SAT Prep Reading Comprehension

Passage #2:

The authors most likely use the examples in lines 1-9 of the passage ("Every... showers") to highlight the

• regularity with which people shop for gifts.

• recent increase in the amount of money spent on gifts.

• anxiety gift shopping causes for consumers.

• number of special occasions involving gift-giving.

Passage #2:

In line 10, the word "ambivalent" most nearly means

• unrealistic.

• conflicted.

• apprehensive.

• supportive.

Passage #2:

The authors indicate that people value gift-giving because they feel it

• functions as a form of self-expression.

• is an inexpensive way to show appreciation.

• requires the gift-recipient to reciprocate.

• can serve to strengthen a relationship.

Passage #2:

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• Lines 10-13 ("Many... peers")

• Lines 22-23 ("People... own")

• Lines 31-32 ("Research... perspectives")

• Lines 44-47 ("Although... unfounded")

Passage #2:

The "social psychologists" mentioned in paragraph 2 (lines 17-34) would likely describe "deadweight loss" phenomenon as

• predictable.

• questionable.

• disturbing.

• unprecedented.

Passage #2:

The passage indicates that the assumption made by gift-givers in lines 41-44 may be

• insincere.

• unreasonable.

• incorrect.

• substantiated.

Passage #2:

Which choice provides the best evidence for the answer to the previous question?

• Lines 53-55 ("Perhaps... consideration")

• Lines 55-60 ("According... relationship")

• Lines 63-65 ("As... consideration")

• Lines 75-78 ("In... relations")

Passage #2:

As it is used in line 54, "convey" most nearly means

• transport.

• counteract.

• exchange.

• communicate.

Passage #2:

The authors refer to work by Camerer and others (line 56) in order to

• offer an explanation.

• introduce an argument.

• question a motive.

• support a conclusion.

Passage #2:

The graph following the passage offers evidence that gift-givers base their predictions of how much a gift will be appreciated on

• the appreciation level of the gift-recipients.

• the monetary value of the gift.

• their own desires for the gifts they purchase.

• their relationship with the gift-recipients.