SAT Practice (Reading History) - Grimke and Beecher Argument

In Passage 1, Beecher makes which point about the status of women relative to that of men?

• A) Women depend on men for their safety and security, but men are largely independent of women.

• B) Women are inferior to men, but women play a role as significant as that played by men.

• C) Women have fewer rights than men do, but women also have fewer responsibilities.

• D) Women are superior to men, but tradition requires women to obey men.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? (In Passage 1, Beecher makes which point about the status of women relative to that of men?)

• A) Lines 6-10 (“But . . . all-pervading”)

• B) Lines 13-14 (“A man . . . debate”)

• C) Lines 16-18 (“he may coerce . . . sphere”)

• D) Lines 41-46 (“but whatever . . . sphere”)

In Passage 1, Beecher implies that women’s effect on public life is largely

• A). overlooked, because few men are interested in women’s thoughts about politics.

• B). indirect, because women exert their influence within the home and family life.

• C). unnecessary, because men are able to govern society themselves.

• D). symbolic, because women tend to be more idealistic about politics than men are.

As used in line 2, “station” most nearly means

• region

• studio

• district

• rank

As used in line 12, “peculiar” most nearly means

• eccentric

• surprising

• distinctive

• infrequent

What is Grimké’s central claim in Passage 2?

• A) The rights of individuals are not determined by race or gender.

• B) Men and women must learn to work together to improve society.

• C) Moral rights are the most important distinction between human beings and animals.

• D) Men and women should have equal opportunities to flourish.

In Passage 2, Grimké makes which point about human rights?

• A) They are viewed differently in various cultures around the world.

• B) They retain their moral authority regardless of whether they are recognized by law.

• C) They are sometimes at odds with moral responsibilities.

• D) They have become more advanced and refined throughout history.

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question? (In Passage 2, Grimké makes which point about human rights?)

• Lines 58-61 (“Human . . . same rights”)

• Lines 61-65 (“These . . . imperishable”)

• Lines 71-76 (“To suppose . . . property”)

• Lines 77-81 (“When . . . nothingness”)

Which choice best states the relationship between the two passages?

• Passage 2 illustrates the practical difficulties of a proposal made in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 takes issue with the primary argument of Passage 1.

• Passage 2 provides a historical context for the perspective offered in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 elaborates upon several ideas implied in Passage 1.

Based on the passages, both authors would agree with which of the following claims?

• A) Women have moral duties and responsibilities.

• B) Men often work selflessly for political change.

• C) The ethical obligations of women are often undervalued.

• D) Political activism is as important for women as it is for men.