Natural Resources and Overconsumption SAT Reading Questions

Based on the passage, what is the difference between materials like gravel or sand and other limited resources?

• A. Materials like gravel or sand are renewable, while other limited resources are nonrenewable.

• B. Materials like gravel or sand are abundant, while other limited resources are scarce.

• C. Materials like gravel or sand are in high demand, while other limited resources are not.

• D. Materials like gravel or sand are easy to extract, while other limited resources require complex processes.

What is the meaning of the word 'export' as used in the passage?

• A. Sending resources to other countries.

• B. Receiving resources from other countries.

• C. Using resources in excess.

• D. Throwing away used products.

According to the passage, what is one consequence of overconsumption?

• A. Greater resource use.

• B. Lower labor costs.

• C. Land, air, and water pollution.

• D. Increased waste recycling.

How do economically developing countries contribute to overconsumption?

• A. By exporting valuable resources.

• B. By using fewer natural resources.

• C. By enforcing strict environmental regulations.

• D. By reducing labor costs.

Which of the following is NOT a reason why governments make policies regarding natural resources?

• A. Impacting resource availability.

• B. Controlling resource extraction.

• C. Managing resource waste.

• D. Influencing resource trade.

What does the passage suggest is a potential solution when a vital resource is no longer available?

• A. Overconsumption.

• B. Waste reduction.

• C. Finding alternatives.

• D. Importing resources.

What does the passage imply about the relationship between resource availability and politics?

• A. Politics has no impact on resource availability.

• B. Governments control resource availability through policies.

• C. Resource availability is solely determined by economic factors.

• D. The extraction and trade of resources have no political implications.

What is the purpose of mentioning the average number of televisions per American household?

• A. To highlight the affordability of luxury items.

• B. To emphasize the importance of recycling materials.

• C. To illustrate the concept of overconsumption.

• D. To demonstrate the impact of waste on pollution.

According to the passage, why do economically developing countries export valuable resources?

• A. To generate economic and political gains.

• B. To reduce overconsumption in their own country.

• C. To increase their labor costs.

• D. To enforce strict environmental regulations.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• A. Resource availability and politics are interconnected.

• B. Waste reduction is crucial for environmental sustainability.

• C. Overconsumption is primarily driven by economically developing countries.

• D. Limited resources require finding alternatives when they are no longer available.