what she heard, and who was resolving to retail it all among her neighbors as soon as she could. To the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent imitations of china on the mantel-piece, the interval of waiting appeared very long. It was over at last, however. The gentlemen did approach.

What choice best describes the function of the underlined passage in the overall structure of the text?
A. It explains Mrs. Phillips’s plan to sell to her neighbors the china from her mantel-piece.
B. It clarifies why Mrs. Philips was willing to listen to him when his cousins were not.
C. It builds on the previous description of Lady Catherine and her home.
D. It tells the reader what Mrs. Philips is planning to do with the information from the conversation.

7. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

Elizabeth had heard, soon after her arrival, that Mr. Darcy was expected there in the course of a few weeks; and though there were not many of her acquaintance whom she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one comparatively new to look at in their Rosings parties, and she might be amused in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley’s designs on him were, by his behavior to his cousin, for whom he was evidently destined by Lady Catherine, who talked of his coming with the greatest satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, and seemed almost angry to find that he had already been frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself.

What choice best describes the function of the underlined portion in the overall structure of the text?
A. To explain Elizabeth’s negative feelings toward Mr. Darcy
B. To clarify why Elizabeth was looking forward to Mr. Darcy’s arrival
C. To introduce Mr. Darcy as one of the many friends of Elizabeth
D. To explain Elizabeth’s reaction toward Mr. Darcy’s arrival

8. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr. Bennet the next morning, but the post came in without bringing a single line from him. His family knew him to be, on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent; but at such a time they had hoped for exertion. They were forced to conclude, that he had no pleasing intelligence to send; but even of that they would have been glad to be certain.

What choice best describes the function of the underlined phrase in the overall structure of the text?
A. It gives a possible explanation for the situation described in the first sentence.
B. It introduces an aspect of Mr. Bennet’s character that is later disputed.
C. It helps the reader understand why Mr. Bennet lacks pleasing intelligence to send to his family.
D. It shows the family’s depth of knowledge of Mr. Bennet’s character which contrasts with the further characterization of their relationship.

9. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

Her husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the servants remained. But when they had withdrawn, he said to her, “Mrs. Bennet, before you take any, or all of these houses, for your son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into one house in this neighborhood they shall never have admittance. I will not encourage the imprudence of either, by receiving them at Longbourn.”

What choice best describes the function of the final sentence in the overall structure of the text?
A. It explains why all the homes of the neighborhood might be open to them.
B. It clarifies the earlier statement by stating which house the son and daughter will not be allowed into.
C. It completes Mr. Bennet’s explanation of the housing shortage in the neighborhood.
D. It shows Mr. Bennet’s feelings about the imprudence of his wife.

10. The following is an excerpt from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice:

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was a union that must have been to the advantage of both: by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgment, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.

What choice best describes the function of underlined portion in the overall structure of the text?
A. It explains how each of them might benefit from a relationship with the other.
B. It clarifies the differences between the two and why she is inclined to give him a chance.
C. It explains how he might benefit from a connection to her.
D. It explains how she might benefit from a connection to him.

  1. C. In the first two sentences we learn that Mrs. Bennet had invited Mr. Bingley to dinner and had already planned the meal when Mr. Bingley responded to the invitation with a rejection, for he was to be out of town that evening. This leads to Mrs. Bennet’s reaction of being “disconcerted.” The sentence thereafter gives us further insight into her thoughts on the matter. This makes option C the best answer. Answer A is incorrect as she is disconcerted that her invitation has been refused, not at the dishes that were planned. Answer B is incorrect as the later half of the passage does not describe his trip out of town. Answer D is incorrect for while it does show Mrs. Bennet’s feelings on the matter, it does not show a variety of emotions.
  2. B. The first sentence explains that the young ladies often go to Meryton to visit their aunt and to shop. The next sentence then clarifies that Catherine and Lydia are especially likely to do so because they have vacant minds and needed constant amusement which Meryton provides. This best fits with answer option B. Their vacant minds are one reason why they so enjoy shopping and visiting in Meryton. Answer option A is incorrect as their trips to Meryton are not very meaningful. In addition, while this description seems cruel to our eyes, there is no evidence that the author means it as anything more than an accurate explanation of the characters. Option C is incorrect as there is no evidence that the author is making a general statement about the merit of these activities. Option D is incorrect as the “empty minds” are not shown to be a positive thing.
  3. A. In the underlined portion of the text, the mother is very cheerful about her predictions of a bad day. The following part of the passage clarify that the rain that the mother predicted forces Jane to stay away and “delights” the mother. This best fits with option A. The underlined text seems to be a contradiction, but is setting up the rain, a negative, being seen as a positive in the mother’s eyes. Option B is incorrect as there is no evidence that the mother does not care for her daughter, simply that for some reason she wishes her to be kept away for awhile. Answer C is incorrect as the mother understands the weather quite well and even predicts the rain. Answer D is incorrect as this is not a paradox which is a statement which contradicts itself.
  4. B. The sentence prior to the underlined part tells that Mr. Bingley is uncomfortable and his sisters miserable due to the illness of Miss Bennet. The final sentence describes their reactions to their discomfort and misery. The sisters sing duets to find solace and Mr. Bingley orders his housekeeper to give as much attention to the sick lady and her sister as possible. This best fits answer option B. Answer option A is incorrect as there is no evidence of a dinner party prior to these activities. Answer C is incorrect as it does not have anything to do with a physician (doctor). Answer option D is incorrect as that answer option ignores the sisters’ duets and falsely claims that the housekeeper is working to heal the sick lady when there is no evidence of that.
  5. C. In the underlined portion the speaker explains that he is a clergyman, or a priest. He clarifies that because of this profession he believes he must encourage peace in any family he can influence. In the rest of the passage, then he is apologizing to the listener and offering an olive branch, a well known symbol of peace. This best fits answer C. The speaker, as a clergyman, feels he must apologize and make amends for the sake of peace. Answer A is incorrect as the reader is not asked to empathize with the speaker. Answer B is incorrect as there is no plan to bring peace to all families, rather an attempt to bring peace to one. Answer D is incorrect as the reader is not admonished to listen to the speaker.
  6. D.  In the underlined portion we learn that Mrs. Philips is resolving to retail “it” among her neighbors. The “it” in question is the conversation she is having with the man and “retailing it” could also be described as passing on the information. This makes choice D the best answer. It is not choice A as she is not literally selling anything. It is not choice B, as we do not know why Mrs. Philips is listening to him. It is not choice C as it does not further describe the home in question.
  7. A. Be careful with the negatives in the underlined portion. There are two “nots” which essentially cancel out leaving us with the meaning: there were many of her acquaintances whom she did prefer. In other words, the underlined portion is explaining that Elizabeth does not prefer the company of Mr. Darcy. This best fits with answer option A. The rest of the passage explains why she might look forward to his arrival, but the underlined portion does not, making option B incorrect. Mr. Darcy is a not well like acquaintance of Elizabeth, not a friend, making option C incorrect. Mr. Darcy has not yet arrived, making option D incorrect.
  8. A. In the first sentence we learn that Mr. Bennet had not written them a letter. In the underlined portion this is explained by saying that his family is aware that is a negligent correspondent. In other words, he doesn’t do a good job of writing letters regularly. This makes option A the best answer. Option B is incorrect because the idea of Mr. Bennet being a poor correspondent is not later disputed. Option C is incorrect because it doesn’t not explain why Mr. Bennet has no good news for his family. Option D  is incorrect as there is no later contrast or further description of the relationship.
  9. B. The final statement is clarifying Mr. Bennet’s earlier declaration that there is one house into which the son and daughter will not be allowed: they are not allowed at Longbourn. This makes answer B the best option. It is not answer A as it does not explain why the children are welcome at other homes. Answer C is incorrect as they are not discussing a housing shortage. Answer D is incorrect as Mr. Bennet is discussing the imprudence of the son and daughter, not of his wife.
  10. D. Earlier in the sentence the speaker clarifies that a union between the two would benefit both. Then it explains how he would be benefited (improved manners) and finally, the underlined portion explains the benefit to her (greater importance). This makes option D correct and the others incorrect.

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