Digital SAT: Pronouns 1

1. Historians examining trade records from the ancient Mediterranean found evidence that a particular merchant company changed routes several times within a single decade. Because storms regularly disrupted travel during winter months, the company often adjusted plans quickly. A surviving letter indicates that the business improved profits after _____ redirected ships to smaller ports during rough seasons.

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

2. Engineers testing a new water-filtration membrane found that the material trapped tiny particles more effectively than earlier designs did. Since the membrane could be manufactured cheaply, several cities considered using it in public treatment plants. Before approving the design, however, officials required evidence that _____ would remain effective after months of continuous use.

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

3. Researchers studying an endangered species of sea turtle found that hatchlings were more likely to reach the ocean safely when beaches were kept free of artificial light. Bright lights from nearby buildings can confuse young turtles, leading them away from the water. To reduce this problem, a coastal town passed an ordinance requiring each beachfront hotel to shield _____ outdoor lamps during nesting season.

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

4. A curator at a natural history museum prepared a new exhibit about fossilized insects preserved in amber. The exhibit includes several specimens that reveal details too small to be seen without magnification. One beetle fossil is especially valuable because _____ wings remain clearly visible inside the amber.

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

5. A team of food scientists tested a new biodegradable coating designed to slow moisture loss in fresh fruit. In early trials, apples treated with the coating stayed firm several days longer than untreated apples did. The researchers concluded that the coating could be useful because _____ helps produce retain water during storage.

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

6. Archaeologists excavating a Roman settlement found several clay tablets that had been used to record grain deliveries. Although most of the tablets were badly worn, one tablet was unusually well preserved. The team was able to study the tablet in detail because _____ markings were still legible.

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

7. A wildlife biologist studying urban foxes placed motion-sensitive cameras near several city parks. The cameras recorded many animals crossing roads at night, but one fox repeatedly used a narrow pedestrian bridge instead. The biologist suggested that the fox avoided traffic because _____ had learned a safer route through the neighborhood.

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

8. A historian researching early aviation examined a collection of letters written by pilots who tested experimental aircraft. Many of the letters described mechanical failures, but one report focused on a plane that performed reliably in difficult weather. The pilot wrote that the aircraft impressed the testing team because _____ remained stable during strong crosswinds.

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

9. Ecologists studying a restored wetland tracked how quickly native plants returned after invasive grasses were removed. Within two years, several species of sedge had spread across the area, providing shelter for insects and small amphibians. The researchers noted that each sedge species seemed especially successful when _____ roots reached the saturated soil beneath the surface.

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

10. A robotics team tested several small drones designed to inspect bridges after storms. During one trial, most of the drones struggled to remain steady in high winds, but a newer model completed the inspection without drifting off course. The engineers reported that the model performed well because _____ adjusted automatically to sudden changes in air pressure.

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