SAT Vocab Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. The new policy was ostensibly intended to simplify the process, but internal emails suggested that its real purpose was to reduce applications. What does “ostensibly” signal?
The stated purpose was unquestionably genuine.
The policy achieved several purposes by accident.
The policy appeared to have a purpose that might not be its real one.
The stated purpose was too complicated to understand.
2. The instructions were ambiguous, so different students interpreted them in different ways. What does “ambiguous” most nearly mean?
Overly detailed
Difficult to carry out physically
Based on outdated information
Open to more than one interpretation
3. Notwithstanding several early setbacks, the engineering team completed the project on schedule. Which phrase could replace “notwithstanding” without changing the meaning?
As a result of
Before experiencing
Despite
In addition to
4. A media-literacy guide advises readers to discriminate between verified reporting and unsupported speculation. What does “discriminate between” mean here?
Recognize the difference between
Reject both without examination
Combine into a single account
Assign equal credibility to
5. The excitement surrounding the novelty was ephemeral; within a week, public attention had shifted elsewhere. What does “ephemeral” most nearly mean?
Difficult to explain
Lasting for only a short time
Likely to return regularly
Shared by a small group
6. Researchers found a second document that appeared to corroborate the witness’s account. What did the document do?
It contradicted the account with stronger evidence.
It summarized the account more briefly.
It provided support for the account.
It revealed who had requested the account.
7. During the interview, Lena was reticent about discussing why she had left her previous job. What does “reticent” indicate?
She was reluctant to speak openly about it.
She was unable to remember the reason.
She was eager to correct a false account.
She considered the reason unimportant.
8. A city plants trees and adds shaded bus stops to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. What does “mitigate” most nearly mean?
Measure precisely
Make less severe
Draw attention to
Prevent from being discussed
9. For the final paper, students must synthesize findings from several studies rather than summarize each study separately. What must they do?
Identify which study uses the most technical vocabulary
Report each study’s findings without comparing them
Replace the studies’ conclusions with personal opinions
Combine ideas from the studies into a coherent analysis
10. Because smartphones have become ubiquitous, many services are now designed primarily for mobile users. What does “ubiquitous” mean in this context?
Rapidly becoming obsolete
Used differently by each person
Available only to specialists
Present or encountered almost everywhere
11. Every plant in the experiment grew at a similar rate except one. The researcher examined this anomaly for possible measurement error. What is an “anomaly”?
A result that departs from the general pattern
A factor deliberately held constant
A conclusion supported by repeated trials
A method used to organize observations
12. The committee’s equivocal reply left both groups unsure whether the proposal had actually been approved. Which description best fits the reply?
Enthusiastic and celebratory
Ambiguous or noncommittal
Hostile but direct
Detailed and conclusive
13. Although the evidence favored her theory, the scientist remained circumspect and avoided making sweeping claims. What does “circumspect” suggest about her response?
She was eager to publicize the broadest possible conclusion.
She was indifferent to whether the theory was correct.
She was cautious and considered the limits of the evidence.
She was confused by the methods used in the study.
14. An essay argues that remote work can increase flexibility. It then concedes that some employees find collaboration harder online. What is the essay doing when it “concedes” this point?
Proving that the point is factually incorrect
Presenting the point as the essay’s main conclusion
Repeating the point without evaluating it
Acknowledging a limitation or opposing consideration
15. Rather than pursue an ideal solution that the budget could not support, the committee adopted a pragmatic plan. How was the plan pragmatic?
It was designed to provoke debate.
It focused on what was practical under the circumstances.
It relied mainly on abstract principles.
It followed a long-standing tradition.
16. The author adds census records and firsthand accounts to bolster the claim that the neighborhood changed rapidly. What is the purpose of this added evidence?
To strengthen the claim by providing support
To replace the claim with a new question
To narrow the claim to a shorter period
To show that the claim cannot be investigated