Upper Level SSAT
Writing
Time 25 Minutes
One Topic
You have 25minutes to complete a brief writing sample. This writing exercise will not
be scored but is used by admission officers to assess your writing skills.
Direction: Read the following topic carefully. Take a few minutes to think about the
topic and organize your thoughts before you begin writing. Be sure that your
handwriting is legible and that you stay within the lines and margins.
Topic: Out with the old, in with the Assignment: Do you agree or disagree with
new.
the topic statement? Support your position
with one or two specific examples from
personal experience, the experience of
others, current events, history, or literature.
SECTION 1
60 Questions
This section consists of two different types of questions. There are directions and a sample
question for each type.
Each of the following questions consists of one word followed by five words or phrases. You are
to select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
Sample Question:
CHILLY: (A) lazy
(B) nice
(C) dry (D)
cold (E)
sunny
1. PRETENTIOUS
5. FLORID
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
lavish
simple
responsible
ostentatious
unassuming
efficient
severe
straightforward
ornate
basic
2. DISTORT
6. ASSIDUOUS
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
espouse
embellish
undermine
dominate
deform
unalterable
diligent
indecorous
indeterminate
extenuating
3. SUPERFICIAL
7. CLARITY
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
mythical
frivolous
distant
universal
debatable
exception
objectivity
lucidity
enforcement
result
4. EXPROPRIATE
8. ATYPICAL
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
withhold
disclose
confiscate
censure
determine
rough
varied
thoughtless
unusual
tense
9. CONDESCENDING
15. BEQUEATH
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
rude
gracious
gruff
agreeable
superior
delegate
express
forbid
impute
grant
10. EXASPERATE
16. AGILE
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
disdain
define
observe
irritate
isolate
socialized
dominant
vocal
adept
mimicking
17. MORASS
11. RENUNCIATION
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
circumlocutions
affiliations
gibbering
machinations
foregoing
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
college
development
hodgepodge
wonder
harangue
18. RAMBLING
12. DISGUISE
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
misrepresent
exaggerate
satisfy
reflect
mask
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
ambiguous
coherent
unintelligible
amorphous
clear
19. SURREPTITIOUS
13. RESTRICT
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
aide
confine
increase
contradict
discredit
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
indefensible
sneak
indefatigable
comprehensive
corrective
20. MANIFEST
14. INTEGRITY
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
honesty
influence
restraint
discrimination
pretense
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
nefarious
insidious
methodical
obvious
vital
21. EXPURGATE
26. AMELIORATION
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
condense
delineate
aggrandize
delete
transcribe
damage
uniformity
weathering
improve
havoc
22. DISSEMINATE
27. REFUTATION
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
suppress
spread
undermine
confound
foreshadow
profession
reflective
indicative
denial
evidence
23. VACILLATE
28. INCENTIVE
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
waver
experiment
rely
sermonize
buoy
arsenal
motivator
talisman
trademark
harbinger
24. STEADFASTNESS
29. BENEFICENT
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
inconsistency
fidelity
resolution
inflexibility
negligence
indecisive
pragmatic
parasitic
bountiful
hospitable
25. SUCCUMB
30. DILETTANTE
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
（A）
（B）
（C）
（D）
（E）
subvert
avoid
observe
ignore
surrender
athlete
lobbyist
Itinerant
amateur
idealist
The following questions ask you to find relationships between words. For each
question, select the answer choice that best completes the meaning of the sentence.
Sample Question:
Kitten is to cat as
(A) fawn is to colt
(B) puppy is to dog
(C) cow is to bull
(D) wolf is to bear
(E) hen is to rooster
Choice (B) is the best answer because a kitten is a young cat, just as a puppy is a
young dog. Of all the answer choices, (B) states a relationship that is most like the
relationship between kitten and cat.
31. Drought is to rain as
(A) desert is to sun
(B) hurricane is to wind
(C) epidemic is to disease
(D) volcano is to lava
(E) famine is to nourishment
35. Postscript is to letter as
(A) preamble is to document
(B) footnote is to reference
(C) epilogue is to play
(D) signature is to name
(E) index is to page
32. Antibiotic is to infection as
(A) thermometer is to fever
(B) anesthesia is to surgery
(C) vaccine is to inoculation
(D) antiseptic is to alcohol
(E) antidote is to poisoning
36. Impious is to reverence as
(A) profane; behavior
(B) paranoid is to persecution
(C) contrite is to offense
(D) superficial is to depth
(E) contemptuous is to scorn
33. Humidifier is to moisture as
(A) iron is to wrinkle
(B) candle is to wax
(C) tub is to liquid (D)
furnace is to heat
(E) chimney is to smoke
37. Disingenuous is to craftiness as
(A) ecstatic is to contentment
(B) idolatrous is to doubt.
(C) narcissistic is to appearance
(D) penitent is to wrongdoing
(E) surreptitious is to stealth
34. Condolence is to mourner as
(A) secret is to stranger
(B) loan is to borrower
(C) rescue is to knight
(D) congratulation is to victor
(E) record is to athlete
38. Exculpate is to blame as
(A) extricate is to difficulty
(B) exemplify is to illustration
(C) expedite is to process
(D) divulge is to secret
(E) bewilder is to confusion
39. Custom is to society as
(A) hypothesis is to evidence
(B) testimony is to trial
(C) ballot is to election
(D) rule is to game
(E) contest is to debate
45. Abrasive is to skin as
(A) flammable is to fire
(B) resilient is to shock
(C) soluble is to water (D)
corrosive is to iron
(E) responsive is to stimulus
40. Tunnel is to mine as
(A) conduit is to fluid
(B) corner is to intersection
(C) sign is to detour
(D) aisle is to seat
(E) corridor is to building
46. Canal is to waterway as
(A) skyline is to city
(B) bank is to stream
(C) hub is to wheel
(D) dam is to river
(E) reservoir is to lake
41. Diversion is to boredom as
(A) assurance is to uncertainty
(B) enmity is to hatred
(C) secrecy is to curiosity
(D) reward is to deed
(E) sluggishness is to fatigue
47. Throng is to people as
(A) game is to players
(B) picnic is to woods
(C) swarm is to insects
(D) cat is to kittens
(E) vase is to flowers
42. Thicket is to shrubs as
(A) grove is to trees
(B) orchard is to apples
(C) pasture is to cows
(D) reef is to waves
(E) crop is to plants
48. Foolhardy is to recklessness as
(A) defiant is to complacency
(B) serene is to tranquility
(C) precious is to worthlessness
(D) sociable is to antagonism (E)
lucky is to persistence
43. Condescending is to respect as
(A) bashful is to attention
(B) obliging is to thanks
(C) insecure is to doubt
(D) merciless is to compassion
(E) pathetic is to pity
49. Emend is to faulty as (A)
recruit is to competent (B)
fracture is to separable (C)
renovate is to habitable (D)
purify is to contaminated (E)
reproduce is to copied
44. Livid is to anger as
(A) querulous is to reconciliation
(B) forlorn is to hope
(C) radiant is to happiness
(D) graceful is to posture
(E) marvelous is to wonder
50. Neighbor is to proximity as
(A) supervisor is to obedience
(B) comrade is to victory
(C) adversary is to opposition
(D) traitor is to loyalty
(E) teammate is to competitiveness
51. Catnap is to sleep as
(A) exhaustion is to slumber
(B) blink is to eye (C)
snack is to meal (D)
swallow is to bite (E)
feast is to banquet
56. Archive is to documents as
(A) warehouse is to merchandise
(B) theater is to plays
(C) cinema is to projector
(D) library is to shelves
(E) farm is to crops
52. Manager is to store as
(A) technician is to laboratory
(B) student is to school
(C) administrator is to hospital
(D) spectator is to arena
(E) president is to electorate
57. Riddle is to puzzlement as
(A) comedy is to stage
(B) clown is to costume
(C) quip is to wit
(D) jest is to laughter
(E) pun is to meaning
53. Wallet is to money as
(A) safe is to lock
(B) suitcase is to clothing
(C) camera is to film
(D) setting is to jewel
(E) car is to engine
58. Inventory is to goods as
(A) agenda is to meeting
(B) snapshot is to image
(C) ballot is to voters
(D) compass is to directions
(E) roll is to members
54. Lubricate is to smoothly as
(A) weigh is to heavily (B)
assist is to grudgingly (C)
speak is to softly
(D) muffle is to quietly
(E) absorb is to quickly
59. Innumerable is to quantity as
(A) superficial is to surface
(B) impotent is to strength
(C) invaluable is to worth
(D) finite is to size
(E) inexpressive is to feeling
55. Bird is to avian as
(A) plant is to tropical
(B) meat is to carnivorous
(C) snake is to slippery (D)
dog is to canine
(E) lung is to amphibian
60. Rehash is to discuss as
(A) reprimand is to scold
(B) reject is to want
(C) rejoice is to praise
(D) reiterate is to state
(E) relish is to taste
Section 2
25 Questions
Following each problem in this section, there are five suggested answers. Work each
problem in your head or in the blank space provided at the right of the page. Then
look at the five suggested answers and decide which one is best.
Note:Figures that accompany problems in this section are drawn as accurately as
possibly EXCEPT when it is stated in a specific problem that its figure is not drawn to
scale.
Sample Problem:
(A) 586
(B) 596
(C) 696
(D) 1,586
(E) 1,686
1. Which of the following pairs of numbers are the two different prime factors of 36?
A. 2 and 3
B. 3 and 4
C. 3 and 12
D. 4 and 9
E. 4 and 12
2. For what nonzero value of x will the expression
A. -3
B. -2
C. 1
D. 2
E. 3
be equal to 0?
3. Two positive whole numbers are in a ratio of 3 to 4. If the smaller of the two numbers is 9,
what is the average of the two numbers?
A. 4
B. 10
C. 10.5
D. 11
E. 12
bo
o
a
bo
bo
4. The four angles in the figure above share a common vertex on a straight line. What is the value
of b when a equals 42?
A. 38 degrees
B. 40 degrees
C. 42 degrees
D. 43 degrees
E. 46 degrees
5. What is 85% of 50?
A. 150.75
B. 135
C. 75
D. 42.5
E. 39
6. A set of three positive integers has a sum of 11 and a product of 36. If the smallest of the three
numbers is 2, what is the largest?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6
D. 8
E. 9
7. What is two-thirds of one-half?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
8. If the distance around an oval-shaped track is 400 meters, how many laps does a runner have
to run to cover a distance of 4 kilometers? (1 kilometers=1,000 meters)
A. 4
B. 10
C. 15
D. 500
E. 1,000
B
13
A
12
C
9. In triangle ABC shown above, the length of side AB is
A. 5
B. 7
C. 9
D. 11
E. 14
j
10. If f=2, and f =2f, what is the value of j?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
0
1
2
3
4
11. If
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
=15, and a=36 and b=25, what is the value of c?
4
10
16
49
81
12. There are x students is Mrs.Sproul’s class, 4 fewer than twice as many as are in Mrs.Puccio’s
class. If there are y students in Mrs.Pruccio’s class, then what is the value of y in terms of x?
A.
+2
B. 2x + 4
C. 2x – 4
D.
–4
E. 4x + 2
Questions 13-14 refer to the following definition.
For all real numbers x,
#x=x2 if x is negative;
#x=2x if x is positive.
13. #(-6)-#(6)=
A. -16
B. -24
C. 16
D. 24
E. 30
14. What is the value of #[#x-#y] when x=3 and y=-4?
A. -10
B. 12
C. 32
D. 64
E. 100
yo
xo
15. In the figure above, what is the value of x in terms of y?
A. y
B. 90-y C.
90+y D.
180+y E.
180-y
=
16.
A.
B.
C.
D. 2abc
E. 4abc
17. In Mr.Johanessen’s class,
of the students failed the final exam. Of the remaining class,
scored an A. What fraction of the whole class passed the test but scored below an A?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
18. When buying new clothes for school, Rena spends $20 more than Karen and $50 more
than Lynn does. If Rena spends r dollars, then what is the cost of all three of their purchases in
terms of r?
A. r + 70
B.
C. 3r – 70
D. 3(r-70)
E. r + 210
19. In a group of 100 children, there are 34 more girls than there are boys. How many boys
are in the group?
A. 33
B. 37
C. 47
D. 67
E. 68
20. If 6x-7=17, then x+6=
A. 6
B. 10
C. 14
D. 20
E. 24
21. At Nicholas’s Computer World, computers usually sold for $1,500 are now being sold
for $1,200. What fraction of the original price is the new price?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
22. If
, then
A. xy=12
B.
3y=4x
C.
D.
E. 3x=4y
23. The ratio of boys to girls at Delaware Township School is 3 to 2. If there is a total of
600 students at the school, how many are girls?
A. 120
B. 240
C. 300
D. 360
E. 400
24. 150% of 40 is
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50
E. 60
25. Phillip used four pieces of masking tape, each 6 inches long, to put up each of his
posters. Phillip had a 300-foot roll of masking tape when he started. If no tape was wasted,
which of the following represents the number of feet of masking tape that was left on the roll
after he put up n posters? (12 inches =1 foot)
A. 300 – 6n
B. 300 – 2n
C. 300 – n
D. 300 -
n
E. 300 -
n
SECTION 3
40 Questions
Read each passage carefully and then answer the questions about it. For each question,
decide on the basis of the passage which one of the choices best answer the question.
The Second World War was a watershed event for all Americans. It brought the Great Depression
to an end and marked the beginning of significant social and political changes for women and
racial minorities. Chinese American women played an important role in these long-term changes.
Encouraged by motives ranging from Chinese nationalism to American patriotism, Chinese
American women initiated an outpouring of highly organized activities in such areas as
fund-raising, propaganda, civil defense, and Red Cross work. While some women in San
Francisco’s Chinatown joined in the armed services, many others went to work in businesses
outside their neighborhood and in defense industries for the first time.
1.
The passage is mainly about
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
the contributions of Chinatown to the war effort
different jobs held by women during the Second World War
how the Second World War end the Great Depression
how the second World War affect Chinese American women
how the feminism influence Chinese American women
2.
The author’s attitude toward Chinese American women can be best described as
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
confused
envious
sarcastic
sympathetic
appreciative
3.
It is most likely that Chinese American women set going well-organized activities during the
Second World because
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
they were concerned about their own property
they wanted to take care of their family
they were forced by the American government
they were eager to devote themselves to a country
they have to fight against the Great Depression
4.
According to the passage, all of the following is mentioned to be possible jobs taken by
Chinese American women during the Second World War EXCEPT
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
raising money for national defense
tending elders in their neighborhood
working in military factories
nursing wounded soldiers
promoting the patriotic spirit
5.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
It can be inferred from the passage that “armed services” is most likely to be found in
the neighborhood of Chinatown
San Francisco’s Red Cross work
business industries
the front line of Second World War
Chinese organized activities
6.
This passage is most likely found in a(n)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
novel written in World War two
textbook on American history
letter to a beloved family member
autobiography of a famous person
editorial in a newspaper in 1940s
It hung in Napoleon’s bedroom until moving to the Louvre in 1804. It caused traffic jams in New
York for seven weeks as 1.6 million people jostled to see it. In Tokyo viewers were allowed ten
seconds each. The object of all this attention was the world’s most famous portrait, the Mona Lisa.
Historically, its subject was nobody special, probably the wife of a Florentine merchant named
Giocondo. But her portrait set the standard for High Renaissance paintings in many important
ways. The use of perspective, which created the illusion of depth behind Mona Lisa’s head, and
triangular composition established the importance of geometry in painting. It diverged from the
stiff, profile portraits that had been the norm by displaying the subject in a relaxed, natural,
three-quarter pose.
One of the first easel paintings intended to be framed and hung on a wall, the Mona Lisa fully
realized the potential of the new oil medium. Instead of proceeding from outlined figures, as
painters did before, Leonardo modeled features through light and shadow. Starting with dark
undertones, he built the illusion of three-dimensional features through layers and layers of thin,
transparent glazes. This technique rendered the whole, as Leonardo said, “without lines of borders,
in the manner of smoke.” His colors ranged from light to dark in a continuous gradation of subtle
tones, without crisp separating edges. The forms seemed to emerge from, and melt into, shadows.
7.
A)
B)
C)
D)
The main purpose of this passage is to
illustrate the characteristics and the value of a well-known masterpiece
introduce the painting technique of an important genre
describe the contribution of a distinguished artist
discuss the influence of an artistic reform
E)
8.
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
9.
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
refute the norm of an aesthetic practice
The author cites Napoleon’s bedroom to illustrate the
ambition of Napoleon
fame of the Mona Lisa
mystery of the Mona Lisa
long history of the Mona Lisa
political use of the Mona Lisa
By mentioning the identity of Giocondo, the model of Mona Lisa, the author contrast
Giocondo’s
humble origins and her portrait’s monetary value
uncomely appearance and her portrait’s beauty
ordinary status and her portrait’s artistic importance
immoral habit and her portrait’s fame
early death and her portrait’s eternity
10. According to the passage, the traditional principle on displaying subject is characterized as
A) romantic
B) rigid C)
loose D)
free
E) illusive
11.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
The passage lists which of the following as features of the Mona Lisa?
graze layers
subtle change
imposing backdrop
outlined figure
I only
II only
I and II only
I, II, and III only
I and IV only
12. As it is used in line 7, the word “diverge” most nearly means
(A) differ
(B) display
(C) symbolize
(D) build
(E) come
Geologists Harris and Gass hypothesized that the Red Sea rift developed along the line of a split (a
splice in the Earth’s crust), and that significant observable differences in the composition of the
upper layers of rocks deposited on either side of the split give clues to the different natures of the
underlying igneous rocks.
Other geologists argued that neither the upper rock layer nor the underlying igneous rocks on the
one side of the rift differ fundamentally from the layers on the other side. These geologists believe,
therefore, that there is inadequate evidence to conclude that a split underlies the rift.
In response, Harris and Gass asserted that the upper rock layers on the two sides of the rift had not
been shown to be of similar age, structure, or geochemical content. Furthermore, they cited new
evidence that the underlying igneous rocks on either side of the rift contain significantly different
kinds of rare metals.
13. Which of the following has been observed according to the passage?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
the origin of the Red Sea rift
the difference existed on underlying rocks on either sides
the difference existed on upper rocks on either sides
the split underlying the Red Sea rift
A) I only B)
II only C)
III only
D) II and III only
E) III and IV only
14. According to the passage, the most powerful evidence supporting Harris and Gass’s
hypothesis would be
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
the fact that rifts grow along with splits have been observed elsewhere
the fact that rifts grow on Earth’s crust have been observed elsewhere
the fact that upper rock gives indications on underlying rock have been observed elsewhere
the upper rock on either side of the Red Sea rift are totally unlike
the underlying rock on either side of the Red Sea rift are totally unlike
15.Those who disagree with Harris and Gass’s hypothesis in this passage challenge the
A) validity of its evidence
B) strictness of its reasoning
C) sufficiency of its proof
D) rightness of its motivation
E) feasibility of its practice
16. It can be inferred from the passage that Harris and Gass have done which of the following?
(A) Drawn detailed maps of the Red Sea rift.
(B) Based conclusions on how splits develop in the Earth’s crust.
(C) Rejected other geologists’ objections to their hypothesis.
(D) Suggested the presence of rare metals in rocks indicates a split.
(E) Asserted that rifts usually occur along the lines of splits.
17. According to the passage, Harris and Gass have mentioned all of the following properties of
rocks along the Red Sea rift EXCEPT:
(A) age of the upper layers of rock
(B) age of the underlying igneous rocks
(C) structure of the upper layers of rocks
(D) geochemical content of the upper layers of rocks
(E) metallic content of the underlying igneous rocks
18. This passage is most likely to be found on a(n)
A) memoir of a famous scientist
B) guidebook on the Red Sea region
C) textbook on rare metals
D) summary of a business meeting
E) review of a latest geological progress
There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
------There is no frigate like a book c1890
19. The poem implies
(A) boats are unlike books
(B) it is better to have a vehicle for the body than for the mind
(C) there are more books than boat
(D) books are excellent ways to experience the world
(E) the author values the practical over the frivolous
20. In line 3， “courses” most nearly means
(A) swift horses
(B) slow skiffs
(C) text books
(D) ancient chariots
(E) poetic device
21. The speaker’s tone is best described as
(A) cheerfully lecturing
(B) forcefully instructive
(C) tirelessly proactive
(D) gently persuasive
(E) selfishly sincere
22. Which of the following does the poem imply
(A) The poor are less likely to travel than the rich
(B) Saved money should be put toward travel.
(C) Literature is an inexpensive means of escape
(D) Literature should be free
(E) Literature can touch a person’s soul
The Taft-Hartley Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1947, gave states the power to enact
“right-to-work” law that prohibits union shop agreements. According to such an agreement, a
labor union talks for wages and working conditions for all workers in a business, and all workers
are required to belong to the union. Since 1947, 20 states have adopted right-to-work laws. Much
of the research concerning right-to-work laws implies that such law has not actually had a
significant impact. This point of view, however, has not gone uncriticized. Thomas Carroll said
that the conclusions drawn by previous researchers are limited on the assumption that, unless
right-to-work laws significantly reduce union membership within a state, they have no effect.
Carroll argues that the right-to-work laws “do matter” in that such laws make differences in real
wages across states. Specifically, Carroll indicates that while right-to-work laws may not
“destroy” unions by reducing the absolute number of unionized workers, they do stop the spread
of unions and thereby reduce wages within right-to-work states. Because the counteracting power
of unions is weakened in right-to-work states, manufacturers and their suppliers can act jointly in
competitive labor markers, thus lowering wages in the affected industries.
23. This passage is primarily to
(A) refute the criticism against a law
(B) validate the justice of a judgment
(C) introduce the content of an agreement
(D) compare the point of two group of lawyers
(E) illustrate the mechanism unions influence wages
24. “right-to-work” law in this passage is enacted to
(A) free workers from unions
(B) introduce workers to unions
(C) improve working condition for workers
(D) help suppliers against manufacturers
(E) launch counterattack against criticizers
25. Both Carroll and previous researchers in this passage agree that “right-to-work” law
(A) hardly made any influence
(B) effectively prohibit union shop agreement
(C) importantly increase the wage of workers
(D) notably weakened the competitiveness of workers
(E) insignificantly affect the number of union members
26. The passage suggests that in term of workers’ wages, the spread of unions is
(A) useless (B)
harmful (C)
beneficial
(D) dispensable
(E) unhelpful
27. According to the passage, Carroll’s attitude toward “previous researchers” is likely to be
(A) condemnation
(B) appreciation
(C) indifference
(D) opposition
(E) sarcasm
28. In right-to-work state, the following statement can be inferred from the passage EXCEPT
(A) some workers are not belong to the labor union
(B) some workers are not included in the negotiations of the labor union
(C) manufacturer have bigger influence on workers’ wages than the past
(D) the membership in labor unions stop to increase
(E) union shop agreement is held to some degree
Between 1910 and 1930, over ten percent to the Black population of the United States migrated to
northern. It has been frequently assumed, but not proved, that the majority of the migrants in what
has come to be called the Great Migration came from rural areas and were motivated by two
factors: the collapse of the cotton industry following the boll weevil infestation, and the increased
demand for labor following the stop of European immigration caused by the First World War in
1914. This led to the conclusion that the migrants’ lack of economic mobility afterwards is tied to
rural background that implies unfamiliarity with urban living and a lack of industrial skills.
But who actually left the South has never been completely investigated. Although numerous
investigations document a movement from rural southern areas to southern cities prior to the Great
Migration, no one has considered whether the same migrants then moved on to northern cities. In
1910 ten percent of the Black work force reported themselves in “manufacturing and mechanical
jobs”. The Great Migration could easily have been made up entirely of this group. It is perhaps
surprising that an employed population could be motivated to move, but an explanation lies in the
labor conditions in the South.
About thirty-five percent of the urban Black population in the South was engaged in skilled trades.
Some were from the old artisan class of slavery, which had had a monopoly of certain trades, but
they were gradually being pushed out by competition. The remaining sixty-five percent, more
recently urbanized, worked in newly developed industries. Wages in the South, however, were low,
and Black workers were aware that they could earn more even as unskilled workers in the North
than they could as artisans in the South. After the boll weevil infestation, urban Black workers
faced competition from both Black and White rural workers. Thus, a move north would be seen as
advantageous to a group that was already urbanized and steadily employed.
29. What is the primary purpose of this passage?
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
showing evidence to a doubtable viewpoint
giving examples of a wide-spread phenomenon
finding the motivation of a historical action
challenging the validity of an early conclusion
explaining the economic status of a group of people
30. According to the author, the urbanized and employed Black population moves to the north
mainly because of
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
meager wage and fierce competition in the south
good salary and equal working opportunities in the north
ongoing technical reform and emerging civic revolution in the north
collapsing cotton industry and boring working condition in the south
decreasing European migration and increasing living pressure in the south
31. Which of the following is most likely to be true when urbanized Black migrate to north?
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
They would suffer the lack of industrial skills
They would have lower income than in the south
They would find their white colleagues friendly
They can hardly adapt to their new environment
They would find living styles in northern cities familiar
32. The author would mostly agree that the boll weevil infestation
A) had no effect on Great Migration at all
B) prevented southern rural Black from going to the North
C) motivated southern rural Black to migrate to the North
D) brought southern rural Black to the cities in the South E)
stopped European workers from moving to the North
33. The passage mentions which of the following as situations before Great Migration between
1910 and 1930?
I.
II.
III.
IV.
European workers arrived in America
southern rural workers moved to the North
southern urban workers went to the North
southern rural workers migrated to southern cities
A) I only
B) I and III only C)
II and III only D) I
and IV only E) III
and IV only
34. It can be inferred from the passage that the salaries of unskilled workers are
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
had been increased since the Great Migration
had been decreased since the boll weevil infestation
were lower than artisan’s between 1910 and 1930
were higher than artisan’s because of the Great Migration
were equal to artisan’s because of the raising competition
Even if the civilian population at Britain had wanted to know the realities of the war, they couldn’t
have without experiencing them: its conditions were too novel, its cruelty too unprecedented. The
war would have been simply unbelievable. From the very beginning a fissure was opening
between the army and the civilians.
The causes of civilian incomprehension varied. Few soldiers wrote the truth in letters home for
fear of causing needless uneasiness. If they did ever write the truth, it was cut off by company
officers, who censored all outgoing mail. The press was under rigid censorship throughout the war.
Only those willing to file wholesome, optimistic copy were permitted to visit France, and even
they were seldom allowed near the battlefields of the front line. Typical of these reporters was
George Adam, Paris correspondent of the Times. His Behind the Scenes at the Front, published in
1915, exudes cheer toward the common British soldier, whom he depicts as well fed, warm, safe,
and happy-better off, indeed, than at home.
Lord Northcliffe, the publisher of the Times, eventually assumed full charge of government
propaganda. It is no surprise to find Northcliffe’s Times on July3, 1916 reporting the first day’s
attack during the battle of the Somme with an exaggerated confidence which could not help but
deepen the division between those on the spot and those at home. “Sir Douglas Haig telephoned
last night,” says the Times, “that the general situation was favorable.” It soon comes to rhetoric of
heroic romance: “There is a fair field…and we have elected to fight out our quarrel with the
Germans and to give them as much battle as they want.” No wonder communication failed
between the troops and those who could believe news like that as factual proof.
35. The communication failure discussed in the passage was mainly caused by the
(A) soldiers’ hatred on the indifferent civilians
(B) official’s willingness to face the reality of the war
(C) civilians’ feeling of gilt about sending men off to war
(D) civilians’ lack of awareness about the experience of soldiers
(E) reporter’s fear of causing unnecessary stress among civilians
36. Under the censorship in this passage, reporters can go to the battlefield of the frontline
(A) when they were loyal to the country
(B) when they wrote optimistic report
(C) when they were permitted to visit France
(D) when they were allowed by the authorities
(E) when they were employed by the Times
37. The author suggests that the attitudes of civilians were strongly affected by
(A) pacifists’ efforts to end the war
(B) press’s reports which were censored
(C) soldiers’ lack of opportunities to write
(D) journalist’s misunderstanding about military
(E) government’s inadequate control over media
38. It can be inferred according to the passage that for the British, the first day of the battle of
Somme on July 3rd, 1916 is most likely to be
(A) promising
(B) favorable
(C) confused
(D) tough
(E) easy
39. The author’s attitude toward the news in Times in the wartime can be characterized as
(A) distain
(B) distrust
(C) ambivalent
(D) admiring
(E) hesitant
40. According to the passage, the exaggerated reports by Northcliffe’s Times are likely to be a sort
of
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
pacifists’ protest
officials’ corruption
soldiers’’ dissatisfaction
government’s propaganda
reporters’ noncooperation
SECTION 4
25 Questions
Following each problem in this section, there are five suggested answers. Work each
problem in your head or in the blank space provided at the right of the page. Then
look at the five suggested answers and decide which one is best.
Note:Figures that accompany problems in this section are drawn as accurately as
possibly EXCEPT when it is stated in a specific problem that its figure is not drawn to
scale.
Sample Problem:
(A) 586
(B) 596
(C) 696
(D) 1,586
(E) 1,686
1. Jane studied for her math exam for 4 hours last night. If she studied
English exam, how many hours did she study all together?
A. 3
B.
C.
D.
E.
as long for her
4
6
7
8
2.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
0.23
2.3
23
230
2300
3. Nicole was able to type 35 words per minute. If she increased her speed to 42 words per
minute, what was the percent increase in her typing speed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
16 %
20%
50%
70%
71%
4. The first term is a series of numbers is 50. Each subsequent term is one-half the term
before it if the term is even, or one-half rounded up to the next whole number if the term
is odd. What is the third term in this sequence?
A. 13
B. 24
C. 30
D. 35
E. 40
5. If the average of 7 and x is equal to the average of 5, 9, and x, what is the value of x?
A. 2
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7
E. 9
A
B
C
D
6. On the number line shown above, if segment BD has a length of 18, segment AB has a
length of 5, and segment CD has a length of 12, then segment AC has a length of
A. 6
B. 11
C. 17
D. 23
E. 34
7. The decimal representation of 2+40+
A. 24.1
B. 24.01
C. 42.1
D. 42.01
E. 42.24
is
8. What is the least possible integer divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 5?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
30
40
60
70
90
9. If a car travels at x miles per hour, in terms of x and y, how long does it take it to travel y
miles?
A.
B. xy
C.
D. 2xy
E.
10. Triangles ABC and PQR are similar. The length of BC is 4 and the length of QR is 12. If
the area of ABC is 6, what is the area of PQR?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 16
D. 18
E. 24
11. James buys one halibut steak and two salmon steaks for $30.00. Dave buys two halibut
steaks and four salmon steaks for $60.00. If halibut steaks cost x dollars each and salmon
steaks cost y dollars each, what is the value of x?
A. $5.00
B. $8.00
C. $10.00
D. $18.00
E. It cannot be determined from the information
given. Question 12 and 13 refers to the following definition.
For all positive integer values of x,
(x)= x if x is even;
(x)=2x if x is odd.
12. (1+5)=
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
13. Which of the following equals (4z+1)?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
2z +
2z + 1
4z + 2
4x + 1
8z + 2
14. There are eight buildings in Celeste’s apartment complex. Each building is directly
connected to each of the others with a tunnel. How many tunnels are there?
A. 8
B. 18
C. 28
D. 36
E. 56
15. Zoo A has 3 monkeys. Zoo B has 8 monkeys. Zoo C has 16 monkeys. What is the average
numbers of monkeys are the three zoos?
A. 3
B. 7
C. 9
D. 16
E. 27
16. A steak costs $4 more than a hamburger, and a hamburger costs $4 more than a grilled
cheese sandwich. If six grilled cheese sandwiches cost 2x dollars, how much will 4 steaks
and 2 hamburgers cost?
A. 2x + 40
B. 2x + 48
C. 6x + 34
D. 6x + 40
E. 12x + 40
17. What is the solution set to the inequality ︱3-2x︱>9?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
-3<x<6
-6<x<3
-6<x<6
x<-3 or x>6
x<-6 or x>3
18. 100xy is what percent of xy?
A. 10
B. 100
C. 1,000
D. 10,000
E. 100,000
19. If Matt’s home is four miles from school and Laura’s home is eight miles from school,
then the distance from Matt’s home to Laura’s home is
A. 4 miles
B. 8 miles
C. 12 miles
D. 16 miles
E. It cannot be determined from the information given.
20. Two partners divide a profit of $2,000 so that the difference between the two amounts is
half of their average. What is the ratio of the larger to the smaller amount?
A. 6:1
B. 5:3
C. 4:1
D. 3:1
E. 2:1
21. What is the total value, in cents, of j coins worth 10 cents each and j+5 coins worth 25
cents each?
A. 35j + 125
B. 35j + 5
C. 10j + 130
D. 15j + 5
E. 2j + 5
22. A box of coins has 6 pennies, 3 nickels, 4 dimes, and 5 quarters. If two coins are selected
at random, what is the probability that the first coin is a penny and the second coin is a
quarter?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
23. The formula for the volume of a cone is
, where r is the radius of the circular base
and h is the height of the cone. What is the radius of a cone with a volume of 36
height of 4?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 8
D. 9
E. 11
and a
24. To celebrate a colleague’s graduation, the m coworkers in an office agreed to contribute
equally to a catered lunch that costs a total of y dollars. If p of the coworkers fail to
contribute, which of the following represents the additional amount, in dollars, that each
of the remaining coworkers must contribute to pay for the lunch?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
25. If the degree measures of the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2:3:4, by how many
degrees does the measure of the largest angle exceed the measure of the smallest angle?
A. 20o
B. 30o
C. 40o
D. 50o
E.
60