SAT Reading Practice Test Questions-Literature based-Set 2

Questions 30-35 are based on the following passage.

(1) I have started to wonder if there is a skunk sharing my family’s home. (2) Although I’ve never seen one in our yard in the daytime, several times recently, around midnight, I have sniffed that familiar odor through the open bedroom window. (3) While usually unable to locate the source of it, even on a moonlit night. (4) However, twice, I got to the window in time to glimpse an indistinct black-and- white bundle scooting across the yard, heading away from the front corner of the house. (5) Whatever it is, it seemed that the creature has a burrow under our front porch. (6) Sometime, probably in daylight, when I’ve gathered my courage and put on a gas mask, maybe I’ll crawl under there for the purpose of looking around visually. (7) But what if it really is a skunk? (8) I know that a skunk’s Latin name is Mephitis mephitis, and that skunks should not be confused with polecats. (9) Getting in a skunk’s way, these facts will not help you much. (10) Welcome to Aromaville! (11) Evicting a skunk is probably not a pleasant task. (12) Maybe it’s not all that important to know for sure if it’s a skunk. (13) In fact, maybe the best solution would be if we simply moved away.

30. In context, which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)? While usually unable to locate the source of it, even on a moonlit night.

1. (As it is now)
2. Usually, however, I have been unable to locate its source
3. Usually, though, the source could not have been located
4. Having been unable, usually, to locate its source
5. Without being able to locate its source

31. Of the following, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 below? Whatever it is, it seemed that the creature has a burrow under our front porch.

1. (As it is now)
2. In spite of what it is, it seems that the creature has
3. The creature, whatever it was, seemingly having
4. It would seem, whatever it is, that it would have
5. Whatever the creature is, it seems to have

32. In the first paragraph (sentences 1-5), the author is primarily

1. informing the reader about the behavior of skunks
2. providing examples to argue a point
3. ridiculing those who dislike skunks
4. relating a story about personal experiences
5. casting doubt on a common misconception

33. Of the following, which is the best way to revise and combine the underlined portions of sentences 8 and 9 (reproduced below)? I know that a skunk’s Latin name is Mephitis mephitis, and that skunks should not be confused with polecats. Getting in a skunk’s way, these facts will not help you much.

1. polecats, but getting in the way of a skunk
2. polecats, but if you get in a skunk’s way
3. polecats; consequently, if you get in a skunk’s way
4. polecats; then, to get in the way of a skunk
5. polecats: getting in a skunk’s way

34. Which of the following should be done with sentence 11 (reproduced below)? Evicting a skunk is probably not a pleasant task.

1. Insert the word “Definitely” at the beginning.
2. Delete it; the point has already been made.
3. Move it to the end of the essay as a summary statement.
4. Move it to the end of paragraph 1 (after sentence 5).
5. Move it to the beginning of the essay as an introduction.

35. The primary effect of the final paragraph (sentences 12 and 13) is to

1. continue the essay’s tone of playful humor
2. summarize the ideas introduced in the preceding paragraph
3. give an example to prove the point of the first paragraph
4. use persuasion to change the reader’s opinion
5. explain contradictions within the essay