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 4(x − 3) = 2x + 6, what is the value of x?
A) 6 B) 9 C) 12 D) 18
Expand: 4x − 12 = 2x + 6. Subtract 2x: 2x − 12 = 6. Add 12: 2x = 18. So x = 9.
Answer: B
2. The function f is defined by f(x) = 2x² − 5. What is f(3)?
A) 1 B) 7 C) 11 D) 13
f(3) = 2(9) − 5 = 18 − 5 = 13.
Answer: D
3. A jacket originally priced at $80 is on sale for $60. By what percent was it discounted?
A) 20% B) 25% C) 30% D) 33%
Discount = $20. Percent discount = 20 / 80 = 0.25 = 25%.
Answer: B
4. The line y = mx + 4 passes through the point (2, 10). What is m?
A) 2 B) 3 C) 4 D) 5
10 = 2m + 4 → 2m = 6 → m = 3.
Answer: B
5. Solve: 3x − 2 > 10.
A) x > 3 B) x > 4 C) x > 6 D) x > 12
3x > 12 → x > 4.
Answer: B
Section 2: Reading and Writing (5 questions)
6. Despite his reputation as a ______ negotiator, he conceded several major points within the first hour of talks.
A) tenacious B) timid C) confused D) absent
"Despite" signals contrast. He gave in quickly, so his reputation must be the opposite — stubborn or persistent. "Tenacious" = persistent.
Answer: A
7. Choose the option that best completes the sentence:
"The committee, which includes members from five departments, ______ scheduled to meet on Friday."
A) are B) were C) is D) have been
The subject is "committee" (singular). The prepositional phrase doesn't change the subject. Singular verb: "is".
Answer: C
8. Which transition word best fits?
"The bridge was completed under budget; ______, it opened three months ahead of schedule."
A) however B) furthermore C) instead D) nevertheless
The two clauses agree (both are good news). Need an addition transition: "furthermore".
Answer: B
9. Passage: "Although critics initially dismissed the novel as overly experimental, it has since been recognized as a landmark of postmodern fiction."
Which choice best states the main idea?
- A) The novel was always considered a masterpiece.
- B) Critical reception of the novel shifted from dismissal to recognition.
- C) Postmodern fiction is widely misunderstood.
- D) The novel had little impact on literature.
The passage's structure is "initially X, since Y" — a reversal in reception. B captures it exactly.
Answer: B
10. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
- A) The library, which opens at 9 a.m. is closed on Sundays.
- B) The library which opens at 9 a.m., is closed on Sundays.
- C) The library, which opens at 9 a.m., is closed on Sundays.
- D) The library which opens at 9 a.m. is closed on Sundays.
Non-essential clauses ("which opens at 9 a.m.") need 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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