College Board SAT Exam Actual Questions
Scholastic Aptitude Test Exam (Page 20 )

Although often confused with each other, global warming and ozone depletion are two separate problems threatening Earth's ecosystem today. Global warming is caused by the build-up of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. It was dubbed the `greenhouse effect` because it is similar to a greenhouse in that the sun's rays are allowed into the greenhouse but the heat from these rays in unable to escape. Ozone depletion, however, is the destruction of the ozone layer. Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide react with ozone, leaving a `hole` in the ozone layer that lets dangerous UV rays through. Both are serious threats to life on Earth.
While the greenhouse effect maintains the appropriate temperature for life on Earth, problems are exacerbated when the quantity of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere increases drastically.
When this occurs, the amount of heat energy that is insulated within the Earth's atmosphere increases correspondingly and results in a rise in global temperature. An increase of a mere few degrees Celsius does not appear very threatening. However, numbers can be deceiving.
When you consider that the Ice Age resulted from temperatures only slightly cooler than those today, it is obvious that even very subtle temperature changes can significantly impact global climate. Global warming threatens to desecrate the natural habitats of organisms on Earth and disturb the stability of our ecosystem. The climate changes that would result from global warming could trigger droughts, heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events. Like most other environmental problems, humans are the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels is largely responsible for the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Every time someone drives a car or powers their home with energy derived from power plants that use coal, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane have risen meteorically since preindustrial times, mainly due to the contributions of factories, cars, and large-scale agriculture. Even if we immediately stopped emitting greenhouse gases, we would continue to see the effects of global warming for decades because of the damage we have already inflicted. Despite the pessimistic outlook, there are things that can be done to reduce global warming. Although the problem may seem overwhelming, individuals can make a positive difference in combating global warming. Simple things like driving less, using public transportation, and conserving electricity generated by combustion of fossil fuels can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. It is important to realize that it is not too late to make a difference. If everyone does what they can to reduce their contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, the efforts of people around the world will act in concert to thwart the progression of global warming. If the effort is not made immediately, the delicate global ecosystem could be thrown irreversibly out of balance, and the future of life on Earth may be jeopardized. The greenhouse effect is so serious because:

Although often confused with each other, global warming and ozone depletion are two separate problems threatening Earth's ecosystem today. Global warming is caused by the build-up of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. It was dubbed the `greenhouse effect` because it is similar to a greenhouse in that the sun's rays are allowed into the greenhouse but the heat from these rays in unable to escape. Ozone depletion, however, is the destruction of the ozone layer. Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide react with ozone, leaving a `hole` in the ozone layer that lets dangerous UV rays through. Both are serious threats to life on Earth.
While the greenhouse effect maintains the appropriate temperature for life on Earth, problems are exacerbated when the quantity of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere increases drastically.
When this occurs, the amount of heat energy that is insulated within the Earth's atmosphere increases correspondingly and results in a rise in global temperature. An increase of a mere few degrees Celsius does not appear very threatening. However, numbers can be deceiving.
When you consider that the Ice Age resulted from temperatures only slightly cooler than those today, it is obvious that even very subtle temperature changes can significantly impact global climate. Global warming threatens to desecrate the natural habitats of organisms on Earth and disturb the stability of our ecosystem. The climate changes that would result from global warming could trigger droughts, heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events. Like most other environmental problems, humans are the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels is largely responsible for the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Every time someone drives a car or powers their home with energy derived from power plants that use coal, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane have risen meteorically since preindustrial times, mainly due to the contributions of factories, cars, and large-scale agriculture. Even if we immediately stopped emitting greenhouse gases, we would continue to see the effects of global warming for decades because of the damage we have already inflicted. Despite the pessimistic outlook, there are things that can be done to reduce global warming. Although the problem may seem overwhelming, individuals can make a positive difference in combating global warming. Simple things like driving less, using public transportation, and conserving electricity generated by combustion of fossil fuels can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. It is important to realize that it is not too late to make a difference. If everyone does what they can to reduce their contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, the efforts of people around the world will act in concert to thwart the progression of global warming. If the effort is not made immediately, the delicate global ecosystem could be thrown irreversibly out of balance, and the future of life on Earth may be jeopardized. As used in this passage, exacerbated means:

Although often confused with each other, global warming and ozone depletion are two separate problems threatening Earth's ecosystem today. Global warming is caused by the build-up of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. It was dubbed the `greenhouse effect` because it is similar to a greenhouse in that the sun's rays are allowed into the greenhouse but the heat from these rays in unable to escape. Ozone depletion, however, is the destruction of the ozone layer. Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide react with ozone, leaving a `hole` in the ozone layer that lets dangerous UV rays through. Both are serious threats to life on Earth.
While the greenhouse effect maintains the appropriate temperature for life on Earth, problems are exacerbated when the quantity of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere increases drastically.
When this occurs, the amount of heat energy that is insulated within the Earth's atmosphere increases correspondingly and results in a rise in global temperature. An increase of a mere few degrees Celsius does not appear very threatening. However, numbers can be deceiving.
When you consider that the Ice Age resulted from temperatures only slightly cooler than those today, it is obvious that even very subtle temperature changes can significantly impact global climate. Global warming threatens to desecrate the natural habitats of organisms on Earth and disturb the stability of our ecosystem. The climate changes that would result from global warming could trigger droughts, heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events. Like most other environmental problems, humans are the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels is largely responsible for the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Every time someone drives a car or powers their home with energy derived from power plants that use coal, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane have risen meteorically since preindustrial times, mainly due to the contributions of factories, cars, and large-scale agriculture. Even if we immediately stopped emitting greenhouse gases, we would continue to see the effects of global warming for decades because of the damage we have already inflicted. Despite the pessimistic outlook, there are things that can be done to reduce global warming. Although the problem may seem overwhelming, individuals can make a positive difference in combating global warming. Simple things like driving less, using public transportation, and conserving electricity generated by combustion of fossil fuels can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. It is important to realize that it is not too late to make a difference. If everyone does what they can to reduce their contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, the efforts of people around the world will act in concert to thwart the progression of global warming. If the effort is not made immediately, the delicate global ecosystem could be thrown irreversibly out of balance, and the future of life on Earth may be jeopardized. The author of this selection is most likely:

Although often confused with each other, global warming and ozone depletion are two separate problems threatening Earth's ecosystem today. Global warming is caused by the build-up of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. It was dubbed the `greenhouse effect` because it is similar to a greenhouse in that the sun's rays are allowed into the greenhouse but the heat from these rays in unable to escape. Ozone depletion, however, is the destruction of the ozone layer. Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons and methyl bromide react with ozone, leaving a `hole` in the ozone layer that lets dangerous UV rays through. Both are serious threats to life on Earth.
While the greenhouse effect maintains the appropriate temperature for life on Earth, problems are exacerbated when the quantity of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere increases drastically.
When this occurs, the amount of heat energy that is insulated within the Earth's atmosphere increases correspondingly and results in a rise in global temperature. An increase of a mere few degrees Celsius does not appear very threatening. However, numbers can be deceiving.
When you consider that the Ice Age resulted from temperatures only slightly cooler than those today, it is obvious that even very subtle temperature changes can significantly impact global climate. Global warming threatens to desecrate the natural habitats of organisms on Earth and disturb the stability of our ecosystem. The climate changes that would result from global warming could trigger droughts, heat waves, floods, and other extreme weather events. Like most other environmental problems, humans are the cause of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels is largely responsible for the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Every time someone drives a car or powers their home with energy derived from power plants that use coal, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane have risen meteorically since preindustrial times, mainly due to the contributions of factories, cars, and large-scale agriculture. Even if we immediately stopped emitting greenhouse gases, we would continue to see the effects of global warming for decades because of the damage we have already inflicted. Despite the pessimistic outlook, there are things that can be done to reduce global warming. Although the problem may seem overwhelming, individuals can make a positive difference in combating global warming. Simple things like driving less, using public transportation, and conserving electricity generated by combustion of fossil fuels can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. It is important to realize that it is not too late to make a difference. If everyone does what they can to reduce their contributions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, the efforts of people around the world will act in concert to thwart the progression of global warming. If the effort is not made immediately, the delicate global ecosystem could be thrown irreversibly out of balance, and the future of life on Earth may be jeopardized. In the above passage the word thwart is used to mean?

The next morning a message came from Lady Berrick, to say that she would see her nephew after breakfast. Left by myself, I walked toward the pier, and met with a man who asked me to hire his boat. He had lines and bait, at my service. Most unfortunately, as the event proved, I decided on occupying an hour or two by sea fishing. The wind shifted while we were out, and before we could get back to the harbor, the tide had turned against us. It was six o'clock when I arrived at the hotel. A little open carriage was waiting at the door. I found Romayne impatiently expecting me, and no signs of dinner on the table. He informed me that he had accepted an invitation, in which I was included, and promised to explain everything in the carriage. Our driver took the road that led toward the High Town. I subordinated my curiosity to my sense of politeness, and asked for news of his aunt's health.
What selection best depicts the reason for the narrator's fishing episode as being `unfortunate?`

The next morning a message came from Lady Berrick, to say that she would see her nephew after breakfast. Left by myself, I walked toward the pier, and met with a man who asked me to hire his boat. He had lines and bait, at my service. Most unfortunately, as the event proved, I decided on occupying an hour or two by sea fishing. The wind shifted while we were out, and before we could get back to the harbor, the tide had turned against us. It was six o'clock when I arrived at the hotel. A little open carriage was waiting at the door. I found Romayne impatiently expecting me, and no signs of dinner on the table. He informed me that he had accepted an invitation, in which I was included, and promised to explain everything in the carriage. Our driver took the road that led toward the High Town. I subordinated my curiosity to my sense of politeness, and asked for news of his aunt's health. In context, the word `subordinated` (at the end of the passage) most nearly means:

In the year 1860, the reputation of Doctor Wybrow as a London physician reached its highest point. It was reported on good authority that he was in receipt of one of the largest incomes derived from the practice of medicine in modern times. One afternoon, towards the close of the London season, the doctor had just taken his luncheon after a specially hard morning's work in his consulting-room, and with a formidable list of visits to patients at their own houses to fill up the rest of his day `" when the servant announced that a lady wished to speak to him. `Who is she?` the Doctor asked. `A stranger?` `Yes, sir.` `I see no strangers out of consulting-hours. Tell her what the hours are, and send her away.` `I have told her, sir.` `Well?` `And she won't go.` `Won't go?` The doctor smiled as he repeated the words. He was a humorist in his way; and there was an absurd side to the situation which rather amused him. `Has this obstinate lady given you her name?` he inquired. `No, sir. She refused to give any name `" she said she wouldn't keep you five minutes, and the matter was too important to wait till to-morrow. There she is in the consulting-room; and how to get her out again is more than I know.` Doctor Wybrow considered for a moment. His knowledge of women (professionally speaking) rested on the ripe experience of more than thirty years; he had met with them in all their varieties `" especially the variety which knows nothing of the value of time, and never hesitates at sheltering itself behind the privileges of its sex. A glance at his watch informed him that he must soon begin his rounds among the patients who were waiting for him at their own houses. He decided forthwith on taking the only wise course that was open under the circumstances. In other words, he decided on taking to flight. `Is the carriage at the door?` he asked. `Yes, sir.` `Very well. Open the house-door for me without making any noise, and leave the lady in undisturbed possession of the consulting-room.
When she gets tired of waiting, you know what to tell her. If she asks when I am expected to return, say that I dine at my club, and spend the evening at the theatre. Now then, softly, Thomas! If your shoes creak, I am a lost man.` What may be inferred in the opening paragraph?

In the year 1860, the reputation of Doctor Wybrow as a London physician reached its highest point. It was reported on good authority that he was in receipt of one of the largest incomes derived from the practice of medicine in modern times. One afternoon, towards the close of the London season, the doctor had just taken his luncheon after a specially hard morning's work in his consulting-room, and with a formidable list of visits to patients at their own houses to fill up the rest of his day `" when the servant announced that a lady wished to speak to him. `Who is she?` the Doctor asked. `A stranger?` `Yes, sir.` `I see no strangers out of consulting-hours. Tell her what the hours are, and send her away.` `I have told her, sir.` `Well?` `And she won't go.` `Won't go?` The doctor smiled as he repeated the words. He was a humorist in his way; and there was an absurd side to the situation which rather amused him. `Has this obstinate lady given you her name?` he inquired. `No, sir. She refused to give any name `" she said she wouldn't keep you five minutes, and the matter was too important to wait till to-morrow. There she is in the consulting-room; and how to get her out again is more than I know.` Doctor Wybrow considered for a moment. His knowledge of women (professionally speaking) rested on the ripe experience of more than thirty years; he had met with them in all their varieties `" especially the variety which knows nothing of the value of time, and never hesitates at sheltering itself behind the privileges of its sex. A glance at his watch informed him that he must soon begin his rounds among the patients who were waiting for him at their own houses. He decided forthwith on taking the only wise course that was open under the circumstances. In other words, he decided on taking to flight. `Is the carriage at the door?` he asked. `Yes, sir.` `Very well. Open the house-door for me without making any noise, and leave the lady in undisturbed possession of the consulting-room.
When she gets tired of waiting, you know what to tell her. If she asks when I am expected to return, say that I dine at my club, and spend the evening at the theatre. Now then, softly,
Thomas! If your shoes creak, I am a lost man.` Correlating irony, what type of humor is found in the following paragraph? `Won't go?` The doctor smiled as he repeated the words. He was a humorist in his way; and there was an absurd side to the situation which rather amused him. `Has this obstinate lady given you her name?` he inquired.