SAT Practice Quiz #1 (with Explanations)
10 mixed questions covering all the highest-frequency SAT topics. Try them under timed conditions first — give yourself 12 minutes — then read the explanations.
15 min read · Educational guide
Section 1: Math (5 questions)
1. If 5(n + 2) = 3n + 22, what is the value of n?
A) 4 B) 6 C) 8 D) 10
Distribute: 5n + 10 = 3n + 22. Subtract 3n: 2n + 10 = 22. Subtract 10: 2n = 12. Divide: n = 6.
Answer: B
2. The function g is defined by g(x) = 3x² + 1. What is g(−2)?
A) −11 B) 7 C) 11 D) 13
g(−2) = 3(−2)² + 1 = 3(4) + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13.
Answer: D
3. A pair of headphones originally listed at $150 is marked down to $120. By what percent were they discounted?
A) 15% B) 20% C) 25% D) 30%
Discount = $30. Percent = 30 / 150 = 0.20 = 20%.
Answer: B
4. The line y = kx − 1 passes through the point (4, 11). What is the value of k?
A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) 5
Substitute: 11 = 4k − 1 → 4k = 12 → k = 3.
Answer: B
5. Solve: 5 − 2x < 11.
A) x < −3 B) x < 3 C) x > −3 D) x > 3
Subtract 5: −2x < 6. Divide by −2 (flip the inequality): x > −3.
Answer: C
Section 2: Reading and Writing (5 questions)
6. Though widely regarded as a ______ public speaker, the senator stumbled through her remarks and lost her place in the prepared text twice.
A) polished B) hesitant C) anonymous D) unfamiliar
"Though" signals contrast — her actual performance was clumsy, so her reputation must be the opposite: smooth and accomplished. "Polished" fits.
Answer: A
7. Choose the option that best completes the sentence:
"The collection of rare manuscripts, donated by alumni over four decades, ______ housed in the east wing of the library."
A) are B) is C) were D) have been
The subject is "collection" (singular). The phrase "of rare manuscripts" is a prepositional phrase and doesn't change the verb. Singular verb: "is".
Answer: B
8. Which transition word best fits?
"The new highway shortened the commute by 20 minutes; ______, traffic accidents in the corridor dropped by nearly a third."
A) however B) instead C) moreover D) nevertheless
Both clauses are positive consequences of the new highway. An additive transition fits: "moreover".
Answer: C
9. Passage: "Early reviewers panned the composer's symphony as dissonant and chaotic; today, music historians regard it as a pivotal work that anticipated 20th-century atonality."
Which choice best states the main idea?
- A) The symphony has always been celebrated as an innovation.
- B) Critical evaluation of the symphony shifted from condemnation to admiration.
- C) Atonality is the defining feature of all 20th-century music.
- D) The composer never received recognition for his work.
The passage's structure is "early X, today Y" — a clear reversal in reception. B captures that shift exactly.
Answer: B
10. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
- A) The new café, which serves pastries until noon is located on Elm Street.
- B) The new café which serves pastries until noon, is located on Elm Street.
- C) The new café, which serves pastries until noon, is located on Elm Street.
- D) The new café which serves pastries until noon is located on Elm Street.
Non-essential clauses ("which serves pastries until noon") require commas on BOTH sides.
Answer: C
How to score yourself
- 9–10 correct: excellent — you're on track for 1400+.
- 6–8 correct: solid foundation — focus on your missed topics.
- ≤5 correct: start with our beginner guide and study plan.
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