SSAT Upper Level Reading Practice Test: Practice Test 9

The human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms living in and on our bodies, plays a vital role in health and disease. These microbes help digest food, synthesize vitamins, regulate immune responses, and protect against harmful pathogens. Research has revealed connections between microbiome composition and conditions ranging from obesity and diabetes to depression and autoimmune disorders. Scientists are exploring how diet, lifestyle, and medications affect microbial communities, leading to new therapeutic approaches including probiotics and fecal transplants. Understanding the microbiome is revolutionizing medicine by revealing how these microscopic partners influence human health in profound ways.

What is the central idea of this passage?

The small bakery always sold out of fresh bread by noon, despite starting each day with dozens of loaves. Customers often called ahead to reserve specific items, and the owner frequently apologized to disappointed late-arriving customers who found empty display cases.

What can be inferred about this bakery's business situation?

The local library's computer terminals were constantly occupied, with people waiting in line for available machines. Many users brought notebooks to copy down information by hand, and the librarian frequently helped visitors navigate unfamiliar websites and online databases.

What can be inferred about the library's computer users?

The ambassador's diplomatic response to the hostile questions avoided creating an international incident. Rather than responding defensively, she acknowledged concerns while reaffirming her country's commitment to peaceful dialogue.

In this context, "diplomatic" most nearly means

The young violinist's performance was marred by several technical errors, but her passion for the music was palpable. The audience could feel her emotional connection to every note, despite the occasional missed fingering.

In this context, "palpable" most closely means

The ancient city of Petra, carved directly into rose-colored sandstone cliffs in southern Jordan, was established by the Nabataean people around the 4th century BC. The city served as a crucial trading hub connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean, with caravans paying taxes to pass through its narrow canyon entrance called the Siq. Petra's most famous structure, the Treasury, stands 130 feet tall and features intricate Hellenistic architectural details. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

When was Petra designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Recent studies suggest that regular exposure to nature significantly benefits mental health and cognitive function. Participants who spent two hours weekly in natural environments showed 23% reduced cortisol levels compared to those who remained in urban settings. Brain scans revealed increased activity in areas associated with attention and memory after nature walks. Additionally, people living within 500 meters of green spaces report 15% lower rates of anxiety and depression. Hospital patients with views of trees and gardens recover 30% faster than those facing parking lots or buildings.

What combination of evidence most convincingly demonstrates nature's positive effects on mental health?

Elena noticed that her usually talkative coworker had been speaking only when directly addressed, avoiding eye contact during meetings, and eating lunch alone instead of joining the usual group. Yesterday, she saw him updating his resume on his computer screen.

What can reasonably be inferred about Elena's coworker?

The Renaissance period marked a dramatic shift from medieval to modern thinking in Europe. Humanism emerged as scholars rediscovered classical Greek and Roman texts, emphasizing individual potential rather than purely religious concerns. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci combined scientific observation with artistic expression, creating more realistic representations of human anatomy and natural phenomena. The invention of linear perspective revolutionized painting, while the patronage system allowed artists to pursue secular themes alongside religious subjects. This cultural transformation laid the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.

What evidence best supports the claim that Renaissance thinking represented a departure from medieval approaches?

The development of electric vehicles represents a crucial step toward reducing transportation emissions and combating climate change. Advances in battery technology have increased driving range while reducing costs, making electric cars increasingly practical for consumers. Government incentives and expanding charging infrastructure are accelerating adoption rates worldwide. Major automakers are investing billions in electric vehicle production, signaling a fundamental shift in the automotive industry. However, challenges remain including battery recycling, electricity grid capacity, and ensuring equitable access to clean transportation technology across all economic segments of society.

What is the central idea of this passage?

The old dog lay contentedly in the patch of warm sunlight by the kitchen door, his gray muzzle resting on crossed paws as he watched the family bustle about their morning routine. His tail gave an occasional lazy thump against the floor when someone paused to scratch behind his ears, and his eyes followed every movement with patient, gentle devotion.

The author establishes what mood in this scene?

Scenario—Current Event Commentary. A campus editorial on standardized testing is written by Marisol Chen, who runs a test-prep club. She argues that removing entrance exams is “a feel-good gesture that dilutes merit,” and she cites a study showing first-year GPA correlates modestly with test scores. Yet she ignores the same study’s note that correlation weakens after controlling for income. She acknowledges a counterargument about unequal access to tutoring, but calls it “a solvable inconvenience,” recommending “community-sponsored coaching” without addressing funding. Question: Which phrase indicates the author’s stance on the issue?

Sleep research has revealed that dreams play a crucial role in memory consolidation and emotional processing. During REM sleep, the brain sorts through the day's experiences, strengthening important memories while discarding unnecessary information. Dreams also provide a safe space for the mind to process complex emotions and work through psychological challenges. Scientists have found that people who are deprived of REM sleep show decreased learning ability and increased emotional instability. This research suggests that dreaming is not merely a byproduct of sleep, but an essential function for mental health and cognitive performance.

What is the central idea of this passage?

The discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 revolutionized our understanding of ancient Egyptian burial practices. Archaeologist Howard Carter found the tomb largely intact, filled with over 5,000 artifacts including golden masks, jewelry, furniture, and everyday objects. Unlike other royal tombs that had been plundered over the centuries, Tut's burial chamber preserved a complete picture of how pharaohs were prepared for the afterlife. The elaborate grave goods revealed the Egyptians' belief that the dead needed material possessions in the next world. Religious texts painted on the walls described the journey through the underworld, while mummification techniques showed sophisticated knowledge of preservation. This single discovery provided more insight into Egyptian death rituals than decades of previous archaeological work.

Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

The office building's elevator was frequently out of order, causing employees to use the stairs regularly. Over several months, many workers noticed they felt more energetic, had better stamina, and found climbing the stairs became progressively easier.

What can be inferred about the employees' physical condition?

Read the passage, then answer the question.

In a school laboratory, Ms. Alvarez demonstrated paper chromatography to separate pigments in a black, water-based marker. She began the lesson at 9:10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, and she wrote the purpose on the board: “to separate a mixture into its components.” Each lab group received a 250 mL beaker, a strip of chromatography paper, a pencil, and a ruler.

First, students used a pencil to draw a light line 2 centimeters from the bottom of the paper strip. They placed a single dot of black ink on the line and let it dry for one minute. Next, they poured 20 mL of water into the beaker. Ms. Alvarez reminded everyone that the ink dot must start above the water level, so the ink would not dissolve directly into the beaker.

Then, students clipped the paper to a wooden stick and lowered it into the beaker so that only the bottom edge touched the water. As the water rose up the paper, it carried different pigments at different speeds. Ms. Alvarez instructed the class to stop the run when the water front reached 8 centimeters from the bottom, which took about seven minutes. Students removed the paper, marked the water front immediately, and laid the strip flat to dry.

After drying, the class observed distinct colored bands. In Ms. Alvarez’s sample, the lowest band was yellow, above it was green, and near the top was blue. She explained that the bands formed because pigments had different attractions to the paper and different solubilities in water. Finally, students recorded the order of colors and cleaned the glassware before the bell rang at 9:55 a.m.

What does the passage explicitly mention about the amount of water poured into the beaker?

The artist's latest work represents a departure from her earlier style, incorporating bold colors and abstract forms that challenge viewers' expectations. This new direction has proven to be quite polarizing among critics.

In this passage, "polarizing" most nearly means

The Great Barrier Reef stretches 1,400 miles along Australia's northeastern coast and comprises over 2,900 individual coral reefs. This marine ecosystem supports approximately 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and 4,000 varieties of mollusks. Water temperatures in the reef system range from 68°F in winter to 86°F during summer months. The reef generates $6.4 billion annually for Australia's economy through tourism, fishing, and research activities, employing over 64,000 people.

How many individual coral reefs comprise the Great Barrier Reef?

Maria's grandmother had always insisted on making tamales from scratch every Christmas morning, a tradition that seemed increasingly anachronistic in their fast-paced suburban neighborhood. The process took hours: soaking corn husks, preparing masa, seasoning the filling, and carefully wrapping each bundle. While Maria's friends posted photos of their store-bought holiday spreads on social media, she found herself elbow-deep in corn meal, wondering if this laborious ritual was worth preserving.

Why does the author include the contrast between Maria's friends posting "photos of their store-bought holiday spreads" and Maria being "elbow-deep in corn meal"?

Read the passage, then answer: What tone is suggested by the passage?

My grandfather insists that his old radio still works perfectly, which is a bold claim for an object that looks like it survived three separate attics. When I visit, he is already waiting with a screwdriver and the kind of confidence usually reserved for game-show hosts. “We just have to persuade it,” he says, as if the radio has feelings and a stubborn personality.

I sit at the kitchen table while he removes the back panel with exaggerated care. Dust drifts out like it has been saving itself for this moment. He points to a tangle of wires and explains, in a voice both serious and theatrical, that the problem is “obviously” a loose connection. I nod like I understand, although my expertise ends at turning things on.

After several minutes of poking and muttering, he flips the switch. The radio responds with a dramatic hiss, then silence, then—miraculously—a faint burst of music. My grandfather grins as if he has negotiated a peace treaty. I laugh, partly because it is funny, and partly because I feel lucky to witness his stubborn joy.

Later, as the station fades in and out, he tells me stories about listening to late-night broadcasts as a teenager. The radio never becomes stable, but the afternoon does. When I leave, the music is still sputtering, and I am still smiling, thinking that some repairs are less about fixing and more about spending time together.

Read the passage and answer the question.

In a scientific exploration of plant growth, a ninth-grade research team argues that careful control of variables matters more than expensive equipment. To test whether music affects seedlings, they placed twenty bean plants in identical pots, using the same soil brand, equal water measured with a marked cup, and the same window shelf for light. The only planned difference was sound: one group heard a soft instrumental playlist for two hours daily, while the other sat in silence. The author notes that the students taped a paper screen between the groups “to prevent stray sound and to remind us not to ‘peek’ and treat them differently.” Each afternoon, they recorded height to the nearest millimeter and rotated the pots so that no plant consistently faced the brightest corner. After two weeks, the music group averaged slightly taller, yet the author cautions that the difference was small and that “a result is not a conclusion until you can repeat it.” The passage’s central claim is that methodology—especially consistency and restraint in interpreting data—determines whether an experiment teaches anything reliable.

Why does the author include the paper screen detail?

Maria stared at the blank canvas, her paintbrush trembling slightly in her hand. After years of working as an accountant, she had finally enrolled in the art classes she had always dreamed of taking. The instructor had asked the students to paint something that represented freedom, but Maria felt paralyzed by the infinite possibilities. She closed her eyes and remembered the feeling of wind in her hair during childhood bike rides through the countryside. When she opened her eyes, her brush began to move across the canvas with newfound confidence, creating sweeping strokes of blue and gold that captured the essence of those carefree moments.

What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

Dr. Rachel Kim's groundbreaking research on urban bee colonies has revealed an unexpected pattern: bees living in city environments are developing different foraging behaviors compared to their rural counterparts. Urban bees travel shorter distances but visit a much wider variety of plant species, adapting to the diverse but fragmented green spaces of metropolitan areas. This behavioral flexibility has allowed city bee populations to thrive despite habitat challenges that many scientists predicted would devastate them.

The implications extend far beyond entomology. Kim's findings suggest that some species may be more adaptable to human-altered environments than conservationists have assumed. However, she cautions against interpreting this as evidence that urban development poses no threat to biodiversity. 'The bees that succeed in cities may be developing into a distinct subspecies,' Kim explains. 'We might be witnessing rapid evolutionary change rather than simple adaptation. The long-term consequences of this divergence are completely unknown.'

Kim's caution about interpreting her findings suggests that she is concerned people might:

What effect does “how little anyone applauds the light when it behaves” have on meaning?

A curator at a small maritime museum argues that history is most truthful when it preserves the ordinary alongside the celebrated. She describes preparing a new exhibit about a nineteenth-century lighthouse on a rocky inlet, and she explains that she resisted the temptation to build the display around a single heroic storm. Instead, she begins with a soot-stained ledger kept by the assistant keeper, a book whose pages list lamp oil deliveries, wick lengths, and the cost of replacing cracked glass. The curator notes that visitors often pause at the neat columns longer than they do at the framed portrait of the head keeper, because the ledger “refuses drama” and yet proves the work was relentless.

To clarify her approach, the curator includes three details that might seem minor but are, in her view, decisive. First, she quotes a line from the assistant keeper—“Trim at dawn, trim at dusk”—to show that the safety of ships depended on routine rather than spectacle. Second, she describes the smell of whale oil lingering in the storage room, a sensory reminder that technology was once laborious and costly. Third, she recounts a letter from a schoolteacher who toured the lighthouse in 1892 and wrote that the most impressive part was “how little anyone applauds the light when it behaves.” The curator admits she chose that sentence because it overturns modern expectations: we praise crisis management, but we forget the quiet prevention that makes crises rare.

Finally, she explains why she placed the ledger at the exhibit entrance. A visitor who begins with the daily arithmetic, she argues, will interpret the later artifacts—a brass compass, a weathered raincoat, and a bell rope—not as romantic props but as tools embedded in repeated effort. Her central claim is that the past becomes more accurate, and more humane, when we let meticulous records speak before we demand a dramatic narrative.​

Read the passage, then answer the question.

In 1928, Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming made an observation that later led to the development of penicillin. Fleming worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, where he studied bacteria that caused infections. In late summer of 1928, he returned to his laboratory after a vacation and examined several culture plates of Staphylococcus bacteria.

On one plate, Fleming noticed an unusual pattern: a patch of mold was growing, and the bacteria near it had been destroyed. Fleming identified the mold as Penicillium notatum. He concluded that the mold produced a substance that inhibited bacterial growth. Fleming named this substance penicillin.

Fleming published his findings in 1929, but penicillin was difficult to purify and produce in large quantities. In the early 1940s, a team led by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain at the University of Oxford developed methods to concentrate and test penicillin more effectively. During World War II, mass production expanded, and penicillin became widely used to treat bacterial infections in soldiers and civilians.

In 1945, Fleming, Florey, and Chain shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Fleming continued working in bacteriology for many years and remained associated with St. Mary’s Hospital.

Question: What does the passage explicitly say Fleming named the antibacterial substance?