Digital SAT Pronoun Practice Questions

1. Marine biologists studying coral reefs recently identified a colony of staghorn coral that had survived several severe heat waves. Because repeated bleaching events usually weaken such colonies, the researchers were surprised by the colony’s resilience. In a report describing the finding, the scientists noted that one of the colonies in the region had changed _____ growth pattern after earlier exposure to high temperatures.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

2. During a restoration project at a nineteenth-century library, archivists uncovered several handwritten catalogs that had been stored in sealed wooden cases. Because moisture can damage paper over time, the team carefully examined each case before opening it. After inspection, the lead conservator reported that a group of the containers had lost _____ protective lining.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

3. Astronomers analyzing images from a new space telescope identified dozens of distant galaxies whose light had been bent by gravity from objects in the foreground. Because this effect can reveal matter that cannot be seen directly, the team studied the clearest example closely. In their paper, the researchers noted that one of the galaxies appeared to have altered _____ shape over billions of years.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

4. In the early twentieth century, several cities experimented with electric buses as an alternative to horse-drawn transportation. Although many officials doubted the vehicles would perform reliably on steep streets, one prototype completed months of successful trial runs. A newspaper article from the time noted that the vehicle had exceeded expectations because _____ battery system required fewer repairs than engineers had predicted.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

5. Botanists studying a rare desert flower observed that the plant opens only for a few hours after sunrise. Because pollinating insects are most active during that brief period, researchers monitored the species each morning for several weeks. Their report concluded that the flower increases seed production when _____ receives light immediately after blooming.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?