Reading and Writing Flashcards
7 cards from real DSAT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Reading and Writing flashcards as text
A student reads the following sentence: 'The committee, after hours of deliberation, finally reached a consensus.' Which word is the simple subject of this sentence?
Answer: committee
The simple subject is 'committee' — the prepositional phrase 'after hours of deliberation' is a modifier, not the subject.
Read the passage: 'Some researchers argue that social media fosters connection; others contend it breeds isolation. The debate remains unresolved.' The author's primary purpose is to:
Answer: present opposing viewpoints without taking a side
The passage presents two conflicting perspectives and states the debate is 'unresolved,' indicating a neutral, balanced purpose.
Which choice best completes the sentence? 'The scientist's findings were ______, overturning decades of established theory.'
Answer: revolutionary
'Revolutionary' correctly describes findings that overturn established theory, matching the context of dramatic change.
A student wants to add a transition that shows contrast between two sentences. Which word or phrase is most appropriate?
Answer: However
'However' signals contrast, making it the correct choice when two ideas conflict or differ.
In context, what does the word 'ephemeral' most nearly mean in the sentence: 'The beauty of a sunset is ephemeral, lasting only minutes before darkness falls.'
Answer: short-lived
'Ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time, supported by the context clue 'lasting only minutes.'
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
Answer: She loved hiking; she went to the mountains every weekend.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses; 'She loved hiking' and 'she went to the mountains every weekend' are both complete sentences.
A passage states: 'Urban green spaces reduce stress, lower crime rates, and improve air quality.' A student wants to add a detail supporting the claim about air quality. Which addition is most relevant?
Answer: Studies show trees in cities absorb pollutants and reduce particulate matter.
Only the detail about trees absorbing pollutants directly supports the air quality claim made in the passage.