Digital SAT: Modifiers 2

1. Equipped with sensors that detect slight changes in water temperature, ________. The device allowed marine researchers to monitor conditions near the reef without disturbing the animals living there.

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

A) marine researchers placed the underwater probe near the reef

B) changes in water temperature were recorded throughout the week

C) the underwater probe collected data throughout the week

D) several reef animals were observed from a distance

2. While recording the calls of frogs in a restored wetland, ________. The audio data helped biologists determine which species had returned to the area after several years of habitat improvement.

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

A) several frog species were identified by biologists

B) the restored wetland attracted several frog species

C) audio data were collected from different parts of the wetland

D) biologists collected audio data from different parts of the wetland

3. Shaped by centuries of wind and blowing sand, ________. Its smooth curves and narrow openings make the rock formation a popular subject for landscape photographers.

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

A) photographers often visit the canyon at sunrise

B) the canyon contains smooth curves and narrow openings

C) wind and sand gradually wore away the canyon walls

D) visitors can walk through the canyon with a guide

4. After testing different mixtures of clay and plant fibers, ________. The strongest samples could be dried in the sun and used as lightweight building materials.

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

A) several lightweight building materials were developed

B) the strongest samples dried quickly in the sun

C) researchers developed several lightweight building materials

D) there were several building materials developed by researchers

5. Written in code so that private messages could be sent safely across long distances, ________. The system allowed diplomats to communicate sensitive information without revealing its contents to anyone who intercepted the letters.

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

A) the letters were difficult for outsiders to understand

B) diplomats used the letters to communicate sensitive information

C) intercepted messages often remained unread by outsiders

D) the code was studied by historians centuries later

6. After observing how tree roots stabilize soil on steep slopes, ________. The design reduced erosion along the riverbank while still allowing rainwater to drain naturally.

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

A) soil on steep slopes was stabilized by the new riverbank design

B) a new riverbank design was developed by environmental engineers

C) environmental engineers developed a new riverbank design

D) there was a new riverbank design developed by environmental engineers

7. Protected by a hard outer shell that reduces water loss, ________. This adaptation allows the seed to remain dormant for years before sprouting when rainfall returns.

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

A) botanists studied the seed’s unusual survival strategy

B) the seed can survive long periods of dry weather

C) dry weather prevents many plants from sprouting

D) rainfall triggers growth in certain desert plants

8. After examining how clay tablets were marked with wedge-shaped symbols, ________. The comparison helped scholars understand how early writing systems recorded trade, laws, and religious practices.

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

A) the wedge-shaped symbols were compared across several ancient cities

B) scholars compared the symbols across several ancient cities

C) several ancient cities used similar symbols for trade records

D) trade records were preserved on many clay tablets

9. Coated with a reflective material that reduces heat absorption, ________. This feature helps the roof keep the building cooler during periods of intense sunlight.

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

A) maintenance workers inspected the roof after the summer

B) the building used less energy for cooling than nearby structures

C) the roof reflects much of the sunlight that strikes it

D) several rooms stayed cooler throughout the afternoon

10. After studying how coral reefs protect coastlines from waves, ________. The model helped planners estimate where restored reefs could reduce storm damage most effectively.

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

A) storm damage was reduced by restored reefs in several coastal areas

B) planners used restored reefs to protect several coastal areas

C) there was a model created to estimate the effects of restored reefs

D) coastal engineers created a model of reef restoration effects