SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Except for one, all of the following types of archaeological evidence were discussed. Which is not included:

flint.
carbon dating. (Correct answer)
fossils.
extinct animal remains.

Correct answer: carbon dating.

This question requires referring to the specific passage. If the passage discussed archaeological evidence like flint tools, fossils, and remains of extinct animals, but did not mention "carbon dating," then carbon dating is the correct answer. Carbon dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of organic materials, rather than a type of physical evidence itself like the others.

Question 2: What is the passage's major point?

Traditional vaccines contain altered microbes.
The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were a dark period for medicine.
Vaccines help the immune system function properly. (Correct answer)
You have probably never had diphtheria.

Correct answer: Vaccines help the immune system function properly.

The main point of a passage about vaccines would typically focus on their purpose and mechanism. Option C, "Vaccines help the immune system function properly," best encapsulates the primary role of vaccines in preparing the body's defenses against disease. The other options are either too specific, negative, or not the overarching theme of how vaccines work.

Question 3: Which title best captures the essence of the passage's ideas?

“Recognizing Colors” (Correct answer)
“Blue Hills”
“The Summer Sky”
“Artists vs. Farmers”

Correct answer: “Recognizing Colors”

A title should broadly represent the passage's content. If the passage discusses how colors are perceived, interpreted, or vary under different conditions, then "Recognizing Colors" would be the most fitting title. The other options are either too narrow (like specific colors or objects) or suggest a different focus than a general discussion of color perception.

Question 4: ________ is the finest word to define the author's attitude toward dogs.

disparaging
conditionally affectionate
apathetic
disrespectful
reverential (Correct answer)

Correct answer: reverential

To determine the author's attitude, one must analyze the tone and language used when describing dogs. If the author uses words that convey deep respect, admiration, and almost worship for dogs, then "reverential" accurately describes this highly positive and respectful attitude. The other options suggest negative or conditional feelings.

Question 5: ____________ was a turning point in scientific theories concerning the age of humanity's existence on Earth.

evidence left by the Greeks, Romans, and early Britons.
new theories about the Flood and its effects on humanity.
the discovery in France of the remains of extinct animals and humans together in an unflooded area. (Correct answer)
new theological research of the Bible.

Correct answer: the discovery in France of the remains of extinct animals and humans together in an unflooded area.

This discovery was a crucial turning point because it provided physical evidence that humans coexisted with animals long thought to be extinct, and in a geological context that challenged the prevailing belief in a recent, catastrophic global flood. This directly contradicted the short biblical chronology of human existence, pushing back the perceived age of humanity significantly.

Question 6: Which of the following statements is not a fact from the passage?

The symptoms of disease do not emerge until the body has learned how to fight the microbe. (Correct answer)
The immune system typically needs a week to learn how to fight a new disease.
Vaccines contain microbe parts or altered microbes.
A hundred years ago, children were at the greatest risk of dying from now-treatable diseases.

Correct answer: The symptoms of disease do not emerge until the body has learned how to fight the microbe.

This statement is generally incorrect in biology and would likely contradict information in a passage about disease and the immune system. Symptoms typically emerge as the body *begins* to fight a microbe, often before the immune system has fully "learned" how to effectively combat it. The other options represent common facts about vaccines and immune responses.

Question 7: The sky is usually ________ at the zenith.

violet-red.
violet-blue. (Correct answer)
yellow-orange.
greenish-blue.

Correct answer: violet-blue.

The passage likely explains principles of light scattering in the atmosphere. At the zenith (directly overhead), sunlight travels through the least amount of atmosphere, causing more of the shorter-wavelength blue and violet light to be scattered towards the observer, making the sky appear deepest blue or violet-blue.

Question 8: The word "encounter" in the second paragraph very certainly means __________

exercise
fortune
avoidance
contact (Correct answer)

Correct answer: contact

To "encounter" means to unexpectedly experience or be faced with something, or to meet someone or something. In many contexts, especially when referring to interactions or coming across something, it implies "contact" or a meeting. The other options do not fit the typical usage of "encounter."

Question 9: Early in the nineteenth century,

small bands of Romans roamed the earth.
geologists dated humanity's early existence to 1859.
elves made flints in caves.
most people believed that humanity's existence was 6,000 to 7,000 years old. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: most people believed that humanity's existence was 6,000 to 7,000 years old.

Historically, before significant archaeological and geological discoveries in the 19th century, the dominant belief, largely influenced by biblical interpretations, was that humanity's existence was relatively short, around 6,000 to 7,000 years. The passage would likely set this as the background for later scientific advancements that challenged this view.

Question 10: What does the word virulent signify when it's used in the third paragraph?

contagious
annoying
malicious (Correct answer)
tiny

Correct answer: malicious

"Virulent" can mean extremely severe or harmful in its effects, often used for diseases. However, it can also describe something bitterly hostile or hateful. If the passage uses "virulent" to describe a person's character, intentions, or a non-disease entity, then "malicious" (intending to do harm) would be the most fitting synonym.

Question 11: According to the author,

some artists use poor color combinations.
brick walls should be painted pure red.
farmers are color-blind.
perceived color varies. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: perceived color varies.

If the passage discusses how factors like light, environment, or individual interpretation affect how colors are seen, then the author's main point would be that "perceived color varies." This implies that color is not absolute but subjective and dependent on various conditions, rather than being fixed or universally seen.

Question 12: The phrase "riches take wings" can be interpreted as ____________.

a person loses money (Correct answer)
a person makes a great deal of profit
a person makes a successful investment
a person misplaces gold

Correct answer: a person loses money

The idiom "riches take wings" suggests that wealth or money can disappear quickly and unexpectedly, much like a bird flying away. Therefore, it means that a person loses money, often implying a sudden or unforeseen financial reversal. It conveys the idea of wealth being transient and easily lost.

Question 13: What's the reason why Wolverines are very scarce?

their food supply is limited.
trappers take their toll of them.
they are seldom protected by man.
they suffer in the survival of the fittest. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: they suffer in the survival of the fittest.

If the passage discusses the challenges Wolverines face in their environment, "they suffer in the survival of the fittest" implies that they are struggling to compete for resources, adapt to environmental changes, or withstand pressures from other species or humans. This suggests their scarcity is due to natural selection pressures, where only the most adapted survive.

Question 14: What is the author's main motivation for writing the essay?

to persuade
to entertain
to analyze
to inform (Correct answer)

Correct answer: to inform

If the essay primarily presents facts, explanations, or descriptions about a particular subject without attempting to persuade the reader, evoke strong emotions, or delve into deep critical analysis, then the author's main motivation is "to inform." The goal is to educate the reader about the topic in a straightforward manner.

Question 15: In the first paragraph, the word zenith most likely refers to ________.

a point on the horizon.
a color.
the hills.
a point directly overhead. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a point directly overhead.

The "zenith" is an astronomical term that refers to the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer. Therefore, it means "a point directly overhead." This is its precise and commonly understood definition, often used in discussions of celestial bodies or atmospheric phenomena.

Question 16: The first paragraph's portrayal of man's duplicity is intended to emphasize ___________.

the brevity of a man’s reputation
the immorality of humans as opposed to animals
the difficulty of owning pets
the impudence of some dog owners
the loyalty of dogs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: the loyalty of dogs

If the passage describes "man's duplicity" (deceitfulness or double-dealing) in contrast to the unwavering nature of dogs, it serves to emphasize the exceptional "loyalty of dogs." By highlighting human flaws, the author makes the dogs' steadfastness appear even more remarkable and admirable, drawing a clear distinction between the two.

Question 17: This selection's author is most likely a __________.

young Indian.
farmer.
conscious naturalist. (Correct answer)
experienced hunter.

Correct answer: conscious naturalist.

If the author demonstrates a deep understanding, keen observation, and appreciation for the natural world, its creatures, and ecological balance, they are most likely a "conscious naturalist." This implies someone who studies and cares deeply about nature, often with an environmental awareness and a desire to share their knowledge.

Question 18: What is the passage's major point?

foodborne illnesses (Correct answer)
proper food preparation
bacteria
the dangers of uncooked food

Correct answer: foodborne illnesses

If the passage primarily discusses diseases caused by contaminated food, their symptoms, prevention, or impact, then its major point is "foodborne illnesses." This encompasses the broader topic, while options like "bacteria" or "uncooked food" might be specific causes or aspects within that larger theme, but not the overall main point.

Question 19: Which title is the best fit for this group?

“Early Polynesian Navigation” (Correct answer)
“The Study of Navigation”
“European Sailors”
“The History of the Pacific Ocean”

Correct answer: “Early Polynesian Navigation”

This question asks for the best title for a group, implying a passage about a specific topic. The correct answer, 'Early Polynesian Navigation,' suggests that the passage details the methods, journeys, and history of navigation used by early Polynesian peoples. This title accurately captures the subject matter by specifying both the group (Polynesian) and the core activity (navigation) in an early historical context.

Question 20: What is the first five sentences' major point?

The Princess does not feel the need for another mother, so she causes a diversion to stop the conversation.
The Princess wants her father to remarry.
The King is struggling to tell his daughter something when he is abruptly stopped. (Correct answer)
The King is having difficulty in expressing himself, so he ends the conversation.

Correct answer: The King is struggling to tell his daughter something when he is abruptly stopped.

To determine the major point, one must analyze the actions and dialogue in the first five sentences. The correct answer indicates that the King is attempting to convey something significant to his daughter but is prevented from doing so. This highlights a moment of interrupted communication and builds narrative tension, setting up a key plot point for the passage.

Question 21: Succumb means

repel.
invite.
overcome.
surrender. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: surrender.

The word 'succumb' means to fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force. In essence, it means to give in or yield. Therefore, 'surrender' is the closest synonym among the given options, as it implies yielding control or resistance to an opposing force or condition.

Question 22: Which of the following statements is not a fact from the passage?

Refrigeration can slow the growth of some bacteria.
The most common form of contamination in handled foods is calicivirus.
Every year, more than 70 million Americans contract some form of foodborne illness.
Once food is cooked, it cannot cause illness. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Once food is cooked, it cannot cause illness.

This question requires identifying a statement that is not supported by the passage (which is not provided here). The statement 'Once food is cooked, it cannot cause illness' is a common misconception. Cooked food can still cause illness if it is re-contaminated, improperly stored, or not reheated to a safe temperature, making it a likely non-fact in a passage about foodborne illness.

Question 23: Polynesians visited __________ on numerous times.

the Southern Cross.
New Zealand. (Correct answer)
Europe.
the Atlantic.

Correct answer: New Zealand.

This question tests knowledge of a specific detail from the passage (not provided). Based on historical context and the likely subject of 'Early Polynesian Navigation' (from Q1), Polynesians were renowned for their extensive voyages across the Pacific. New Zealand (Aotearoa) was one of the major landmasses they discovered and settled, making it a frequently visited destination.

Question 24: The information regarding the King of Barodia's birthday present in the second paragraph ___________________.

is not connected to the passage's first five lines in any way
emphasizes the Princess's love for the King of Barodia
shows that the King being interrupted has many friends
explains the conflict between the two Kings
explains the interruption (Correct answer)

Correct answer: explains the interruption

This question asks about the purpose of a specific detail in the passage. Given that Q2 mentions the King being 'abruptly stopped,' the information about the King of Barodia's birthday present in the second paragraph likely serves as the reason for this interruption. It provides context for why the King's conversation with his daughter was cut short, explaining the narrative event.

Question 25: What does the word pathogens signify in the context of the first paragraph?

vaccines
diseases
foods
disease-causing substances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: disease-causing substances

In the context of the first paragraph (likely related to foodborne illness, given Q4), 'pathogens' refers to biological agents that cause disease or illness. These are typically microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Therefore, 'disease-causing substances' is the most accurate definition, as it encompasses the function of pathogens.

SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Reading) 1

Except for one, all of the following types of archaeological evidence were discussed.
Which is not included: