FREE Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Test

The following text is from "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole:

As Manfred stood in silence, wrapt up in his meditations, he was roused by the sound of footsteps, which, advancing up the great staircase, seemed to proceed from the gallery to which his chamber joined. Start referenced content: He hastily caught up a lamp, and, leaving his room, opened the door in the gallery softly, to avoid discovery. He hastily caught up a lamp, and, leaving his own room, opened the door in the gallery softly, to avoid discovery.  The light which he held up showed him a tall figure, wrapped in a white mantle, whom he immediately concluded to be the same that he had seen in the morning gliding through the cloisters.

In the passage, the phrase “roused by the sound of footsteps” serves to:

It is often said that true genius cannot be recognized in its own time. As generations pass, what was once considered madness is reevaluated as brilliance. This pattern can be seen in the works of many artists and thinkers, who were only celebrated posthumously. Their ideas, initially rejected, have paved the way for modern advancements and new schools of thought. The irony of genius is that its recognition often requires a future that can understand and value its difference from the norm.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

Travel, they say, broadens the mind. By exposing ourselves to new cultures, landscapes, and customs, we step outside the confines of our usual perspective. This exposure not only enriches our understanding but also challenges our long-held beliefs, prompting personal growth. However, the deepest impact of travel is often the empathy it fosters towards people whose lives differ drastically from our own.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

The age of technology has streamlined communication, but at what cost? The convenience of smartphones and social media comes with a paradox: while we are more connected than ever in terms of quantity, the quality of our connections may have suffered. Relationships that once were nurtured by personal interaction are now maintained with likes, shares, and brief messages, leading to a superficial sense of community.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

History is not just a series of dates and events, but a tapestry woven from the narratives of individuals and societies. It is the interpretations and meanings we attach to these events that truly shape our understanding of the past. Historians play a crucial role in this, as they select which stories are told and how they are framed. This selection process influences our collective memory and, ultimately, our identity as a society.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

Many believe that leadership is an innate quality, bestowed upon a chosen few. However, experience shows that effective leaders are often those who learn and adapt, rather than those born with specific traits. Leadership involves understanding others' needs, inspiring teams, and making tough decisions. These skills are honed through experience and reflect personal growth, not predestined ability.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

Environmental conservation efforts are often framed in terms of saving the planet, but their immediate benefits include enhancing the communities where these efforts are implemented. Green spaces in urban areas, for example, not only help to regulate air quality and climate but also serve as communal areas that enhance the quality of life for residents, promote social interactions, and increase physical activity.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

The digital divide is not just about access to technology but also about the ability to use it effectively. In many parts of the world, even where technology is available, a lack of education in digital skills limits its potential benefits. This divide creates an inequality in information access and economic opportunities, exacerbating existing societal disparities.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

Financial literacy is not just about understanding money management but also about recognizing its long-term impact on one’s life. Knowing how to budget, save, and invest wisely can lead to substantial financial security and freedom. Conversely, a lack of financial education can result in poor monetary decisions and long-term financial struggles.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as:

In the modern era, mindfulness has become a counterbalance to the stresses of daily life. Practices such as meditation and yoga are not just physical exercises but also mental disciplines that help individuals achieve a state of calm and awareness. This mindful state allows people to manage stress better and enhances their overall well-being.

The main idea conveyed in the above passage can best be summarized as: