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Lesson Example Discussion Quiz: Class Homework

Example

Title: Words in context

Grade: 1400-a Lesson: S1-L1

Explanation: Let us discuss an example of an SAT Reading comprehension question.

Examples:

Short Passage:

The güiro, a musical instrument traditionally made from a dried and hollowed gourd, is thought to have originated with the Taíno people of Puerto Rico. Players use a wooden stick to scrape along ridges cut into the side of the gourd, creating sounds that are highly____: the sounds produced by güiros can differ based on the distance between the ridges, the types of strokes the player uses, and the thickness of the gourd.

Question:

Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

A) verlooked

B) powerful

C) routine

D) variable

Answer:

D) variable

Tip :

Choice D is the best answer because it most logically completes the text’s discussion of the sounds made by güiros. In this context, “variable” means able to change. The text begins by explaining that güiros are instruments made out of hollowed gourds with ridges cut into their sides and that players scrape the ridges with wooden sticks to produce sounds. The text goes on to say that güiros’ sounds can change depending on gourd thickness, the distance between ridges, and the types of strokes the player uses, thus supporting the idea that the sounds created by these instruments are variable.