SSAT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 38

1. The first paragraph of the passage establishes a mood of

• A. awe and disbelief
• B. desperate longing
• C. uncontrolled outrage
• D. cautious optimism
• E. heartfelt pity

2. The author describes the effects of the earthquake by relying on

• A. scientific knowledge
• B. comparisons to similar events in history
• C. confirmed statistical data
• D. vivid images appealing primarily to the sense of sight
• E. insights based largely on interviews with residents

3. In line 15, "nabobs" most nearly means

• A. knaves
• B. wealthy persons
• C. elected officials
• D. native sons
• E. descendants of royalty

4. The statement that "All the cunning adjustments of a twentieth century city had been smashed by the earthquake" (lines 30–32) suggests primarily that

• A. the city had been reduced to a primitive existence
• B. the earthquake destroyed many of the city's newest buildings
• C. numerous irreplaceable mechanisms were lost during the earthquake
• D. only necessities such as plumbing and electricity remained intact
• E. many people died as a result of the earthquake

5. Which best describes the overall organization of the passage?

• A. a discussion of opposing viewpoints
• B. a description of events in spatial order
• C. a description of events in chronological order
• D. an enumeration of facts supported by statistical data
• E. a statement of opinion backed up by reasons

6. The primary purpose of the passage is to

• A. present a scientific explanation of the San Francisco earthquake
• B. provide an eyewitness report of the San Francisco earthquake
• C. convey the despair of San Francisco residents as they watched the destruction of their city
• D. describe the conditions that allowed the fires to spread
• E. praise the efforts of fire-fighters who battled bravely to put out the fires