SAT September 2026 Asia Form B — Reading and Writing Module 1.
27 questions · Free online practice
Open the interactive worksheetQuestion 1
Domesticated thousands of years ago in South America, the tomato deviates structurally from the wild plant it is descended from. Maize (corn), another domesticated crop from the Americas, doesn’t closely resemble any wild plant, and genetic research only recently _____ its ancestor to be teosinte grass. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. petitioned B. expanded C. revealed D. encouraged
Question 2
More than fifty years ago, caiman lizards were brought from the tropical wetlands of Latin America to the United States. Caimans now thrive in southern Florida, where they are negatively affecting native species, from crowding out alligators and crocodiles to preying on turtles and snakes that are already _____ to ongoing stressors like habitat loss. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. threatening B. vulnerable C. sympathetic D. resistant
Question 3
There is no doubt that Irving Langmuir must have proved himself to be extraordinarily _____ understanding some of the most advanced concepts in the field of chemistry—in 1932 his remarkable talent and hard work was recognized when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for “his discoveries and investigations in surface chemistry.” Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. modest about B. dispassionate in C. adept at D. lighthearted about
Question 4
The dinosaur displays at museums such as the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago (which has a mounted Apatosaurus skeleton among its holdings) are notable for the _____ of the research behind them—the museum staff consulted numerous sources to ensure the accuracy of the displays. Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase? A. rigor B. obscurity C. shallowness D. novelty
Question 5
The following text is from William Shakespeare’s early seventeenth-century play Twelfth Night. Viola is addressing a ship captain who has helped her. There is a fair behaviour in thee, Captain; And though that nature with a beauteous wall Doth oft close in pollution, yet of thee I will believe thou hast a mind that suits With this thy fair and outward character. As used in the text, what do the first and second instances, respectively, of “fair” most nearly mean? A. Satisfactory, evenhanded B. Light, lawful C. Honorable, pleasing D. Impartial, ample
Question 6
The Reckoning and Resilience (2022) exhibition at Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art in Durham, North Carolina, was curated to feature the work of thirty North Carolina artists. The included artists represent a wide variety of artistic disciplines, from painters such as Jessica Clark to the mixed-media artist Stephanie J. Woods. In its inclusion of many borrowed works, the exhibition is atypical for the Nasher Museum, which tends to curate its exhibitions around the permanent collection of contemporary art that it owns. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text? A. It explains how an art exhibition differs from many other exhibitions, then analyzes the significance of that difference. B. It discusses the wide range of disciplines represented in an art exhibition, then explains why curators included works in those disciplines. C. It provides an overview of an art exhibition, then explains what makes the exhibition unusual for the institution that organized it. D. It presents the unusual goals curators had for an art exhibition, then evaluates whether the curators achieved those goals.
Question 7
Some planetary scientists have suggested that hypersaline water—water containing dissolved solids at concentrations above 3.5%—could offer conditions favorable to the emergence of life on worlds beyond Earth. However, observations made from afar are not sensitive enough to reveal much about the makeup or even the presence of such water on those worlds. Studying meteorites recovered on Earth to infer details about hypersaline water from mineral deposits left after evaporation is possible in theory, but exposure to Earth’s atmosphere has probably changed or destroyed most of those deposits. Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text? A. It discusses the difficulty of studying off-world hypersaline water directly, then suggests studying it via mineral deposits on meteorites. B. It suggests the potential utility of studying off-world hypersaline water, then presents reasons why doing so is challenging. C. It explains why off-world hypersaline water is of interest to planetary scientists, then discusses why such water is likely rare. D. It describes a proposal about off-world hypersaline water that some planetary scientists have advanced, then presents evidence calling that proposal into question.
Question 8
Economic interdependence means that different sectors of an economy rely on each other. For example, farmers need equipment manufacturers to produce tractors, while equipment manufacturers need farmers to buy their products. If a region’s farms have a successful harvest, farmers might earn more money and then purchase new equipment, benefiting the manufacturing sector. And if manufacturing businesses prosper, their employees might buy more food, benefiting farmers. However, interconnectedness also means that problems in one sector often affect other sectors. What is the main topic of the text? A. How different economic sectors depend on each other B. The types of equipment that farmers need to grow crops C. Why different countries have different levels of economic growth D. The process of manufacturing farm equipment such as tractors
Question 9
The following text is adapted from the 1940 novel The Hamlet by William Faulkner. In rural Alabama, a man referred to as the stranger is walking among a group of untamed calico (spotted) horses that he has penned in a lot. [The horses] whipped and whirled about the lot like dizzy fish in a bowl. It had seemed like a big lot until now, but now the very idea that all that fury and motion should be transpiring inside any one fence was something to be repudiated with contempt, like a mirror trick. From the ultimate dust the stranger, carrying the wire-cutters and his vest completely gone now, emerged. He was not running, he merely moved with a light-poised and watchful celerity, weaving among the calico rushes of the animals, feinting and dodging like a boxer until he reached the gate and crossed the yard. Which statement about the stranger is best supported by the text? A. The manner in which he crosses the pen is intended to calm the horses but has the opposite effect. B. He remains composed even while navigating the potentially dangerous situation in the pen. C. He is prepared to escape the pen immediately if the horses begin to approach him. D. His self-assured demeanor falters when subjected to the chaos in the pen.
Question 10
Jazz musician and bandleader Marcus Ellison frequently traveled by train on his cross-country tours, and in 1936, he composed the instrumental song "Midnight Limited" while on such a trip. As the song begins, a whistle blows and the melody quickly picks up speed to echo a train leaving a station. Saxophones and trumpets then blare in succession to mimic the wheels rolling along the track, and the entire band joins in to convey the sheer volume of the engine roaring. Then the song slows and a bell sounds, signifying the train coming to a stop. Which choice best states the main idea of the text? A. Ellison wrote several of his best-known songs during his many long train journeys. B. Ellison described his experience of writing songs as being similar to the enjoyment he felt while riding trains. C. Ellison recorded the actual sounds of a train he was riding and incorporated them into "Midnight Limited." D. Ellison used musical components in "Midnight Limited" that convey the experience of riding a train.
Question 11
Statement Agreement (% of users) boosts creativity 58 improves efficiency of team decision-making 62 improves sense of connection with others 63 makes new tasks seem more appealing 79 Emojis are small images that represent ideas or emotions in digital messages. In a 2021 survey in Canada, emoji users tended to agree that using emojis at work positively affects relationships among colleagues. For example, _____ Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the example? A. 62% of users agreed that using emojis at work ensures that teams make better decisions. B. 63% of users agreed that using emojis at work improves a sense of connection with others. C. 58% of users agreed that using emojis at work allows people to show their creativity. D. 79% of users agreed that using emojis at work makes new tasks seem more appealing.
Question 12
The Age of Innocence is a 1920 novel by Edith Wharton set in New York City in the 1870s. In the novel, Newland Archer attends an opera. Newland compares his intellect favorably to that of other men of New York City society who are in the audience: _____ Which quotation from The Age of Innocence best illustrates the claim? A. "Singly [the men around Newland] betrayed their inferiority; but grouped together they represented 'New York,' and the habit of masculine solidarity made him accept their doctrine on all the issues called moral." B. "Newland Archer felt himself distinctly the superior of these chosen specimens of old New York gentility; he had probably read more, thought more, and even seen a good deal more of the world, than any other man of the number." C. "Though there was already talk...of a new Opera House which should compete in costliness and splendour with those of the great European capitals, the world of fashion was still content to reassemble every winter in the shabby red and gold boxes of the sociable old Academy [of Music]." D. "An unalterable and unquestioned law of the musical world required that the German text of French operas sung by Swedish artists should be translated into Italian for the clearer understanding of English-speaking audiences."
Question 13
When a predator nears the nesting site of a semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus), the bird will lead the predator away from the nest by pretending to be injured and unable to fly. This behavior is called "broken-wing display" and was long thought to be used only in the order Charadriiformes (shorebirds). However, recent research has shown that species from Caprimulgiformes (night birds), Apodiformes (hummingbirds), and 10 additional avian orders use the display—particularly those species that experience high levels of predation. Given that species with higher predation rates tend to have shorter incubation durations, some researchers have predicted that the defensive behavior is associated with relatively short incubation periods. Which finding about Charadriiformes and the 12 other orders identified in the recent study, if true, would best support the researchers’ prediction? A. Across those orders, broken-wing display has been observed in approximately 80% of species with incubation periods under 20 days and approximately 58% of species with incubation periods over 30 days. B. Nearly 90% of species in the order Charadriiformes have been observed using broken-wing display to deter predators during an incubation period, while only 30% of species in the other 12 orders have been observed doing so. C. The mean incubation period is 22 days for species from those orders, regardless of the species’ use of broken-wing display. D. The use of broken-wing display has been confirmed in 285 individual species from those orders, representing a range of incubation periods, from a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 44 days. A. Across those orders, broken-wing display has been observed in approximately 80% of species with incubation periods under 20 days and approximately 58% of species with incubation periods over 30 days. B. Nearly 90% of species in the order Charadriiformes have been observed using broken-wing display to deter predators during an incubation period, while only 30% of species in the other 12 orders have been observed doing so. C. The mean incubation period is 22 days for species from those orders, regardless of the species’ use of broken-wing display. D. The use of broken-wing display has been confirmed in 285 individual species from those orders, representing a range of incubation periods, from a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 44 days.
Question 14
Blue holes, such as the Far Side Blue Hole in the Abaco Islands, are large seawater sinkholes that tend to have varying water density and irregularities in their steep walls. In 2021, researchers studied the previously unexplored Taam Ja' Blue Hole (TJBH) in Chetumal Bay, Mexico; using echo sounder mapping, they determined its maximum depth to be about 274 meters. In the complex environments of blue holes, however, echo sounder mapping has limitations. So, in 2023, Joan A. Sanchez-Sanchez and colleagues employed a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler to remeasure the depth of the TJBH. The profiler recorded depths around 420 meters but was unable to confirm detection of the bottom of the hole, suggesting that _____ Which choice most logically completes the text? A. although both echo sounder mapping and the CTD profiler have known limitations, they produce reliable estimations of the depth of blue holes when used together. B. while the CTD profiler may be better suited than echo sounder mapping for measuring the depth of blue holes, another measurement approach is likely needed to ascertain the maximum depth of the TJBH. C. although the maximum depth of the TJBH has yet to be conclusively detected, the bottom of the hole is most likely between 274 and 420 meters below sea level. D. while the CTD profiler can discern the properties of underwater terrains more comprehensively than echo sounder mapping can, echo sounder mapping produces more accurate measurements at greater underwater depths. A. although both echo sounder mapping and the CTD profiler have known limitations, they produce reliable estimations of the depth of blue holes when used together. B. while the CTD profiler may be better suited than echo sounder mapping for measuring the depth of blue holes, another measurement approach is likely needed to ascertain the maximum depth of the TJBH. C. although the maximum depth of the TJBH has yet to be conclusively detected, the bottom of the hole is most likely between 274 and 420 meters below sea level. D. while the CTD profiler can discern the properties of underwater terrains more comprehensively than echo sounder mapping can, echo sounder mapping produces more accurate measurements at greater underwater depths.
Question 15
There is a growing belief that teaching medical students about art alongside standard science and clinical coursework helps them become more observant, develop greater patient empathy, and strengthen their communication skills. But some medical program educators are skeptical, questioning if arts and humanities experiences can be clearly shown to have any worthwhile advantages for their students. Research into the effectiveness of arts programs for medical students by a researcher and her colleagues found that evidence is largely anecdotal and based on studies that were short in duration, limited to single institutions, or restricted to small numbers of students. To strengthen the evidence base in support of incorporating humanities into the coursework for medical students, then,_____. Which choice most logically completes the text? A. institutions may need to provide medical students exposure to larger numbers of artworks. B. researchers must prove scientific training alone is insufficient for developing clinical skills. C. medical schools should highlight more student testimonials about how arts education helped them. D. larger-scale, multi-institutional research studies tracking outcomes for medical students are needed. A. institutions may need to provide medical students exposure to larger numbers of artworks. B. researchers must prove scientific training alone is insufficient for developing clinical skills. C. medical schools should highlight more student testimonials about how arts education helped them. D. larger-scale, multi-institutional research studies tracking outcomes for medical students are needed.
Question 16
The US Library of Congress holds the only surviving copy of Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 world map, the first document to use the name “America” to refer to land in the Western Hemisphere. Historians now regard this as one of the most significant ______ in early European cartography. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? A. developments, B. developments C. developments— D. developments:
Question 17
Japanese bonsai artist Masashi Hirao has crafted an approach that transforms the acts of pruning, wiring, and planting into dynamic public performances. Audiences are entertained as they watch his creative process unfold, with Hirao rhythmically ______ trees to music. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? A. shape B. shapes C. shaping D. shaped
Question 18
Brigadier General Virgilio Cordero was a soldier in the United States 65th Infantry Regiment, a Puerto Rico–based regiment of the US Army. In 2016, the United States Congress honored Cordero and the other servicepeople of the 65th Infantry Regiment with one of its highest ______ Congressional Gold Medal. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? A. honors; the B. honors the C. honors: the D. honors (the)
Question 19
Physical barriers, chemical defenses, and protein defenses are the three main categories of plant defense mechanisms. The English oak tree uses a _____ the trees produce chemicals that disrupt certain herbivorous insects’ ability to digest food. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? A. chemical defense and B. chemical defense, C. chemical defense D. chemical defense:
Question 20
In 1856, nineteen-year-old chemist William Perkin attempted to synthesize artificial quinine from coal tar, an industrial waste product that, because of its availability and recently discovered amino _____ offered an economical alternative to expensive natural quinine extracted from tropical tree bark. Perkin’s failed experiments instead produced a brilliant purple solution that launched the synthetic dye industry. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English? A. compounds, B. compounds C. compounds; D. compounds—
Question 21
During the Tournaisian, an age spanning 346.7 to 358.9 million years ago, Earth underwent many significant geologic and evolutionary changes. ______ it experienced not only glaciation in East Gondwana but also the proliferation of large lycopodian trees. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? A. In addition, B. Likewise, C. In particular, D. By comparison,
Question 22
When air just above a sun-warmed field is heated, it becomes less dense and rises upward. _____ cooler, denser air sinks downward, creating a circular movement of air called a convection current. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? A. As this occurs, B. In summary, C. As one example, D. Instead of that,
Question 23
The World Cup of men’s soccer, one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, brought 32 national teams from six continents to the host country, Germany, in 2006. _____ only 16 teams, all from Europe and the Americas, competed in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? A. Therefore, B. For instance, C. In contrast, D. In other words,
Question 24
In 1970, Canada’s government lowered the minimum voting age for its citizens from 21 to 18 years old. _____ many young people in Canada gained a new opportunity to participate in their country’s political process. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? A. By contrast, B. Consequently, C. Nevertheless, D. Similarly,
Question 25
As a sculptor, Amelia Grant didn’t possess skills beyond those of a hobbyist, though the time she spent sculpting likely inspired her tactile portrayal of abstract concepts in her poetry. _____ in her 1861 poem “Dean Harrow’s Defense,” Grant presents thought and consciousness as having a texture that can be altered by hand: “the old dean rolled him out a mind / Long crumpled, till creased consciousness lay smooth.” Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? A. Even so, B. Additionally, C. Likewise, D. Indeed,
Question 26
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: Lobsters, sea urchins, and horseshoe crabs are sea creatures. Lobsters have ten legs, two large claws, and a hard outer covering. Sea urchins have no arms and a hard outer covering. Horseshoe crabs have a horseshoe-shaped body and a hard outer covering. The student wants to say what physical feature is the same for all three sea creatures. Which choice best uses information from the notes to do this? A. All three sea creatures have no arms. B. All three sea creatures have horseshoe-shaped bodies. C. All three sea creatures have a hard outer covering. D. All three sea creatures have two large claws.
Question 27
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, populations of Black Americans increased in many cities throughout the state of New York. During this time, many Black newspapers were founded. The newspapers were largely by and for the Black communities in which they were based. The Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate ran from 1842 to 1843 in Albany, New York. The Crusader ran from 1853 to 1854 in New York City, New York. Which choice most effectively uses information from the given sentences to emphasize the geographic similarities between the two newspapers? A. Many Black newspapers, such as the The Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate, which was founded in 1842, sprung up in cities throughout New York to provide a voice for their growing Black communities. B. From 1842 to 1843, the The Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate served the Black community of Albany, New York, as did the Crusader. C. The Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate was one of many Black newspapers to spring up in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, debuting in 1842 and later followed by the Crusader in 1853. D. The Northern Star and Freeman’s Advocate and the Crusader, both based in New York, are among the many Black newspapers that sprung up in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to provide a voice to the growing Black communities throughout the state.