Analyzing, Combining, and Moving Content
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SAT Writing › Analyzing, Combining, and Moving Content
In Swift's other works is found an equable tenor of easy language, which rather trickles than flows. His delight was in simplicity. That he has in his works no metaphor, as has been said, is not true; but his few metaphors seem to be received rather by necessity than choice. He studied purity; and though perhaps all his strictures are not exact, yet it is not often that solecisms can be found; and whoever depends on his authority may generally conclude himself safe. His sentences are never too much dilated or contracted; and it will not be easy to find any embarrassment in the complication of his clauses, any inconsequence in his connections, or abruptness in his transitions.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall passage best be described?
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's way of structuring sentences is an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's metaphors are an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's easy language is an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's authority is an example of simplicity.
Explanation
The underlined sentence has to do with the simplicity of Swift's sentence structure, as is demonstrated by the references to "clauses," "connections," and "transitions."
(Passage adapted from "Swift" in Volume III of Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets by Samuel Johnson, 1781)
In Swift's other works is found an equable tenor of easy language, which rather trickles than flows. His delight was in simplicity. That he has in his works no metaphor, as has been said, is not true; but his few metaphors seem to be received rather by necessity than choice. He studied purity; and though perhaps all his strictures are not exact, yet it is not often that solecisms can be found; and whoever depends on his authority may generally conclude himself safe. His sentences are never too much dilated or contracted; and it will not be easy to find any embarrassment in the complication of his clauses, any inconsequence in his connections, or abruptness in his transitions.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall passage best be described?
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's way of structuring sentences is an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's metaphors are an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's easy language is an example of simplicity.
The underlined sentence explains how Swift's authority is an example of simplicity.
Explanation
The underlined sentence has to do with the simplicity of Swift's sentence structure, as is demonstrated by the references to "clauses," "connections," and "transitions."
(Passage adapted from "Swift" in Volume III of Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets by Samuel Johnson, 1781)
(1) In spite of the numerous museums and schools dedicated to its appreciation, modern art still has yet to achieve the level of popular appreciation that many other art forms experience. (2) Many remain critical of the so-called "non-figurative" turn of European art that occurred in the latter part of the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century that has had such a profound impact on art production since. (3) Contributing artists Van Gogh, Cézanne and Kandinsky each experimented with constitutive aspects of art works. (4) That is to say, they focused on issues such as how light interacts with objects, how depictions of visual space in a work tease normal perceptual capacities, or how color induces emotional responses. (5) Although they didn't always focus on the "realistic" depiction of figures in a pictorial scene, they nevertheless made significant and lasting contributions to how we think about the techniques and aspects that make up art objects and practice.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall paragraph best be described?
The underlined sentence illustrates the experimental contributions that each of the individual artists listed in the sentence before it made to modern art.
The underlined sentence explains why these figures of modern art have not received the appreciation that they so deserve.
The underlined sentence lists the contributions that museums and schools have since been dedicated to preserve and protect.
The artistic approaches listed in the underlined sentence explain the necessity for the non-figurative turn in European art.
The underlined sentence provides three reasons for which it makes little sense to talk of a consolidated and abstract notion such as "modern art."
Explanation
That "the underlined sentence illustrates the experimental contributions that each of the individual artists listed in the sentence before it made to modern art" is the best answer here because the other claims are either unjustified or inadequate.
Those who would gladly pass their days together may be separated by the different course of their affairs; and friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions. What we have missed long enough to want it, we value more when it is regained; but that which has been lost till it is forgotten, will be found at last with little gladness, and with still less if a substitute has supplied the place. A man deprived of the companion to whom he used to open his bosom, and with whom he shared the hours of leisure and merriment, feels the day at first hanging heavy on him; his difficulties oppress, and his doubts distract him; he sees time come and go without his wonted gratification, and all is sadness within, and solitude about him. But this uneasiness never lasts long; necessity produces expedients, new amusements are discovered, and new conversation is admitted.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall passage best be described?
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend soon pass.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend do not end quickly.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend are exercerbated by new amusements and conversations.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend cannot be ameliorated by new amusements and conversations.
Explanation
After listing the many problems that follow the loss of a friend, the passage ends with a sentence that shows that these problems soon pass when a person finds new amusements and conversations.
(Sentence adapted from "The Decay of Friendship" in Issue 23 of The Idler by Samuel Johnson, September 23rd, 1758.)
Those who would gladly pass their days together may be separated by the different course of their affairs; and friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions. What we have missed long enough to want it, we value more when it is regained; but that which has been lost till it is forgotten, will be found at last with little gladness, and with still less if a substitute has supplied the place. A man deprived of the companion to whom he used to open his bosom, and with whom he shared the hours of leisure and merriment, feels the day at first hanging heavy on him; his difficulties oppress, and his doubts distract him; he sees time come and go without his wonted gratification, and all is sadness within, and solitude about him. But this uneasiness never lasts long; necessity produces expedients, new amusements are discovered, and new conversation is admitted.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall passage best be described?
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend soon pass.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend do not end quickly.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend are exercerbated by new amusements and conversations.
It explains how all of the troubles following the loss of a friend cannot be ameliorated by new amusements and conversations.
Explanation
After listing the many problems that follow the loss of a friend, the passage ends with a sentence that shows that these problems soon pass when a person finds new amusements and conversations.
(Sentence adapted from "The Decay of Friendship" in Issue 23 of The Idler by Samuel Johnson, September 23rd, 1758.)
(1) In spite of the numerous museums and schools dedicated to its appreciation, modern art still has yet to achieve the level of popular appreciation that many other art forms experience. (2) Many remain critical of the so-called "non-figurative" turn of European art that occurred in the latter part of the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth century that has had such a profound impact on art production since. (3) Contributing artists Van Gogh, Cézanne and Kandinsky each experimented with constitutive aspects of art works. (4) That is to say, they focused on issues such as how light interacts with objects, how depictions of visual space in a work tease normal perceptual capacities, or how color induces emotional responses. (5) Although they didn't always focus on the "realistic" depiction of figures in a pictorial scene, they nevertheless made significant and lasting contributions to how we think about the techniques and aspects that make up art objects and practice.
How can the significance of the underlined sentence to the overall paragraph best be described?
The underlined sentence illustrates the experimental contributions that each of the individual artists listed in the sentence before it made to modern art.
The underlined sentence explains why these figures of modern art have not received the appreciation that they so deserve.
The underlined sentence lists the contributions that museums and schools have since been dedicated to preserve and protect.
The artistic approaches listed in the underlined sentence explain the necessity for the non-figurative turn in European art.
The underlined sentence provides three reasons for which it makes little sense to talk of a consolidated and abstract notion such as "modern art."
Explanation
That "the underlined sentence illustrates the experimental contributions that each of the individual artists listed in the sentence before it made to modern art" is the best answer here because the other claims are either unjustified or inadequate.
1 Biographies exist in various specialized forms. 2 A hagiography is a biography that discusses a saint or other church leader. 3 Many hagiographies focus on a saint’s miracles, martyrdom, and divine connection. 4 They were especially common in the Middle Ages, often appearing as part of a larger collection or calendar of saints. 5 Historians today value these accounts not because the hagiographer is often too worshipful to be critical but also they include good insight into local history. 6 For example, the bestselling Golden Legend was a 13th century compensation of saint stories from more than a hundred different sources. 7 England, Ireland, and the Byzantine Empire were all fertile ground for medieval hagiographies and as such much is known about carnelian life there. 8 These hagiographies also changed focus over the years; shifting from heroic tales of holy warriors and sanctimonious moralistic lessons designed to instruct churchgoers. 9 And gradually fading in popularity.
How should Sentences 1 and 2 be combined?
Biographies exist in various specialized forms, and one such form is a hagiography, which discusses a saint or other church leader.
Biographies exist in various specialized forms, and a hagiography is a biography discussing a saint or other church leader.
Biographies exist in various specialized forms, one such form being a hagiography, or a saint or other church leader.
Biographies exist in various specialized forms, including a biography of a saint or other church leader.
Biographies, or hagiographies, exist in various specialized forms, including that of a saint or other church leader.
Explanation
A bit of rewriting is necessary to avoid redundancy and grammatical errors. Since hagiography is identified as a form of biography, making "biographies" the main subject of the first clause, and discussing hagiographies in a separate but connected second clause makes the most logical and grammtical sense.
1 One such example of regional cooking could be found in the American South. 2 Wherefore foods such as gumbo, barbecue, fried chicken, and watermelons can now be found all across the country, it was once specific to states south of the Mason-Dixon line. 3 And while Southern cuisine has been influenced by Native American tribes, Scottish immigrants, and Cajun settlers, one of the most significant culinary inspirations came from the South’s black population. 4 Dishes such as cornbread, succotash, collard or turnip greens, pimento cheese, crawfish, and sweet tea all hale from the South, as well. 5 For example, okra, black-eyed peas, and sorghum are all foods brought to America and cultivated by African slaves. 6 Soon, soul food (a sometimes contentious term among black chefs) began to be served in black-owned restaurants in the South. 7 Borne out of competing cultural influences and not-infrequent strife, it should be no surprise that Southern food remains a complex delicious cuisine to this day.
Where should Sentence 4 be moved in the passage?
Before Sentence 3
Before Sentence 1
Before Sentence 5
Before Sentence 7
Before Sentence 6
Explanation
Because both Sentences 2 and 4 discuss specific dishes common in Southern cuisine, they should appear next to each other.
1 Wedding customs range between families and social classes, but also between countries. 2 Since the dawn of time, human couples have been entering into long-term romantic commitments with each other. 3 In Ethiopia, for example, one of the groom’s friends sprays perfume inside the house of the groom’s future wife; while in Finland, engaged women go door-to-door with pillowcases to accept wedding gifts. 4 Certain celebratory traditions, such as eating special food and reciting some sort of vows or prayers, are so widely practiced today that they seem almost unilateral.
5 Recently, the very definition of marriage has shifted to include same-sex couples, both in popular culture and in certain nations’ and American states’ laws. 6 Dancing is an important part of many marriage ceremonies and celebrations, and festive wedding music can be found across a wide variety of cultures. 7 The presence of family members is also common to weddings in nearly every nation, although fathers do not always “give away” brides; sometimes mothers, grandparents, or even siblings play this role instead.
Where would Sentence 2 fit best?
Before Sentence 1
Before Sentence 4
Before Sentence 3 (no change)
Before Sentence 5
Before Sentence 6
Explanation
Sentence 2 doesn’t belong between Sentences 1 and 3, since it’s splitting up two sentences that are both discussing marriage customs in various countries. Because Sentence 2 is a broad, introductory statement, it would work well at the very beginning of the passage.
1 “Waltzing Matilda” is the title of an Australian song. 2 This song is often called Australia’s unofficial national anthem. 3 Although unscrupulous to a foreigner, the song’s seemingly nonsensical lyrics are actually slang that describes a migrant worker’s travels. 4 The song even has it’s own museum in Queensland. 5 Can you believe that? 6 It was written in 1895 by the Australian author Banjo Paterson and has more recordings than any other Australian song, including the national anthem; “Advance Australia Fair.”
Where should Sentence 5 be moved in the passage?
Before Sentence 4
Before Sentence 3
Before Sentence 2
Before Sentence 1
This sentence should not be moved.
Explanation
Sentence 5 discusses particulars about the song, which is also the topic of Sentence 3. Therefore, it makes sense for these two sentences to appear next to each other in the passage.