Digital SAT Answer Explanation: Bluebook SAT 1, Module 1: Reading and Writing Question 2
Demystifying Words-in-Context Questions on the Digital SAT: Unravel the Secrets to Harnessing Context Clues, and Boost Your Score!
Below are answer explanations for a question from the Reading and Writing section of the upcoming computer-based version of the SAT. The "digital" PSAT debuts in October 2023. The computer-based SAT makes its first US appearance in March 2024.
Specifically, the question covered in this article is Question 2 from digital SAT Practice Test 1, Section 1, Module 1: Reading and Writing, which you can access by downloading the Bluebook program from the College Board's website.
IMPORTANT: If you're planning to take the SAT before March 2024, you will be taking the paper-based version of the test (or working from a PDF of the paper-based version). While the fundamental skills tested on the digital SAT are largely transferable to the paper-based test, there are significant differences between the two. Those taking the paper-based SAT should work through the paper-based prep materials first, which you'll find on this publication's main page.
Question Type: Words-In-Context (aka Vocabulary-In-Context)
Quiz Hacker Difficulty Rating: 4/5
Question:
"Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?"
A) substantial
B) satisfying
C) unimportant
D) appropriate
Key Tactic: Focus on Context Clues
As on all SAT Words-In-Context questions, in order to identify the most “logical and precise” answer, it is crucial to pay careful attention to contextual clues. These include, but are not limited to, the logical implications of transitions and the primary focus of the passage as a whole.
More specifically, on this type of question, you should heed the following types of context clues:
Focus and theme: You may need to pay close attention to the main idea or focus of the passage. Understanding the overall context fosters the accurate understanding of specific words or phrases. In the Banisadr passage, the focus is on the relative importance of different influences on the artist's work.
Logical relationships and transitions: Identify the logical relationships between sentences and ideas within the passage. Transitions such as "indeed," "however," "in contrast," or "moreover" can provide valuable insight into the logical relationship between statements. For example, in the Banisadr passage, "indeed" is used to emphasize that recognizing Bosch's influence is valid, while the transition “however” sets the stage for the discussion of other influences.
Word choice, connotations, and idioms: Analyze the specific words and phrases used in the passage, paying attention to any connotations or idioms. This helps in understanding the author's tone and point of view, which can inform the correct understanding of the passage. For example, in the Banisadr passage, the idiomatic expression "by no means unimportant" is used to convey the idea that recognizing Bosch's influence is important and valid, while also suggesting it may not be the most significant influence on the artist's work.
Examples and evidence: Look for examples, evidence, or supporting details in the passage that may help clarify the meaning of words or phrases or support the overall focus and theme. In the Banisadr passage, the mention of the Epic of Gilgamesh as a potentially greater influence on the artist's work provides context for discerning the relative importance of Bosch's influence.
Sentence structure and syntax: Pay attention to the structure and syntax of the sentences, as these can provide clues about the intended meaning and emphasis. For example, the double negative in the Banisadr passage ("by no means unimportant") means that Bosch's influence is, in fact, important.
By focusing on these types of context clues, test-takers can better understand SAT Reading and Writing passages and accurately answer questions related to their content and meaning.
Answer Explanations
Correct Answer: C) "unimportant"
The paragraph’s first sentence states: "It is by no means ______________ to recognize the influence of Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch on Ali Banisadr's paintings; indeed, Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration." (emphasis mine)
In general, the transition "indeed" is used to emphasize or provide additional support for a statement or idea. Therefore, we know that the idea expressed in the sentence’s second half (after the semi-colon and the word “indeed”) must agree with, emphasize, and/or support the idea expressed in the sentence’s first part.
With this in mind, we can deduce that “indeed” emphasizes that recognizing Bosch's influence is a valid point, since even Banisadr himself acknowledges it.
The passage then goes on to mention the potential influence of the Epic of Gilgames. The contrast transition “however,” combined with the statement that follows, conveys the idea that there might be other, more significant influences on Banisadr's work.
This context helps us to understand the logic of using "unimportant" (choice C). By creating a double negative ("by no means unimportant"), the passage’s first sentence indicates that recognizing Bosch's influence is important and valid but also sets up the passage’s later suggestion that it may not be the most significant influence on Banisadr's work.
Incorrect Answers
A) "substantial"
When plugged in to the sentence, this answer choice conveys the idea that Bosch’s influence was not significant. (“It is by no means substantial …” means “It is not substantial …”) In this context, "substantial" does not align with the intended meaning of the sentence, which is just the opposite.
“Substantial” does not logically set up the point that Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration. Rather, when plugged into the sentence, it contrasts with the idea that Banisadr cites Bosch as an inspiration. This is incorrect, as the transition “indeed” indicates that the idea after the semi-colon will agree with and emphasize the idea before the semi-colon.
B) "satisfying"
This choice does not convey the relative importance of different influences on Banisadr's work. Instead, it implies an emotional response rather than the logical recognition of influence. It does not align with the intended meaning of the sentence, particularly in connection with the transition "indeed."
D) "appropriate"
When plugged in to the sentence, this answer choice conveys the idea that recognizing Bosch’s influence is, for some unspecified reason, not fitting. (“It is by no means appropriate …” means “It is not appropriate …”) This choice does not directly relate to the focus of the passage as a whole (to note the relative importance of different influences on Banisadr's work). Nor does it logically fit what follows in the rest of the sentence.
“Appropriate” does not logically set up the point that Banisadr himself cites Bosch as an inspiration. Rather, when plugged into the sentence, it contrasts with the idea that Banisadr cites Bosch as an inspiration. This is incorrect, as the transition “indeed” indicates that the idea after the semi-colon will agree with and emphasize the idea before the semi-colon.