#1. Read the passage. The old lighthouse keeper’s journal spoke of lights that appeared on moonless nights, dancing above the water where no ship had any right to be. Jonas had dismissed these entries as the rambling of a lonely man, until the night he saw them himself—pale orbs that moved with intention, tracing patterns against the darkness. He realized then that some mysteries were never meant to be solved, only witnessed. What mood does the author create through descriptive details?
#2. Read the excerpt from a novel. Autumn had always measured her life in seasons—not the calendar kind, but seasons of becoming. There was the season of silence after her father left, the season of discovery when she found her voice through music, the season of leaving when college took her across the country. Now, standing in her childhood bedroom with acceptance letters scattered across the bed, she sensed another season beginning, though she couldn’t yet name it. How does the seasonal metaphor develop the character’s perspective?
#3. Read the poem excerpt. ‘Silence settles soft as snow, / Covering the city’s ancient scars. / Memory sleeps beneath the weight / Of winter’s clean, forgetful white.’ What is the primary function of the extended metaphor in these lines?
#4. Read the passage. The train station at dawn held a peculiar magic. Strangers became temporary companions, sharing coffee and silence before their paths diverged. Maria watched a businessman help an elderly woman with her luggage, a student share headphones with a child, and realized that departure points were also, paradoxically, places of connection. These brief encounters contained entire stories she would never know. What insight does the protagonist gain?
#5. Read the excerpt. The town existed in a permanent state of almost. Almost prosperous, when the mill was running. Almost abandoned, after it closed. Almost forgotten, except by those who stayed behind, tending their almost-gardens in the almost-fertile soil, raising children who would almost certainly leave, just as they had almost left themselves, years ago. The repetition of ‘almost’ primarily serves to:
#6. Read the passage. In the story’s climactic scene, the protagonist must choose between revealing a truth that would destroy her family’s reputation or remaining silent to protect those she loves. The author places this moment in a courtroom, with the protagonist literally standing between the witness box and the exit, frozen in physical space as she is frozen in moral space. What literary technique is the author employing?
#7. Read the excerpt. ‘Time,’ she said, stirring her tea with deliberate slowness, ‘is not a river that carries us along, but a ocean in which we’re always swimming, sometimes against the current, sometimes with it, and sometimes simply treading water to keep from drowning.’ This figurative language suggests that:
#8. Read the passage. The narrative structure spirals inward, each chapter bringing the reader closer to the central event that shaped the protagonist’s life. Like an archaeologist excavating layers of earth, the author removes temporal strata—adulthood, adolescence, childhood—until reaching the bedrock moment of trauma. Only then, with full context established, does the story spiral outward again, showing how that moment rippled through every subsequent year. What is the primary effect of this narrative structure?
#9. Read the excerpt. The antagonist was not a villain in the traditional sense—no cackling evil or conscious cruelty. Rather, he embodied the danger of good intentions twisted by certainty, of compassion corrupted into control. He genuinely believed he was helping, which made him far more dangerous than any mere villain could be. This characterization suggests that:
#10. Read the informational passage. Microplastics—plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters—have infiltrated virtually every ecosystem on Earth. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, and microbeads in personal care products. Researchers have found microplastics in Arctic ice, deep ocean trenches, agricultural soil, and even human tissue. The long-term health effects remain unknown, but studies suggest microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals and may disrupt biological processes. Addressing this pervasive pollution requires reducing plastic production, improving waste management, and developing biodegradable alternatives. What is the primary organizational pattern of this passage?
#11. Read the passage. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, mapped all approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA. This international collaborative effort took 13 years and cost nearly $3 billion. The project has revolutionized medicine, enabling personalized treatments based on genetic profiles, early detection of disease susceptibilities, and deeper understanding of human evolution. However, it has also raised ethical questions about genetic privacy, discrimination, and the potential for genetic enhancement. Which detail best supports the idea that the Human Genome Project was a major scientific undertaking?
#12. Read the informational text. Vertical farming uses stacked layers in controlled indoor environments to grow crops year-round. LED lights provide optimized wavelengths for photosynthesis, hydroponic or aeroponic systems deliver nutrients directly to roots, and climate control eliminates weather-related crop failures. Vertical farms can produce yields up to 100 times greater per square foot than traditional agriculture while using 95% less water and no pesticides. Despite high initial infrastructure costs, this technology offers solutions for food security in urban areas and regions with limited arable land. What is the author’s primary purpose?
#13. Read the passage. Language extinction occurs when a language loses its last native speakers. Linguists estimate that one language disappears every two weeks, and by 2100, half of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages may be extinct. When a language dies, unique cultural knowledge, oral histories, and ways of understanding the world are lost. Indigenous languages, in particular, often contain ecological knowledge developed over millennia. Language revitalization efforts include immersion schools, digital documentation, and community-led preservation programs. Based on context clues, what does ‘revitalization’ most likely mean?
#14. Read the informational passage. The placebo effect demonstrates the powerful connection between mind and body. When patients believe they are receiving treatment, they often experience real physiological improvements, even when given inert substances. Brain imaging shows that placebos can trigger the release of endorphins and activate the same neural pathways as actual medications. This phenomenon has profound implications for medical practice, clinical trial design, and our understanding of healing. Ethical use of placebo effects focuses on enhancing treatment through positive expectations rather than deception. What can be inferred from this passage?
#15. Read the passage. The Renaissance, spanning roughly the 14th to 17th centuries, marked a period of profound cultural transformation in Europe. Classical Greek and Roman texts, preserved by Islamic scholars, were reintroduced to European intellectuals. This revival of ancient knowledge, combined with innovations in art, science, and philosophy, fundamentally altered Western thought. Humanism emerged as a central philosophy, emphasizing human potential and achievement. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created works of unprecedented realism and emotional depth. The invention of the printing press accelerated the spread of ideas, contributing to the Reformation and Scientific Revolution. How is this passage primarily organized?
#16. Read the excerpt from an article. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as one of the most effective treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. Unlike psychoanalysis, which focuses on unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, CBT addresses current thought patterns and behaviors. The therapeutic approach teaches patients to identify distorted thinking, challenge negative beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. Numerous studies demonstrate that CBT produces outcomes comparable to medication for many conditions, with lower relapse rates. What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
#17. Read the informational passage. Mycorrhizal networks, sometimes called the ‘wood wide web,’ are symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots. These underground networks allow trees and plants to share nutrients, water, and chemical signals across entire forests. Mother trees support their offspring through these connections, and plants can even send warning signals about insect attacks or drought stress to their neighbors. This interconnectedness challenges the traditional view of forests as collections of competing individuals, revealing instead a complex cooperative system. What text structure does the author use to develop the main idea?
#18. Read the passage. The circular economy model aims to eliminate waste by keeping materials in use through continuous cycles of production, consumption, and regeneration. Unlike the traditional linear economy—extract, manufacture, use, dispose—the circular approach designs products for durability, reuse, and eventual recycling. Companies lease products as services rather than selling them, maintaining ownership and responsibility for materials throughout the product lifecycle. This systemic redesign reduces resource extraction, minimizes environmental impact, and can create economic opportunities. Which detail is LEAST relevant to explaining the circular economy concept?
#19. Read the argument. Year-round schooling, with shorter but more frequent breaks, should replace the traditional academic calendar. The current system, designed for an agricultural society where children were needed for harvest, is obsolete. Students forget significant material during long summer breaks, requiring weeks of review each fall. Year-round schedules reduce learning loss, provide more frequent rest periods to prevent burnout, and use school facilities more efficiently. Critics cite family vacation challenges and lack of definitive evidence for improved outcomes, but pilot programs show promising results in student retention and teacher satisfaction. What is the main claim?
#20. Read the argumentative passage. Healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be provided universally by the government. In wealthy nations, no one should die or suffer from preventable illness due to inability to pay. Countries with universal healthcare systems achieve better health outcomes at lower per capita costs than the United States. While critics argue about taxation and government efficiency, the moral imperative is clear: a society’s greatness is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Which statement represents a logical counterargument to this position?
#21. Read the argument. Video games cause violent behavior in young people. Several school shooters played violent video games. We must ban these games to protect our children. If we allow violent games to continue, our society will descend into chaos. Which logical fallacy is most prominent?
#22. Read the passage. Standardized testing should be eliminated from college admissions processes. These tests favor wealthy students who can afford preparation courses and multiple test attempts. Research shows that high school GPA is a better predictor of college success than SAT or ACT scores. Test-optional policies have not diminished the academic quality of admitted classes at schools that have adopted them. Additionally, standardized tests create anxiety and reduce education to test preparation rather than genuine learning. While some argue tests provide objective comparison across diverse school systems, the inequities they perpetuate outweigh this benefit. Which piece of evidence would most strengthen this argument?
#23. Read the argument. Genetic engineering of human embryos is morally wrong and should be prohibited. My religious beliefs teach that we should not interfere with natural human development. Scientists who support this research are playing God and will lead humanity to ruin. These techniques might be used to create ‘designer babies,’ exacerbating social inequality. We must stop this dangerous research immediately. Which element most weakens the argument’s persuasiveness?
#24. Read the argumentative text. A carbon tax, charging fees based on carbon emissions, would effectively address climate change. Economic incentives have proven effective in modifying behavior in other contexts. By making pollution expensive, a carbon tax encourages businesses and individuals to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy. Revenue generated can fund renewable energy development or be returned to citizens as dividends. Critics worry about economic impacts, but economic modeling suggests the long-term costs of unmitigated climate change far exceed the costs of carbon pricing. What assumption underlies this argument?
#25. Read the passage. Schools should eliminate homework for elementary students. Childhood is short, and young children need time for play, family interaction, and unstructured exploration. Either we prioritize children’s wellbeing and eliminate homework, or we continue to sacrifice childhood to academic pressure. Several schools that eliminated homework have reported no decline in academic performance and improved student wellbeing. What logical fallacy appears in this argument?
#26. Read the argument. Prison systems should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, yet high recidivism rates demonstrate that imprisonment alone does not reduce crime. Countries like Norway, which emphasize rehabilitation, education, and mental health treatment, achieve recidivism rates below 20% compared to nearly 70% in the U.S. Investing in rehabilitation programs, job training, and addiction treatment reduces long-term costs and creates safer communities. Which best identifies a weakness in this reasoning?
#27. Read the paragraph. (1) The downtown revitalization project has transformed the city’s core. (2) Abandoned warehouses have been converted into mixed-use spaces with apartments, shops, and galleries. (3) New pedestrian plazas encourage community gathering. (4) Public art installations add vibrancy to previously neglected areas. Which sentence should be added after sentence 4 to best support the main idea with specific evidence?
#28. Read the draft. (1) Climate change affects ecosystems in complex ways. (2) Rising temperatures alter migration patterns of bird species. (3) Ocean acidification threatens coral reefs and shellfish populations. (4) I went snorkeling in a coral reef last summer. (5) These interconnected impacts cascade through food webs, affecting entire ecological communities. Which sentence should be deleted because it does not support the paragraph’s focus on climate change’s ecosystem impacts?
#29. Read the paragraph. (1) The archaeological discovery revealed a previously unknown Bronze Age settlement. (2) Researchers excavated pottery fragments, bronze tools, and evidence of sophisticated metalworking. (3) Carbon dating placed the settlement at approximately 1500 BCE. (4) _________. (5) The findings challenge existing theories about trade networks in the region. Which sentence would best fit in the blank to maintain the paragraph’s focus and logical flow?
#30. Read the draft. (1) Bioluminescence—the ability of organisms to produce light—serves various survival functions. (2) Fireflies use light signals for mating communication. (3) Deep-sea creatures employ bioluminescence to attract prey in total darkness. (4) Some species use light displays to startle predators. Which revision to sentence 4 would best connect it logically to the previous sentences?
#31. Read the paragraph. (1) The community literacy program expanded beyond basic reading instruction. (2) Volunteers helped participants navigate job applications, medical forms, and legal documents. (3) Classes addressed digital literacy, including email and online research skills. (4) Many participants gained confidence to pursue further education. (5) The program became a model for similar initiatives statewide. Which revision would improve coherence by better connecting sentences 4 and 5?
#32. Read the draft. (1) Financial literacy should be a required component of high school curricula. (2) Students need to understand budgeting, credit, and investing. (3) Many young adults accumulate debt due to financial ignorance. (4) Understanding compound interest affects major life decisions. (5) Equipping students with these skills promotes long-term economic wellbeing. The writer wants to add a sentence after sentence 1 that provides specific evidence. Which choice best accomplishes this goal?
#33. Which sentence demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?
#34. Which sentence uses pronouns correctly?
#35. Which sentence demonstrates correct verb tense consistency?
#36. Which sentence exhibits proper parallel structure?
#37. Which sentence correctly places modifiers?
#38. Which sentence uses commas correctly?
#39. Which sentence demonstrates correct use of semicolons?
#40. Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?
#41. Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
#42. Which option corrects the sentence boundary error? The exhibition was controversial, many critics questioned the curator’s selections.
#43. Which sentence correctly punctuates a complex sentence with multiple elements?
#44. Which revision most effectively combines these sentences? The museum acquired a significant collection. The acquisition happened last year. The collection includes works from the Impressionist period.
#45. Which version most effectively eliminates wordiness? At this point in time, it is my personal belief that the current situation we are facing requires immediate action and attention from all of the members of our team.
#46. Which sentence most effectively uses active voice to clarify agency?
#47. Which revision best combines these sentences while maintaining clarity? The research addresses environmental sustainability. It focuses on urban contexts. The methodology incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This combination provides comprehensive insights.
#48. Which sentence uses the most precise and concise language?
