Practice

You have seen the ways in which the SATtests you on Synthesis questions in Reading passages and the way an SAT expert approaches these types of questions.

You will use the Kaplan Method for Reading Comprehension to complete this section. Part of the test-like passage has been mapped already. Your first step is to complete the Passage Map. Then, you will continue to use the Kaplan Method for Reading Comprehension and the strategies discussed in this chapter to answer the questions. Strategic thinking questions have been included to guide you—some of the answers have been filled in, but you will have to fill in the answers to others.

Use your answers to the strategic thinking questions to select the correct answer, just as you will on Test Day.

When answering Paired Passage questions, remember to first read and answer questions about Passage 1. Then read and answer questions about Passage 2. Finally, answer the questions about both passages.

Strategic Thinking

Step 1: Read actively

The paired passage set below is partially mapped. Read the first passage and its Passage Map. Then, complete the Passage Map for the second passage on your own. Remember to focus on the central ideas of each paragraph as well as the central idea of the overall passage. Use your Passage Map as a reference when you’re answering questions.

  1. Questions 4-6 are based on the following passages and supplementary material.

  2. Passage 1 describes how scientists study stem cells and possible uses. Passage 2 discusses the potential risks of stem cell research.

    Passage 1

    Stem cells truly are science’s miracle cure. These
    undifferentiated cells have not yet chosen what type of cell to become, and can be nudged into becom- ing whatever type of cell is needed to help a sick patient. Stem cells can be used to replace damaged cells in a person who has a degenerative disease or a serious injury. Scientists obtain stem cells primarily from discarded embryos. True, they can also be obtained ¶1: author: SC = “miracle cure;” how SC work
    from the blood or organs from healthy adults, but these stem cells, while showing some usefulness, are not as adaptable as embryonic stem cells. Embry- onic stem cells are incredibly helpful and can mean a revolutionary change in quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating diseases such as Par- kinson’s or Alzheimer’s. Someday, stem cells could even eliminate the need for human test subjects in drug tests. Without the use of embryonic stem cells, though, that could take an immeasurably longer amount of time to become a reality. With stem cell research, the benefits for living, ¶2: embryonic > adult SCs; help diseases; help research
    breathing, sentient people outweigh any debate regarding the origins of the cells themselves. In this age of scientific enlightenment, we must always ask ourselves: What action can best benefit humanity? By answering, we see clearly that stem cell research must continue. ¶3: author: SC research must go on

    Passage 2

    We stand at an important crossroads in scientific progress. We have the capability now to improve humanity in ways never thought possible, but at what cost? At what point must progress bow before conscience? Just because we can, is it true that we should? Stem cell research has the potential to be an enormous boon to the medical industry. The advance of diseases can be assuaged or halted completely through this remarkable new medicine. But scientists assault the dignity of life when they use embryonic stem cells for their work. By taking cells from discarded embryos, we begin treading on a slippery slope. It is all too easy to transition from using discarded embryos to creating embryos solely for the purpose of stem cell medicine. Since stem cells can be obtained from healthy adults with no cost to life, this is the path on which we should be progressing. These stem cells, safely obtained, can have a significant positive impact on the lives of patients.
















     
  3. Questions Strategic Thinking

    1. Which assumption do the authors of both passages share?

      1. Embryonic stem cells have greater potential than adult stem cells.
      2. The medical benefits of stem cell research outweigh any ethical concerns.
      3. Stem cell research could provide enormous benefits to humanity.
      4. The medical benefits of stem cell research must be weighed against ethical concerns.

    Step 2: Examine the question stem

    What are the keywords in this question stem?

    The keywords in this question stem are “assumption” and “both passages share.” The correct answer will describe an assumption both authors make.

    Step 3: Predict and answer

    Although the authors have very different arguments, what can you predict they share in common about their central ideas?

    The authors of both passages claim that stem cell research is potentially beneficial.

    Which answer choice matches this prediction?

    1. The authors of the passages disagree most strongly on which issue?

      1. The benefit of stem cells for treating diseases
      2. The value of stem cell research to medical science
      3. The adaptability of adult stem cells
      4. The ethics of using embryonic stem cells

    Step 2: Examine the question stem

    What are the keywords in this question stem?

    The keywords in this question stem are “disagree most strongly.” You will find the correct answer by finding the biggest difference between the two different opinions.

    Step 3: Predict and answer

    What is the central idea of Passage 1?

    What is the central idea of Passage 2?

    What is the biggest difference between these central ideas?

    Which answer choice matches this prediction?

    1. What claim about stem cell research is supported by the graph?

      1. Between 2003 and 2005, support for stem cell research increased more than opposition to stem cell research decreased.
      2. Between 2004 and 2006, support for stem cell research decreased and then increased.
      3. Between 2005 and 2007, opposition to stem cell research increased more than support for stem cell research decreased.
      4. Between 2006 and 2008, opposition to stem cell research decreased and then increased.

    Step 1: Read the question

    What are the keywords in this question stem?

    The question stem does not offer any information about what part of the infographic will provide the answer.

    Step 2: Examine the infographic

    What are the units of measurement, labels, or titles of the infographic? What trends do you see in the data?

    Step 3: Predict and answer

    What can you predict?

    Because this question stem is general, it is difficult to make a prediction. While keeping in mind the trends on the graph, evaluate each answer choice.

    Is choice A supported by the graph? How do you know?

    No, because the increase of support and the decrease of opposition are equal, according to the graph. (You can determine they’re equal by counting the number of boxes each line spans on the y-axis.)

    Is choice B supported by the graph? How do you know?

    Is choice C supported by the graph? How do you know?

    Is choice D supported by the graph? How do you know?

    What is the correct answer?