FREE Digital SAT Practice Set 8 - Reading and Writing

The invention of paper by Cai Lun in China around 105 A.D. marked a significant advance in writing technology. This innovation made writing materials more accessible and facilitated the spread of knowledge. Despite its origin, papermaking technology _______ across Eurasia, reaching the Islamic world by the 8th century and medieval Europe by the 12th century.

The Gaia hypothesis, proposed by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis in the 1970s, suggests that Earth operates as a self-regulating system. This revolutionary idea was initially met with skepticism, but over time, scientists have _______ its contributions to understanding Earth's complex system, acknowledging its influence on fields ranging from climatology to biology.

 In the context of renewable energy sources, wind turbines have become a symbol of sustainable development. Their ability to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases means that, as adoption rates _______, they could play a critical role in mitigating climate change impacts.

 Ethnobotanists study the relationship between people and plants, focusing on how cultures use local flora for medicinal, nutritional, and ritual purposes. This field of study has _______ the understanding of traditional medicine and has led to the discovery of new drugs based on indigenous knowledge.

The concept of "zero waste" lifestyles and businesses has gained traction as a strategy to reduce environmental impact. By prioritizing the reuse and recycling of materials, these practices aim to _______ the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, demonstrating a practical approach to sustainable living.

In the world of competitive chess, the use of computer engines for game analysis has _______ the way players prepare and strategize. This technology allows for a deeper understanding of chess positions, opening theories, and endgame techniques, significantly altering the landscape of competitive play.

The development of the global positioning system (GPS) technology has had far-reaching implications beyond its original military applications. Its integration into civilian life has _______ navigation, enabling precise location tracking for transportation, logistics, and personal use worldwide.

In the late 20th century, the advent of the internet began to _______ the landscape of media and communication, fundamentally changing how information is disseminated and consumed. This digital revolution has led to the rise of new media platforms and has challenged traditional media's role in society.

The field of biomimicry involves the study of nature's models and then imitating these designs and processes to solve human problems. Through understanding the efficiency of natural systems, engineers and designers have _______ innovative solutions that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The process of urbanization, while contributing to economic development, also poses challenges for sustainable urban planning. As cities expand, planners and policymakers must _______ strategies to accommodate growing populations while minimizing environmental impact and improving quality of life.